Homemade Panettone

Homemade Panettone: A Festive Delight

Who can resist the warm, comforting embrace of freshly baked homemade panettone? This Italian classic is not just a treat; it’s an experience! Soft, fluffy, and studded with sweet raisins and candied citrus peels, this bread is perfect for celebrating the festive season or simply indulging in a cozy day at home. Did you know that traditional panettone dates back to ancient Rome? It’s a dessert that has withstood the test of time, delighting taste buds for generations.

Making your own panettone is easier than you might think! With just a few key ingredients and some patience, you can whip up a batch that will impress your family and friends. And let’s face it; nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen!

If you’ve enjoyed baking other delightful treats like blueberry muffins or banana bread from this blog, you’re going to love making panettone. It’s as rewarding as it is delicious! So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that is sure to brighten your holidays and warm your heart.

What is Homemade Panettone?

So, what’s the deal with panettone? Is it just another fancy bread? Absolutely not! This delightful Italian bread is often enjoyed around Christmas but is perfect for any special occasion or simply when you’re craving something sweet. The unique name “panettone” actually translates to “big bread,” which perfectly describes this towering treat. Imagine slicing into a soft, airy loaf, revealing hidden treasures of dried fruits and zesty flavors. Talk about a conversation starter at your holiday table!

You might be wondering, why do we call it ‘panettone’? Well, legend has it that an ambitious baker donned a crown of dough while preparing this festive bread to impress a beautiful princess! Who would have thought that a loaf could carry such a romantic story? And we all know that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so why not impress them with this delightful creation? Get ready to put on your baker’s hat and try your hand at homemade panettone!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Panettone:

1. Irresistible Flavor: The main highlight of homemade panettone is its rich, delicate flavor, bursting with the goodness of raisins, candied orange, and lemon zest. Each bite is a heavenly experience.
2. Cost Saving: Making panettone at home not only provides a fresher taste but also saves you money compared to store-bought versions. Why pay a premium when you can create this artisan bread in your own kitchen?
3. Customize to Taste: One of the best features of making your own panettone is the ability to customize. Want more chocolate? Go ahead! Prefer a hint of almond? You can do that too! Get creative with your toppings and make it truly your own.

If you’re a fan of brioche or challah, you’re going to appreciate the tender crumb and flavors of panettone. So, why not gather ingredients and start on this exciting baking adventure? Your kitchen awaits!

How to Make Homemade Panettone:

Quick Overview

Homemade panettone is an easy yet impressive dish that captures the essence of festive baking. With its soft and fluffy texture perfectly complemented by sweet add-ins, this recipe combines simplicity and satisfaction in every loaf. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the dough comes together, with a total preparation time of just over four hours, including rising time. It’s truly a delight to bake!

Key Ingredients for Homemade Panettone

• 180 g of milk
• 20 g fresh baker’s yeast
• 1 egg
• 100 g of butter
• 80 g powdered sugar
• 400 g of flour
• 1 tablespoon of rum (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of liquid vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• Zest of an orange
• Zest of an untreated lemon
• 80 g of raisins
• 60 g of candied orange zest
• 60 g of candied lemon zest
• 10 g of melted butter
• Tapered almonds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a Thermomix or bowl, combine the milk and crumbled yeast. Heat for 3 minutes at 37 °C on Speed 2 until dissolved.
2. Add the egg, butter (cut into pieces), powdered sugar, flour, rum, vanilla extract, salt, orange zest, and lemon zest. Knead on petrin mode for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the raisins, along with diced candied lemon and orange zest. Knead for 1 more minute.
4. Transfer the dough into a lightly floured bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise near a warm spot for 1.5 hours.
5. After rising, gently degas the dough by pressing it down, shape it into a ball, and return it to the buttered mold or circle lined with baking paper.
6. Allow it to rise again, covered, for 1.5 hours by a warm heat source.
7. Preheat your oven to 180 °C. Make a cross on the top of the panettone with a sharp knife.
8. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with tapered almonds.
9. Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown.

What to Serve Homemade Panettone With:

Homemade panettone can be enjoyed in several delightful ways! Serve it warm with a spread of butter, or pair it with a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone. You could also enjoy it alongside a rich hot chocolate or a cup of coffee for that perfect morning treat. It’s a versatile addition to any holiday brunch or dessert spread! Why not invite friends over for a panettone tasting?

Top Tips for Perfecting Homemade Panettone:

• Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If it’s too old, the dough may not rise properly.
• Don’t Rush the Rising: Patience is key! Allow the dough to double in size during the rising stages for the perfect texture.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the oven timer. Test for doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean when the panettone is ready!

Storing and Reheating Tips:

To keep your homemade panettone fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for about a month – just make sure to wrap it tightly! When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature or in the oven for a few minutes so it returns to its soft, delightful state.

And there you have it! Your guide to making homemade panettone, a bread that’s truly a piece of art. Whether it’s for the holiday season or any special gathering, you’re sure to impress everyone with this scrumptious treat. Happy baking!

Homemade Panettone: A Festive Delight

Who can resist the warm, comforting embrace of freshly baked homemade panettone? This Italian classic is not just a treat; it's an experience!

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Ingredients

  

• 180 g of milk
• 20 g fresh baker's yeast
• 1 egg
• 100 g of butter
• 80 g powdered sugar
• 400 g of flour
• 1 tablespoon of rum or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon of liquid vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• Zest of an orange
• Zest of an untreated lemon
• 80 g of raisins
• 60 g of candied orange zest
• 60 g of candied lemon zest
• 10 g of melted butter
• Tapered almonds

Instructions

 

• In a Thermomix or bowl, combine the milk and crumbled yeast. Heat for 3 minutes at 37 °C on Speed 2 until dissolved.
• Add the egg, butter (cut into pieces), powdered sugar, flour, rum, vanilla extract, salt, orange zest, and lemon zest. Knead on petrin mode for 5 minutes.
• Stir in the raisins, along with diced candied lemon and orange zest. Knead for 1 more minute.
• Transfer the dough into a lightly floured bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise near a warm spot for 1.5 hours.
• After rising, gently degas the dough by pressing it down, shape it into a ball, and return it to the buttered mold or circle lined with baking paper.
• Allow it to rise again, covered, for 1.5 hours by a warm heat source.
• Preheat your oven to 180 °C. Make a cross on the top of the panettone with a sharp knife.
• Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with tapered almonds.
• Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown.