The Best Panettone In The UK?

Our Customers Certainly Reckon So!

When the festive season arrives, there is one majestic icon that commands the centre of the Italian holiday table: Panettone. This towering, golden, sweet holiday bread is part cake and part bread, celebrated for its cloud-like, tear-apart crumb and complex, buttery depth.

But not all panettoni are created equal. While supermarkets flood their shelves with quick-baked, mass-produced versions, true Italian panettone is a highly sacred artisan craft. At Carluccio's, our master bakers have been crafting our award-winning range for over 25 years. Each loaf relies on an authentic, living lievito madre (mother yeast) that has been nurtured and kept alive for decades, undergoing a meticulous multi-day rise and a delicate upside-down cooling process to ensure it is incredibly light and moist.

You don't just have to take our word for it, though. The proof of our dedication is found in the glowing feedback left by our wonderful community under our most beloved signature items. Here is a look at what makes our three top-tier holiday bakes the best-reviewed panettone on the market.

1. Panettone Tradizionale (1kg)

Our Great Taste Award-winning signature classic is the benchmark of Milanese holiday tradition. Wrapped in a rich, buttery dough, it is loaded with high-quality plump sultanas and vibrant candied citrus peel sourced directly from Calabria, before being crowned with a sweet, crunchy hazelnut glaze. It is the ultimate choice for the purist.

• "A Total Conversion"

"This is absolutely the best panettone I have ever tasted. I normally purchase from other high-end retailers every Christmas, but this version was far and away the best of the bunch. The crumb is incredibly delicate, and the aroma when you open the box is intoxicating. I am officially a converted Carluccio's panettone purchaser!" — Dawn L.

• "An Essential Family Tradition"

"This is the only panettone allowed in our house now! It has the most perfect texture—light as air yet satisfyingly rich with butter, and it never feels dry like the ones from the supermarket. Our entire family looks forward to buying this every single year. Absolute festive perfection." — Deborah B.

• "Unrivalled on the Market"

"Hands down the MOST delicious traditional panettone on the market today. The quality of the candied peel makes a massive difference—it is sweet, soft, and brilliantly fruity without being bitter. It makes a beautiful gift, but it's even better kept for yourself to enjoy with coffee on Christmas morning." — Stella F.

2. Panettone al Cioccolato (1kg)

For those who aren’t fond of traditional dried fruit or peel, our chocolate version is a decadent alternative. Built upon our same meticulous, slow-proven dough, we swap the fruit for a generous scatter of rich milk and premium dark chocolate pieces. It is finished with that same signature crisp hazelnut glaze for a fantastic textural contrast.

• "Lighter and Superior"

"We absolutely love this chocolate panettone. It’s got a brilliantly crispy sugar and hazelnut coating on the top, and the sponge inside is noticeably lighter and moister than others available on the market. We used to buy one every year, but starting two years ago we have to buy two at a time because we simply can't get enough of it!" — Eva

• "The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser"

"I originally bought this for my daughter who isn’t a fan of raisins, but the whole family ended up fighting over the slices. It’s rich and incredibly chocolatey without being cloyingly sweet. If you pop it in a low oven or near a radiator for a few minutes before slicing, the chocolate pieces melt slightly and become absolutely heavenly." — David L.

• "A Decadent Breakfast Treat"

"An interesting and welcome change from the traditional fruit bakes. It has a wonderfully soft texture and is incredibly chocolatey throughout. We toasted slices of it on Boxing Day morning and served it alongside hot milky lattes—the chocolate oozes out beautifully. Highly recommended!" — Reviewer Journey

3. Panettone al Limoncello (950g)

A vibrant, sun-drenched twist that brings a taste of the Amalfi coast to a chilly winter afternoon. The airy, buttery dough is infused and swirled with a velvety, smooth, and zesty lemon liqueur cream, offering a brilliant balance of decadent richness and refreshing citrus notes.

• "A Zesty Masterpiece"

"So unique and wonderfully zesty! The limoncello cream running through the center is luxurious and ensures the cake stays incredibly moist throughout. It provides an absolute triumph of a festive dessert that surprises everyone at the dinner table." — Elena R.

• "The Perfect Balance"

"I was worried the alcohol or the lemon might be overpowering, but the balance is handled perfectly by the bakers. The sweet cream cuts right through the rich, buttery texture of the sponge. It is stunning when paired with a crisp glass of chilled Prosecco after dinner." — Thomas H.

• "A Wonderful Modern Twist"

"If you want a break from the usual heavy Christmas puddings, this is the answer. It is beautifully packaged, has a wonderful aromatic citrus scent as soon as you cut into it, and tastes exceptionally fresh. A spectacular modern spin on an old Italian classic." — Francesca M.

Tips for Serving Your Panettone Like a Pro

To truly do justice to the decades of craftsmanship baked into every loaf, try these simple serving tips straight from our Italian kitchens:

• The Gentle Warm: Before slicing, place your panettone near a warm spot (like a radiator) or in a very low oven for a few minutes. This softens the rich butter content and releases the wonderful essential oils of the citrus or chocolate.

• The Clean Cut: Use a long, sharp serrated knife to cut the loaf into generous, vertical wedges from top to bottom, avoiding pressing down too hard so you preserve the airy structure.

• The Perfect Pairing: Serve a traditional slice alongside a hot cappuccino or a glass of sweet Vin Santo for dipping. For the chocolate and limoncello versions, a crisp glass of dry Prosecco makes a celebratory pairing.

Because our master bakers work on a limited, seasonal run from September to December, our authentic panettoni sell out quickly every winter. Visit our online deli today to secure your award-winning festive centrepiece and make your Christmas morning absolutely perfect.