What is Panettone? | Everything You Should Know

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From its Milanese origins to becoming a staple on the Christmas table, panettone is adored across the world. But, panettone is more than just a dessert – it's a symbol of Italian tradition and craftsmanship, offering complex flavours and textures to enjoy.

Here, we’ll summarise everything you should know about panettone, including its flavour profile and how to enjoy it like the Italians this festive season.

What is Panettone?

Originating from Milan, panettone is a tall, dome-shaped sweet bread traditionally enjoyed during Christmas and New Year festivities. Its history dates back to the 15th century and has roots in Milanese culture and dialect. “Pan de ton” refers to a luxury cake enhanced with ingredients such as sultanas, from which panettone derives its name.

What makes panettone special is its unique texture and flavour. Expect a light, airy, and melt-in-the-mouth texture, along with a delicate yet complex flavour profile. Enjoy a combination of sweet and tangy flavours from the citrus zest, candied peel, chocolate pieces, and dried fruit fillings.

Explore our entire panettone range at Carluccio’s here.

How is Panettone Made?

Making panettone requires patience, skill, and precision. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Preparing the starter dough (Lievito Madre): the natural yeast helps ensure a slow fermentation process resulting in a light and airy texture.

2. Mixing the dough: the first dough is mixed, combining flour, water, sugar, butter, and eggs with the starter. It is kneaded until smooth and elastic, and left to rise for several hours.

3. Adding the flavours: extra ingredients and fillings are added to the second dough, such as egg yolks, vanilla, chocolate pieces, dried fruits, and candied peels, to create a harmonious blend of flavours.

4. Shaping the dough: divide it into portions and shape into balls, placing them into tall, cylindrical moulds to give the panettone its iconic shape.

5. Scoring and baking: panettone is scored with a cross and a small dollop of butter to help add richness to the crust. It is then baked at a moderate temperature for even cooking, coming out of the oven once a golden-brown exterior is achieved.

6. Cooling upside down: skewer and suspend the panettone upside down to preserve its texture and beautifully domed top.

Find out more about how panettone is made and the tradition behind the sweet bread here.

What Does Panettone Taste Like?

Panettone is sweet, but not excessively so. Compared to other cakes, panettone is extremely light and airy, known for its melt-in-the-mouth texture. The buttery richness complements the loaf’s natural sweetness.

Let’s break down panettone’s flavour profile:

• Rich and sweet: balanced with candied fruit (such as orange or lemon peel) or dried fruit (raisins or sultanas).

• Buttery and soft: rich with butter, eggs, and yeast – expect a light and airy texture.

• Fruity: Varies depending on filling; candied fillings add a tangy element.

• Slightly tangy: The long fermentation process produces delicately tart notes.

Panettone is surprisingly light and has a delicate, sophisticated sweetness to its complex flavour profile, golden in colour. It offers a gentle introduction to traditional Italian baking without being overwhelming.

Read more about the tasting notes of panettone here.

How Do Italians Traditionally Eat Panettone?

Sharing panettone with family and friends is a cherished cultural practice in Italy. It’s enjoyed in many ways, particularly at breakfast with a cup of espresso or cappuccino. As a dessert, panettone is enjoyed after a festive meal with mascarpone cream or zabaglione (a warm and frothy custard).

Beyond classic slices of panettone on the Christmas table, there are other inventive ways to enjoy the Italian sweet bread. Why not use leftover slices as French toast (Panettone alla Francese) to bring out its sweetness and texture? Or, pair panettone with gelato or whipped cream to complement its lightness.

For more tips on enjoying panettone, read our guide on how Italians eat panettone here.

When Do Italians Eat Panettone?

In Italy, panettone is enjoyed throughout the Christmas and New Year holidays, and is a large part of the festivities. Whether as a main feature on the table, enjoyed with breakfast and a cup of coffee in the morning, or as a sweet treat in the afternoon, panettone is more than just a dessert.

During the festive season, expect generous servings of panettone throughout:

• In the morning, with coffee, before the meal

• As an afternoon snack (merenda)

• Dipped in hot chocolate or a shot of espresso

• Toasted with mascarpone or brandy cream

• Turned into French toast on St. Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day)

• Twelfth Night, or the end of the Christmas season (6th of January)

After Christmas, some Italians save their panettone to honour St Blaise, the Bishop of Sebaste and a patron saint in the Catholic Church. Especially in Milan, many save their Christmas panettone for the Feast of Saint Blaise, also known as San Biagio, on the 3rd of February.

For more information, read our guide on when Italians eat panettone and how it fits during the holiday season here.

What Do You Have with Panettone?

Serving panettone lies in its versatility – though delicious on its own, the sweet bread’s flavours are further amplified with the right accompaniments. Slicing the panettone in thick wedges can showcase the soft, golden crumb and dried fruit filling. For a touch of indulgence, warm it slightly in the oven for a melt-in-the-mouth texture and sweet aroma.

Consider adding a dollop of mascarpone cream sweetened with vanilla or liqueur to complement its sweetness. Or, to add more complexity, spread a layer of Nutella or high-quality fruit jam.

Pairing with Drinks

Pairing a drink with panettone is perfect for unleashing the complex flavours, enhancing your overall experience. Choosing a light drink, such as a sweet wine or sparkling Prosecco, can help balance the richness of panettone and complement its sweet flavours. To contrast sweetness with bitterness for a complex palate, Italian coffee, such as an espresso or cappuccino, is the perfect cup.

Here are some classic Italian combinations when looking to pair panettone with a drink:

• Sweet wines: Moscato d’Asti and Vin Santo are particularly loved by Italians for pairing with panettone. Their sweetness complements its light, airy texture.

• Strong Italian espresso: Italians often end their meal with an espresso, and panettone is the perfect companion during the festive season. Contrast panettone’s sweetness with the bitterness of authentic Italian coffee.

• Limoncello: The zest and alcoholic kick harmonise well with panettone’s airy and citrusy notes. Consider enhancing these flavours further with Carluccio’s Panettone al Limoncello.

• Hot chocolate: For an indulgent taste, both classic and chocolate panettone pair sweetly with hot chocolate. This combination turns each slice into a comforting dessert during the winter months.

For more information, read our complete guide on pairing drinks with panettone here.

Why Choose Carluccio’s Panettone?

At Carluccio’s, we carefully craft panettone using authentic Italian baking methods. Our bakers create beautiful panettone varieties, available from September to December – the perfect Christmas gift!

Whether you’re saving it for the Christmas table or gifting it to friends or family, Carluccio’s artisan panettone is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.

Shop our entire collection of panettone, or join the waiting list below to save your favourites this holiday season.

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