Name: Italian Christmas Bread (Panettone-Style) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup sugar; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ cup raisins; ½ cup mixed dried fruit; ½ cup warm milk; 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast; 3 eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; Zest of 1 orange; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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If you’re looking to bring a little extra joy to your holiday table, this Italian Christmas Bread (Panettone-Style) Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, buttery bread bursting with fragrant orange zest, sweet raisins, and a medley of dried fruits—all wrapped up in a light, airy texture that feels like a warm holiday hug. It’s the perfect festive treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or as a delightful dessert that truly captures the spirit of the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a tall, round loaf of sweet bread with a golden-brown crust on a white plate. One thick slice with a soft, light yellow inside dotted with many small dark raisins is placed in front of the loaf. The bread has a slightly rough and textured crust, while the inside looks moist and filled evenly with raisins. The white plate is on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is holding the slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a bread with impeccable flavor, exquisite texture, and a golden hue that looks as good as it tastes. Every ingredient plays its part—from the rich butter that keeps the bread tender to the fresh orange zest that adds a bright, festive note.

3 cups all-purpose flour: The bread’s foundation, providing structure and chewiness.
½ cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture for a soft crumb.
¼ cup sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the citrus and fruit perfectly.
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast: The magical agent that helps the bread rise beautifully.
3 eggs: Enrich the dough, making it tender and giving it a lovely golden color.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a silky texture.
½ cup mixed dried fruit: Classic panettone accents with chewy bursts of flavor.
¼ cup raisins: Sweet and juicy, they enhance the fruitiness inside.
Zest of 1 orange: Infuses brightness and a fragrant citrus aroma into the dough.
¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): A delicate finishing touch that adds visual charm and light sweetness.

How to Make Italian Christmas Bread (Panettone-Style) Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by proofing the yeast in warm milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy—this means your yeast is alive and ready to make your bread rise beautifully.

Step 2: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, softened butter, eggs, and fresh orange zest. Once combined, pour in the activated yeast mixture. This blend creates a fragrant dough base that’s rich and tender.

Step 3: Knead in Dried Fruit and Raisins

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step develops gluten, which is essential for that perfect panettone texture. Once your dough is well-kneaded, gently fold in the dried fruit and raisins to distribute these festive bursts of flavor evenly.

Step 4: First Rise

Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 ½ hours or until it has doubled in size. Patience here pays off by making the bread light and airy.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased panettone mold or any tall cake pan. This tall shape is iconic for panettone-style bread. Let it rise again for 30 minutes to build the characteristic height and fluffiness.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it has a beautiful golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool completely before moving on to the finishing touch.

Step 7: The Finishing Touch

Once cooled, dust your Italian Christmas Bread (Panettone-Style) Recipe with powdered sugar. This light sprinkle adds a snowy look, perfect for the holidays, and a subtle sweetness that invites you into each slice.

How to Serve Italian Christmas Bread (Panettone-Style) Recipe

The image shows a thick slice of bread standing upright on a white plate with a thin gold rim. The bread has a light golden brown crust and a soft, light yellow inside speckled with dark dried fruits, which add texture and color contrast. Behind the slice, two more whole loaves with the same crust color are visible, sitting on a surface with a white marbled texture. The bread's crumb looks fluffy and slightly uneven, showing its fresh and airy texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but feel free to jazz it up with a drizzle of honey or a spread of mascarpone cheese on the side. Fresh orange slices or candied peel can also complement the citrus notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of creamy hot chocolate or a robust coffee to balance the sweetness. For a more indulgent breakfast, serve it alongside whipped cream and fresh berries, adding freshness and tartness to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thick and toast it lightly for a warm, crispy texture. Or, create a festive bread pudding by soaking cubes in a custard mixture before baking. Either way, this Italian Christmas Bread (Panettone-Style) Recipe is your canvas for holiday creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays soft and flavorful for up to 5 days, making it perfect for extended holiday enjoyment.

Freezing

You can freeze this bread by double-wrapping slices or the whole loaf in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. This method locks in moisture and flavor for up to 2 months, ready to thaw when you want a festive treat.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. This refreshes the bread’s softness and aroma, making it feel freshly baked, even days later.

FAQs

Can I substitute the dried fruit with something else?

Absolutely! You can swap dried fruit for chocolate chips or nuts if you prefer a different flavor profile. Each option offers a unique twist to the classic Italian Christmas Bread (Panettone-Style) Recipe.

What kind of pan is best for baking this bread?

A traditional panettone mold is ideal for achieving the tall, airy shape, but a tall cake pan or even a deep bowl lined with parchment paper works beautifully too.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes! While it involves a couple of rising stages, the steps are straightforward, and the result is well worth the little extra time and effort.

Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?

Certainly! Adding a teaspoon of warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can deepen the aroma and give the bread a cozy holiday feel.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The first rise should be about 1 ½ hours until doubled in size, and the second rise about 30 minutes in the pan for the best texture and height.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Christmas Bread (Panettone-Style) Recipe is more than just a festive loaf—it’s a delicious tradition waiting to be shared with your loved ones. The combination of buttery dough, vibrant citrus, and sweet fruit will fill your kitchen with warmth and holiday cheer. Trust me, once you try it, this bread will become a treasured part of your seasonal celebrations year after year. So go ahead, bake a loaf, and savor every joyful bite!