Panettone is a traditional sweet bread that is often baked at the holidays. It is an Italian twist on a fruit cake only a hundred times better. Suitable for Easter brunch, holiday dessert, afternoon tea or anytime.
Bakeware & Tools
Measuring spoons & cups
Floured board, Silicone Work Mat, or Baking Mat
Round Cake Pan 8″ (Fat Daddio’s PRD-82)
Pastry brush
Ingredients
1 (.25 oz.) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110 F. / 45 C.)
1/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dried currants
1/4 cup raisins
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional)
Let’s Make Holiday Panettone
In a medium bowl, combine yeast, water and sugar. Cover and let stand 10 minutes or until foamy. Add eggs, yogurt, vanilla, lemon zest and salt. Mix well.
Stir in flour 1/2 cup at a time until dough forms into a manageable ball. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes, adding flour as necessary until dough is soft and pliable but not sticky (may need up to 5 cups flour). Place dough in a large, lightly sprayed bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).
Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C) and lightly grease cake pan. In a small bowl, toss dried fruit with confectioners’ sugar. Punch down dough in bowl, transfer to floured surface, and knead in the fruit.
Form dough into a ball, place in prepared cake pan, cover loosely with dish towel, and let rise 30 minutes (the loaf will rise above the pan sides). Brush with melted butter, if desired. Bake for 45 minutes, or until loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Makes 10 wedges.
