Panettone is a delightful sweet bread that has been a beloved holiday classic. It’s got interesting layers of flavours: a rich dough filled with dried fruit, raisins, and a hint of citrus zest. Simply irresistible and amazing for a holiday treat!
At 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar, our 48h Artisan Panettoni are made with love and care. We offer flavour variations like panettone chocolate, pandoro, and the traditional fruit-filled variety for only $45 each 1 kg.
Visit us in-store to treat yourself to our famous panettone and other mouthwatering Italian dishes!
Want to learn more about panettone? Read on for all the details on how to enjoy this festive favourite.
What is Panettone?
Panettone (pronounced “pan-eh-toe-nee”) is a traditional Italian sweet bread that is especially popular during the holiday season. It’s a staple around Christmas and New Year.
The texture is light and fluffy and is filled with dried fruit, raisins, and sometimes candied citrus peel. A burst of flavour is all you’ll experience in each bite!
This airy dessert is perfect for slicing and enjoying with coffee or a hot beverage on a slow morning.
Where Did Panettone Originate?
Panettone is widely believed to have originated in Milan, Italy. Some call it panettone cake, sweet bread, or Christmas cake. Which one is right?
Well, Italians call it bread. The word panettone comes from panetto, meaning a small loaf of bread, and the suffix -one, which indicates something large, translates to “large bread.”
The first documented mention of panettone can be traced back to 1599, in a register of expenses from the Borromeo College in Pavia.
Nowadays, it is typically enjoyed for Christmas and New Year in parts of Europe, South America, Eritrea, Australia, the US, and Canada.
CSM Ingredients data shows that in 2022 the panettone market grew significantly, reaching 291.1 million euros, up by 15.7%. The Artisanal segment made up 54% with an 18% growth, while the Industrial segment contributed 46% with a 13% increase. This is how popular this bread is!
What Ingredients are in Panettone?
An authentic panettone recipe includes several ingredients: flour, yeast, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, candied fruit such as orange and citron peel, raisins, and lemon zest.
You need at least two days for the dough to rise, resulting in the perfect panettone texture and flavour.
How To Eat Panettone
So, how do you eat panettone? The traditional way to enjoy it is by slicing the loaf into wedges, which you can then pair with a cup of coffee or a sweet beverage.
Many Italians love to serve it with a dollop of mascarpone cream, which adds a rich and velvety touch to each bite.
Want to add more twist and texture? You can toast your panettone or make other variations, such as French toast, bread pudding, or crumbled-over gelato.
One thing to note is that it’s uncommon to remove the dome top and eat it alone, as the entire loaf is meant to be enjoyed in its full, airy form.
How To Keep It Fresh
To keep artisanal or homemade panettone fresh, it’s best to wrap it in plastic wrap once it has cooled completely. Store it in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight to stay fresh for 15-20 days; avoid the fridge for storage!
You can freeze panettone for longer preservation, but ensure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic or foil to protect it from freezer burn.
Meanwhile, store-bought panettone with preservatives usually stays fresh longer, but it’s still important to keep it wrapped in its initial packaging or wrap it in plastic once opened. Or, you can store it inside an airtight container to maintain its fluff and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panettone a bread or a pudding?
Panettone is a type of sweet bread because it uses yeast-based dough. It results in a light, fluffy texture.
Is panettone healthy?
While panettone is delicious, it’s not particularly healthy. It’s rich in sugar and butter and often contains dried fruits, making it high in calories.
Has panettone got alcohol in it?
Traditional panettone recipes do not include alcohol, but some versions may be soaked in liqueurs or other spirits to spice it up.
Get Your Panettone at 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar
Now that you know all about the irresistible, authentic panettone and its delicious history, why not treat yourself to some fresh, artisanal panettone from 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar?
Our 48h Artisan Panettoni are made with love and care, offering classic flavour variations like panettone chocolate, pandoro, and the traditional fruit-filled variety. Each 1 kg panettone is priced at $45 and is available in-store for you to enjoy.
Visit 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar to treat yourself to our famous panettone and a variety of other mouthwatering, authentic Italian dishes!