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Homemade Italian Panettone: Traditional Christmas Bread with Candied Fruit and Raisins Recipe

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4 from 31 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 servings)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A traditional Italian Christmas bread known for its soft, airy texture and sweet flavor, packed with candied fruit, raisins, and a hint of orange zest.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp)

Fruit and Flavoring

  • 1 cup mixed dried candied fruit
  • ½ cup raisins
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast: Warm the milk to about 110°F and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough begins to form.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
  4. Add fruits and zest: After the first rise, gently knead in the dried candied fruit, raisins, and orange zest evenly throughout the dough.
  5. Second rise in mold: Transfer the dough into a greased panettone mold or a tall round baking mold. Cover and let it rise again for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it has risen to the top of the mold.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the panettone for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
  7. Cool upside down: Once baked, invert the panettone upside down to cool completely to preserve its airy structure and prevent collapsing.

Notes

  • Cooling the panettone upside down is essential for maintaining its characteristic airy texture.
  • Slice and toast leftovers for a delicious breakfast or snack, best served with butter.
  • You can substitute the mixed candied fruit with your preferred dried fruit combinations.
  • Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Bread, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://kitchenmartha.com/homemade-italian-panettone-traditional-christmas-bread-with-candied-fruit-and-raisins-recipe/