What Does Panettone Taste Like?

With its rich aroma, intricate baking process, and proud Milanese roots, panettone is more than just a Christmas dessert—it’s a tradition. Panettone’s delicate flavours and soft, airy texture are often talked about in reverent tones—but what exactly does panettone taste like?

Here, we will take you on a flavour and cultural exploration of panettone, comparing the different types, and what you can expect from the popular dessert.

What is panettone?

Originating in Milan, panettone is an Italian classic dessert, and a staple during the Christmas and New Year holidays. With over 500 years of tradition, Milanese bakers have perfected a rich, leavened dough that elevates it beyond everyday bread, made with butter, eggs, natural yeast, dried fruit, and citrus peel.

What makes panettone special is the way it’s made. Artisanal panettone is slow-leavened using natural yeast (lievito madre), a process that can take several days to complete. This slow fermentation is key to developing its flavour and signature lightness.

This Italian sweet bread is known for its classic dome shape and distinctive paper casing. While classic panettone is made with candied fruits or raisins, alternative variations include chocolate, hazelnut, or cream fillings. Panettone isn’t just a cake - it's a craft enriched with strong Italian culture.

Browse our entire collection of panettone here.

What does panettone taste like?

Let’s start with the flavour. Panettone is sweet, but not excessively so. Its sweetness is natural and balanced, far lighter than most cakes. The first thing you’ll likely notice is a buttery richness, followed by hints of vanilla to complement the loaf’s natural sweetness.

From the fillings, candied fruit and peel offer little bursts of citrus zest, cutting through the richness. If raisins are included (as in the traditional version), they add a mellow sweetness and a chewy contrast, particularly if they’ve been soaked in rum for a festive warmth.

Here’s a breakdown of panettone’s flavour profile:

• Rich and sweet: balanced by the acidity of candied fruit.
• Buttery and soft: rich with butter, eggs, and yeast for a soft and airy texture.
• Fruity: Candied fillings, like orange peel or raisins, add a tangy element to the dessert.
• Slightly tanginess: a long fermentation process can produce a delicately tart note.

For more information, read our expert guide on how panettone is made, and how this affects the flavour, here.

What is the texture of panettone?

Texture is where panettone truly shines. Imagine tearing into a loaf and discovering a soft, almost pillow-like crumb, due to long fermentation and precise baking. The interior has a melt-in-the-mouth, light texture, with a satisfying elasticity that reflects the care taken during the dough’s slow rise.

Panettone is moist but never soggy or dense; it has a melt-in-the-mouth sensation. It has more in common with a fine brioche or soufflé than with the heavy fruitcake it’s often compared to. Some liken it to a sweet bread, while others compare it to a dessert, but it truly exists in its own category.

Types of panettone and how they influence taste

While the classic panettone includes raisins and candied orange and lemon peel, modern variations have opened the door to exciting flavour twists:

• Chocolate chip panettone: Replace dried fruits with dark chocolate chips for a richer, sweeter taste.
• Pistachio cream-filled: Intensely nutty and indulgent, with a velvety interior spread or centre.
• Limoncello-infused: Zesty and aromatic, with a Southern Italian flair.
• Pear and chocolate: A luxurious combination balancing tart fruit with deep chocolate notes.

These variations impact the panettone’s overall flavour profile. If you’re unsure, the classic is the best place to start for a true introduction. For a twist, chocolate is a firm favourite among first-timers.

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How is panettone enjoyed in Italy?

In Italy, panettone is more than a dessert—it’s a Christmas ritual. It’s served in generous slices after a family meal, often accompanied by a glass of vin santo, spumante, or strong espresso. Popular pairings include sweet creams like mascarpone or zabaglione, jam or even gelato, while others enjoy it plain to let the natural flavours shine.

It’s also popular as a breakfast treat during the festive period, often gently warmed or lightly toasted and served with Italian coffee.

For more information, read our guide on pairing panettone and serving the popular Italian delicacy.

Artisan vs supermarket panettone: Does it taste different?

The difference between an artisan and a mass-produced panettone is noticeable from the first bite.

Artisan panettone uses:

• Natural yeast for a deep, subtle flavour.
• Long fermentation for improved texture and digestibility.
• Premium ingredients like real butter, free-range eggs, and hand-cut peel.

Supermarket versions tend to be made quickly, often with chemical leavening agents, preservatives, and lower-quality fillings. This results in a denser crumb, muted flavours, and sometimes an artificial aftertaste.

Carluccio’s is quintessentially Italian. Our panettone is delicately crafted by Italian bakers with care and authenticity, and is in stock from September to December. The result is a panettone that rises beautifully, tastes elegant, and offers the kind of melt-in-the-mouth experience that mass-market loaves simply can’t match.

Reserve your favourite panettone for the holidays here!

Why should you try panettone?

If you’ve hesitated until now, you’re not alone. Many people link desserts with fruit and peel as dense or stodgy, due to the classic British fruit cake. However, this is a common misconception.

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.

It’s festive but versatile—ideal as a gift, a centrepiece, or simply something special to enjoy with family over tea.

Bring a little Italian warmth into your home this holiday season. Ensure you find an authentic Italian bakery or supplier, such as Carluccio’s, in the months leading up to Christmas and get involved in a classic shared tradition.

Frequently asked questions

How is panettone different from cake?

Panettone is a leavened bread, not a cake. It rises like bread but has the sweetness and richness of a dessert. Its crumb is airy and elastic, unlike most cakes.

Can you toast panettone?

Yes! Gently toasting panettone enhances its flavour and gives it a crisp edge—perfect with butter or mascarpone.

Is panettone sweet or savoury?

A little of both! Panettone is sweet, but subtly so. It balances citrus zest, dried fruit, and butter in a way that never feels heavy or sugary.

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