There is nothing more anticipated by Italians during the holiday season than panettone. This traditional Italian dessert offered throughout Italy and in Italian communities around the world is a tall, dome-shaped cake that has been leavened with yeast and enriched with delicious fruit. It has a perfectly light and airy texture, rich and buttery taste and is not very sweet.
Panettone has earned its place in the holiday spread with its uniquely rich history. Originating in Milan, legend says in the 15th-century, the Duke of Milano, Ludovico il Moro, threw a magnificent Christmas Eve feast with 12 luxurious courses. The goal was to make the Duke appear to be as wealthy as possible. By the end of the evening, the kitchens were almost completely depleted of all ingredients but the guests were still craving dessert. The head pastry chef, being distracted by a forbidden kiss with a nobleman’s wife, had let the planned dessert burn.
The chef compiled what was left in the kitchen which all together were a few scraps of orange peels, raisins, and some dough that had been resting for three days. Panic set in for the chef but Toni, a scullery boy, stepped in. He mixed the remaining ingredients together and tossed the mixture in round pans and into the oven. Dreading the near future, the pastry chef presented the final course and quickly walked out of the dining hall. To his utter surprise, this fluffy dome-shaped sweet loaf received an applause and the chef admitted it was the pane di Toni (Toni’s bread) which, legend says, became known as panettone.
Buying an Italian Panettone for Christmas
As panettone is still one of Italy’s most anticipated holiday desserts, this Christmas we want to make sure you buy the righttraditional Italian panettone. I reviewed 7 of the top commercial panettone brands so I can recommend the best ones to get to impress your guests with a traditional Italian experience.
1.Maina Panettone Review
Maina boasts a 60 hour working process and 8 hours devoted to cooling. Upon opening, the smell of the fruit and dough is just delicious. Right from the start of cutting the slice you get the instant sensation of how moist and spongy it is. The dough has a beautiful color, and the taste test gave a full flavor sensation.
Score 8.5/10
2.PaluaniPanettone Review
With a grand legacy since 1921, the packaging lists it is made with eggs, fresh milk from Italy, and goes through 40 hours of slow fermentation (which means it should be really soft).
This panettone is more on the firm side with not as much elasticity in the sponge as you’d hope for. It would be a good choice if you prefer dunking in milk. I personally think it would require a little more prep by broiling and coating with butter, which is not something you would normally need for a higher quality panettone. Score 6/10
3.MelegattiPanettone Review
If you’re an Italian, you most likely have already tried Melegatti Panettone at least once in your life as this brand goes all the way back to 1891. With a traditional recipe and natural fermentation process, it has a very nice color but seems a bit dry to the touch. However, there is a beautiful amount of fruit which gives a sweet smell. It doesn’t have that melt in your mouth fresh bread sensation so it’s not my favorite texture. Score 5/10
4.MottaPanettone Review
One of the most popular brands that you can usually find most anywhere. Since 1919, Motta has a panettone that is softer than the last two and a great color as well. There is more of an elastic feel to the dough and a delicate, not too strong of a smell. Score 6.5-7/10
5.Balocco Panettone Review
Being the best for the price, Balocco is a go-to and well known as it goes back to 1927. It weighs the same but is the smallest in size so far. It’s soft and I thought based by the feel it would not be moist, but I was pleasantly surprised. The inside is very pretty with its delicious, scattered fruit and the sponge came out beautiful and moist. Score 7.5/10
6.Bauli Panettone di Verona Review (Almond Version)
I was not able to find the classic Bauli edition for this review. The seasonal Panettone di Verona version has almonds, a sweet crunchy glaze on top and comes with a packet of powdered sugar to sprinkle on. This brand sells so fast so if you see one in stock – you know what to do. Personally, the Panettone di Verona is Bauli’s better version. I can’t officially rate it alongside the other classics so I’ll just leave you with.. Score Wow/10
This is another affordable edition and it includes prosecco in the box. While it is cheap, I’ve always had good experiences with this brand. It’s not soft to the touch but has more of a soft texture once cut. Though moist, the sponge
was too doughy for me.
Score 4.5-5/10
Panettone Gelato Recipe
If you want to add the “wow” factor to any of your panettones, you can transform a traditional Italian panettone into the most delicious Italian Christmas ice cream cake you have ever tasted. Fill the inside of the sweet, moist bread with your favourite gelato flavour and freeze just in time for the festive season. Impress all your family and friends using my favourite Panettone gelato recipe.
I just received my Maina Panettone and was too excited to try them. But was really disappointed because it was dry and only has very few raisins in it. Or maybe i expected too much based on your review.
I will try another brand.
Ciao Lilibeth! I’m sorry to hear the Maina Panettone didn’t meet your expectations. Taste can be so personal, and sometimes even the same brand can vary a little depending on the batch or how it’s stored. I hope the next one you try hits the sweet spot for you! If you find one you love, feel free to share as I’m always keen to hear what others enjoy too.
Ciao Matts! You’re right, homemade panettone is the best! ❤️ But a really good quality artisan one comes close, perfect for those who don’t have the time or confidence yet.
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