Pandoro Cake: How Italians Eat and Enjoy This Christmas Treat

When the festive season rolls around in Italy, two cakes reign supreme: Panettone and Pandoro. While Panettone, with its candied fruits and raisins, often gets the spotlight, its golden, star-shaped cousin, Pandoro, holds a special place in the hearts (and on the tables) of many Italians.

At Carluccio's, we believe in celebrating the true taste of Italy, and understanding how Italians embrace Pandoro cake is key to appreciating its simple yet profound delight.

What is Pandoro?

First, let's clarify what makes Pandoro so unique. Hailing from Verona, Pandoro, meaning "golden bread," is a tall, eight-pointed star-shaped sweet bread, traditionally dusted generously with vanilla-scented icing sugar to resemble the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. Unlike Panettone, Pandoro contains no dried fruit or candied peel, making it a favourite for those who prefer a simpler, more buttery, and brioche-like texture. Its magic lies in its incredible lightness, delicate sweetness, and a rich, almost eggy, flavour.

The Art of Serving Pandoro

Italians don't just eat Pandoro; they ritualise it. Here's how it's typically enjoyed:

• The Big Reveal: The first step is often the most fun! The Pandoro usually comes in a tall box with a separate sachet of icing sugar. Before serving, the Pandoro is placed inside the plastic bag with the sugar, and then, with great enthusiasm, the bag is shaken vigorously. This ensures every crevice of the star-shaped cake is beautifully coated in "snow." It’s a moment of playful anticipation, especially for children!

• Slicing with Style: While you can slice Pandoro horizontally, the most popular and visually appealing method is to cut it into vertical slices, creating a series of star-shaped pieces. This not only looks festive but also makes it easier to serve and eat. Alternatively, some families will cut it into horizontal slices and then stack them, slightly offset, to create a "Christmas tree" effect – a delightful centrepiece!

• The Essential Accompaniments: Pandoro is rarely eaten plain. Its subtle sweetness makes it a perfect canvas for various delicious additions:

  • Mascarpone Cream: This is perhaps the most classic pairing. A rich, velvety mascarpone cream, often lightly sweetened and sometimes infused with a hint of liqueur like Marsala or Strega, is spooned generously alongside or even between slices.

  • Nutella or Chocolate Sauce: For those with a sweeter tooth, a dollop of rich Nutella or a warm chocolate sauce is an irresistible complement to the buttery cake.

  • Custard (Crema Pasticcera): A smooth, vanilla-scented Italian custard is another popular choice, adding a creamy texture and a burst of flavour.

  • Fresh Fruit: Lighter options include fresh berries, sliced kiwis, or segments of oranges, which provide a lovely counterpoint to the richness of the cake.

  • A Simple Dusting: For many, the simple act of dusting with the provided icing sugar is more than enough, allowing the pure flavour of the Pandoro to shine.

When to Enjoy Pandoro

Pandoro is intrinsically linked with the festive season.

• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: It's a staple on the dessert table after Christmas Eve dinner and a popular breakfast or brunch item on Christmas morning, often enjoyed with a strong espresso or a cappuccino.

• New Year's Eve and Epiphany: The celebrations continue, and Pandoro remains a beloved treat throughout the holiday period, often making an appearance until Epiphany on January 6th.

• Any Festive Gathering: Beyond the main holidays, Pandoro is a welcome guest at any festive gathering, from family reunions to casual get-togethers with friends. Its crowd-pleasing nature and elegant appearance make it an ideal dessert.

More Than Just a Cake

For Italians, Pandoro cake is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a symbol of togetherness, tradition, and the simple joys of the festive season. It evokes memories of family gatherings, laughter, and the warmth of home. Its understated elegance and versatility make it a truly beloved part of Italian Christmas culinary traditions.

At Carluccio's, we invite you to experience the magic of Pandoro for yourself. Pick up one of our exquisite Pandoro cakes and try serving it the Italian way – with a generous dusting of sugar, a dollop of something creamy, and surrounded by the people you love.

Buon Natale!