How to Make Traditional Italian Panettone
Panettone is a classic Italian bread that has become synonymous with festive celebrations. With its sweet flavor, fluffy texture, and delightful aroma, making traditional Italian panettone at home can bring a taste of Italy to your holiday table. Follow this step-by-step guide to create this wonderful treat.
Ingredients
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 250g sugar
- 350ml whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 15g active dry yeast
- 10g salt
- 200g mixed candied citrus peel
- 100g raisins
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
Step 1: Prepare the Starter
Begin by creating a sponge using 100g of flour, 100ml of milk, and the active dry yeast. In a bowl, mix the ingredients and let them rest for about 30 minutes until bubbly and frothy.
Step 2: Mixing the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the remaining flour, sugar, salt, eggs, the rest of the milk, vanilla extract, orange zest, and lemon zest. Add the prepared sponge to this mixture. Gradually work in the butter until the dough becomes smooth. Knead for about 10 minutes or until it is elastic and slightly sticky.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Incorporating Fruits
Once the dough has risen, gently knead it to remove air bubbles. Fold in the candied citrus peel and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Second Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a panettone mold or a tall, round cake pan. Cover it again and let it rise for an additional 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the top of the mold.
Step 6: Baking the Panettone
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the panettone for 40-50 minutes or until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top starts to darken too much during baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 7: Cooling
Once baked, remove the panettone from the oven and let it cool in the mold for about 10 minutes. Then, gently remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 8: Serving and Storing
After cooling, slice your homemade panettone and serve it with a cup of coffee or dessert wine. To store, wrap the panettone in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in a cool, dry place. It will retain its freshness for up to a week.
Conclusion
Making traditional Italian panettone takes time and patience, but the delicious results are worth it. This festive bread is perfect for sharing with loved ones and is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Enjoy the flavors of Italy with each delightful bite of your homemade panettone!