Panettone

Panettone is a sweet Italian bread that's traditionally eaten at Christmas. This recipe makes 3 fluffy panettone loaves studded with candied fruit.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 153 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon cream
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cups candied mixed fruit
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.66666668653488 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cup warm milk
• 0.33333334326744 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 2.5 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 3 (7 x 4-inch) round paper panettone molds

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

To make sponge, warm a small bowl by rinsing it with hot water. Pour in warm water and sprinkle 1 package yeast on it. Let stand until yeast has dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup flour, cover with plastic wrap, and let stand 30 minutes, or until doubled.

Step 2

Sprinkle remaining yeast over warm milk. Let stand until dissolved. Beat together sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla. Stir in milk-yeast mixture. Add sponge and stir until well incorporated.

Step 3

Combine butter and remaining 3 ½ cups flour until crumbly. Slowly pour in egg mixture and beat on high speed 3 to 4 minutes, until dough is elastic looking and long strands form. Beat in fruit and zests.

Step 4

Turn dough into oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and leave in a warm place to rise until doubled, about 2 to 3 hours.

Step 5

Brush inside of three 7 x 4-inch paper molds with melted butter. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead a few times to deflate.

Step 6

Divide dough into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and drop into prepared molds; place on a baking sheet about 4-inches apart and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled again, about 2 hours.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Cut an X in top of each loaf with oiled scissors. Combine egg yolk with cream. Brush tops of loaves lightly with egg wash.

Step 8

Place baking sheet with loaves in bottom 1/3 of preheated oven. After 10 minutes, lower heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Continue to bake for 30 more minutes; if tops get too brown, cover with foil. Loaves are done when a wooden skewer inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.