This Nut and Dried Fruit Panettone is a festive and flavorful sweet bread, filled with almonds, walnuts, and pistachios for a delicious twist. The light, fluffy dough, enhanced with vanilla and honey, pairs perfectly with the crunch of the nuts, making it a delightful holiday treat. Whether served at a gathering or gifted to loved ones, this panettone is a perfect addition to your holiday table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it combines a soft, airy dough with rich flavors and textures from the added nuts. The sponge starter ensures the perfect crumb, while the simplicity of the ingredients makes it accessible for bakers of all levels. The recipe yields multiple loaves, so there’s plenty to share or gift. This panettone is versatile and can be enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
The Perfect Occasion
Perfect for holiday celebrations, family gatherings, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift, this panettone adds a festive touch to any occasion. Its light texture and sweet, nutty flavor make it ideal for Christmas or New Year’s, but it’s also a wonderful treat to enjoy any time of year when you’re craving something comforting and indulgent.
Decoration Tips
Top your panettone with a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a sweet finish, or dust it with powdered sugar for a classic look. You can also sprinkle extra nuts on top to add texture and visual appeal. If you're feeling creative, consider using dried fruit or edible gold dust to give your panettone an elegant and festive appearance.
Ingredients for the Sponge:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 50g fresh yeast (do not use dry yeast)
- 125ml warm milk (or water)
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 140g sugar
- 5g salt
- 6 egg yolks (or 2 whole eggs)
- 20g honey
- 160g butter
- 10ml vanilla extract (or panettone essence)
Nuts and Fruit:
- 150g walnuts
- 150g almonds
- 100g pistachios
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sponge: Place the flour for the sponge in the center of a clean surface. Make a well in the middle, add the yeast, and pour in the warm milk. Gradually mix the flour into the liquid until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough and let it rise for about 45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Dough: In a separate bowl, form a well with the flour. Add the sugar, salt, egg yolks, honey, butter, and vanilla extract to the center. Mix everything together to form a smooth dough. Let the dough rest while the sponge is rising.
- Combine Sponge and Dough: Once the sponge has doubled in size, combine it with the dough mixture. Knead until a smooth, uniform dough forms.
- Add the Nuts: Fold the nuts (walnuts, almonds, and pistachios) into the dough. Divide the dough into your desired portion sizes and place in your chosen molds (you can use 250g molds for smaller loaves).
- Let the Dough Rise: Allow the dough to rise in the molds until it doubles in volume.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the panettone for about 40 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked. Do not open the oven for the first 40 minutes to ensure proper rise.
- Cool and Serve: Let the panettone cool completely before removing it from the molds. For a festive touch, drizzle with white chocolate or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy!