Panettone: One of the best Italian treats I’ve ever tasted

If you’re visiting Italy during the holidays, there’s one dessert that you absolutely have to try, and that’s panettone! This sweet, yeasty bread is a beloved part of Italian Christmas traditions and makes for a perfect gift or treat to share with family and friends. 

Panettone has a long, storied history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Legend has it that a nobleman fell in love with the daughter of a poor baker and invented a rich, buttery bread to impress her. The bread, which came to be called panettone, became wildly popular in Milan and has since become a quintessential part of Christmas celebrations across Italy.

So, what makes panettone so special? 

For starters, it’s made with a rich, buttery dough that’s studded with candied fruits and raisins. It’s also leavened with yeast, which gives it a light, fluffy texture. Most importantly, it’s made with plenty of love and tradition. Many Italian families have their own secret recipe for panettone that’s been passed down through generations.

Making panettone is a labor of love that requires patience and precision. The dough is made from flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and yeast and is left to rise overnight. Once risen, it’s kneaded again and mixed with candied fruits and raisins. The dough is then left to rise again before being baked for over an hour in a special paper mold. The result is a tall, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for sharing.

Where can you find the best panettone in Italy? 

Well, that’s a tough question to answer since every region has its own unique take on this classic dessert. Milan is perhaps the most famous for its panettone, with many bakeries and brands claiming to make the best. However, you can find delicious panettone all over the country, such as Verona’s pandoro, which is a similar dessert made without fruit and nuts.

No matter where you are in Italy, Christmas just wouldn’t be complete without a slice of panettone. This rich, buttery bread is a true labor of love that’s made with tradition and care. If you’re lucky enough to be in Italy during the holidays, make sure to indulge in this delicious dessert, and bring a few loaves back home for your friends and family to enjoy. 

Buon Natale!