Description
A classic Italian-style Christmas bread, this festive loaf is lightly sweetened, soft, and studded with dried fruit and candied citrus peel. Traditionally enjoyed during the holidays with coffee or dessert wine, it brings a warm, aromatic touch to any celebration.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup sugar, divided
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruits
- 1 cup dried fruit or raisins
- ½ cup candied citrus peel
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let sit for about 5–10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add the bread flour to the wet mixture, mixing as you go, until a dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate Fruits: Gently fold in the dried fruit and candied citrus peel evenly throughout the dough.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1½ hours.
- Shape Dough: After rising, gently punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it in a tall pan or a traditional panettone mold for support during baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for 35–40 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Notes
- Serve the bread plain or lightly toasted for breakfast or dessert.
- Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh; it keeps well for several days at room temperature.
- For a richer flavor, you may brush the crust with melted butter right after baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of dried fruits such as cherries, cranberries, or apricots for variety.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
