A sweet slice of Italian tradition

Panettone, the beloved Italian sweet bread, is traditionally enjoyed during the festive season. It’s distinctive tall, domed shape and light, soft texture have made panettone a beloved dessert on Christmas tables around the world. However, people nowadays are enjoying panettone year-round. 

In Italy, for a bread to be called "panettone," it must include salt, more than 4% eggs, more than 16% of butter, sugar, natural yeast made from sourdough and wheat flour. Panettone has a sweet, buttery flavor with zesty hints, often complemented by dried fruits.

Most popular variations

🌱 Vegan Panettone

A festive, plant-based twist on a classic treat

🍫 Chocolate (chip) Panettone

Rich flavour with delightful chocolate pieces

🍬 Pistachio Panettone

A holiday favorite with luscious pistachio flavor

🍋 Lemon Panettone

A zesty twist with bright, citrusy flavor

🥖 Sourdough Panettone

Tangy spin on the classic sweet bread

Blend tradition and innovation in every panettone

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A story about Panettone

During Christmas time in Milan, the bakeries, with their elaborate displays of panettone, outshine department store windows. This rich, sweet bread's true origin is shrouded in mystery, but fascinating legends have filled the gap.

According to historical records, the term 'panettone' comes from 'panetto', meaning small loaf of bread, with the augmentative suffix '-one' transforming it to 'big small  bread'. The earliest mention of panettone dates back to the 16th century, found in a document from one of the oldest Italian university. 

There are different stories about the origin of panettone. One of the most famous dates back to 1495, when a young cook named Toni saved a Christmas banquet by quickly making a replacement dessert using sourdough, flour, eggs, and sugar, resulting in a rich brioche bread with raisins and candied fruit. The Duke of Milan adored it so much that it became known as "Pane di Toni" (Toni's bread).

Another story involves Ughetto degli Atellani, a wealthy man who fell in love with a poor baker's daughter, Adalgisa. To win her hand, he disguised himself and created a sweet bread with candied fruit and raisins that made the bakery famous, earning him the right to marry her.

Regardless of which tale is true, panettone has become an iconic Italian dessert, cherished worldwide. Its cultural significance has even led to efforts to have it recognized as a cultural artifact by UNESCO. Panettone's legacy is celebrated through a variety of recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved bread

What is the difference between pandoro and panettone?

 

When you think of Christmas in Italy, panettone and pandoro immediately come to mind. These beloved classics are staples on every Italian festive table during the holiday season. Though they may appear similar at first glance, they actually divide Italians into two passionate camps.

The difference between panettone and pandoro are notable. Panettone, with its round shape, is filed with dried fruits, raisins, and sometimes even chocolate, giving it a rich and aromatic flavor. On the other hand, pandoro, originally from Verona, boasts an eight-pointed star shape and a simpler taste profile, characterized by its vanilla and butter aroma.

In Italy, everyone has their preference, making it a very personal choice. 

More articles about panettone

What consumers say

Size matters! Mini panettone or panettone bites are trending as recent consumer research has shown that small snacks are winning big.

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