Panettone Perfection
The Sweet Story Behind Our Iconic Panettone
With Panettone season right around the corner, we wanted to dive into the rich history of this beloved Italian Christmas cake—and share why it holds such a special place in our hearts here at Carluccio’s.
A Symbol of Italian Heritage
Panettone is far more than just a festive treat; it's a centuries-old symbol of Italian tradition. Originating in Milan, this sweet, dome-shaped bread was once an exclusive luxury, reserved for the nobility. Its delicate, buttery, and incredibly fluffy texture, enriched with candied citrus and dried fruit, made it the ultimate holiday indulgence.
The cake’s very creation is wrapped in a charming piece of Italian folklore. The most popular legend tells of a frantic kitchen assistant named Toni who saved a disastrous royal banquet in Milan. When the planned dessert was ruined, Toni quickly whipped up a sweet bread using leftover ingredients. The guests adored it, naming the new confection "Pan di Toni," which literally means "Toni's bread," and eventually evolved into the name we know today: Panettone.
Over the centuries, Panettone became an essential part of celebrations, symbolising joy, warmth, and family. Today, it remains the quintessential staple of Italian Christmas feasts, enjoyed by families across the world.
Handcrafted Tradition, Carluccio's Quality
For over 25 years, we’ve been proudly bringing this iconic Italian tradition to the UK. Our Panettone is not just any cake; it’s still handcrafted by artisans in Italy using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations.
The secret to its unique, unmistakable light and airy structure lies in the natural “mother yeast” (lievito madre). Our producers dedicate countless hours to a labour of love: the dough is carefully mixed, kneaded, and left to naturally rise over several hours before being baked to golden perfection.
Our Italian partners begin this meticulous process in September and finish in December, capturing the true essence of Italian craftsmanship in every single cake. Once the season ends, production stops until the following year, making Panettone a truly exclusive holiday indulgence.
The Best Panettone, You Say?
In your own words:
'This is the best I have ever tasted. I normally purchase at other retailers but this was far the best. I’m a converted Carluccios Panettone purchaser' - Dawn L
'The very best Panettone' - Judith J
'This is the only Panettone allowed in our house. It's the best ever. We look forward to this every year. Perfection' - Deborah B
'Simply incredible 10/10' - Paul S
Don’t Miss This Exclusive Slice of Italy
Panettone is only available from October to December. Once it’s sold out, it won't return until next year, which is why we produce limited quantities. The collection is now beginning to appear in the shop as our Christmas treats arrive from Italy. Have a look at what’s on offer now or check back in the coming weeks for an even more diverse collection of Christmas favourites.
