Best panettones for Christmas 2023
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Christmas is almost here and it wouldn't be the festive season without one very important element.
The traditional Italian panettone is now so popular in the UK that it has become a staple part of our British Christmas celebrations and, according to recent reports, sales of it outstrip the classic Christmas pudding.
Whether you devour it with a coffee at breakfast or after dinner, the fragrant fluffy cake is just the thing to satisfy sweet cravings and is perfect for anyone who finds Christmas pudding too sickly.
Whilst panettone is traditionally made with dried or candied fruits, there are now many other variations available that replace fruit with chocolate or even booze.
Best of all, they come beautifully packaged so you can keep one or two stashed away for last-minute Christmas guests or gifts.
Marco Seminaroti, Regional Director of Gruppo Montenegro (one of the leading Italian Spirits and Food manufacturers) shares his seasonal rules surrounding the treat and how essential it is in the country’s Christmas traditions.
- You only have panettone at Christmas, and there is no Christmas without panettone in Italy.
- Every family enjoys at the end of a (very long) Christmas meal. In Italy, you somehow end up spending at least 3-4 full days around the table.
- Together with Panettone, another classic is Pandoro, which is more plain without candid fruit and mostly for kids.
- Christmas is spent with your entire family (it’s not unusual to have 20-30 people) in what feels like a food marathon. When the many courses finish, it’s time for dessert...and there’s always room for panettone.
- Panettone/Pandoro is always served, normally with coffee and digestive / liquor. It’s very common to have Vecchia Romagna Etichetta Nera (Italy’s no.1 brandy) or a digestive such as Amaro Montenegro (very popular in Italy). Most families would have them in their cabinet and it’s a central element of socialising and to help digestion.
- That is the time when card games are taken out and everyone starts playing for hours, all while still eating and drinking (it never stops). Everyone plays the likes of Tombola or Mercante in Fiera, but sooner or later smaller tables break out usually divided into age groups.
- In Italian football when the manager does a poor job and the team does not perform, it is said that the “manager is not going to eat the panettone” - meaning is going to be fired before Christmas.
- There are certain comedy films out in theatre at Christmas referred to as Cinepanettone.
Here are our favourite panettones for Christmas 2023.
Harvey Nichols Traditional Panettone
Harvey Nichols has taken a classic approach with its panettone offering this Christmas where you'll find the sweet treat brimming with zesty candied orange peel and sultanas dotted throughout the rich, airy and buttery bread. The recipe was created by the bakers of Amaretti Virginia which was founded in 1860 and an almond biscuit and dark chocolate variety is available too.
Piselli Classic Panettone
The Italian master bakers at Piselli have packed its traditional panettone with sultanas and candied orange peels. This zesty version is easily the sweetest on our list. Beautifully wrapped, the soft and springy sponge is best paired with ice cream for the perfect festive after-dinner treat. You can also get it with a Cocoa & Chocolate Chip Panettone.
Fortnum & Mason's Panettone
For luxury lovers, Fortnum & Mason is offering two panettones. A traditional - proved for over 48 hours with a sourdough base and a three-chocolate alternative. The latter has been handmade and given an extra sweet treat twist with white and dark Valrhona chocolate. We’d enjoy this one best with a strong midday cuppa.
Tesco Finest Tiramisu Style Panettone
We were hesitant to try this tiramisu-inspired panettone from Tesco. How could one possibly inspire the spirit of the creamy goodness that is the original Italian dessert in a brioche-esque Christmas classic? The answer is, we hate to say, with difficulty. The subtle hint of coffee in this panettone is palatable, as is the airy and fluffy texture of the filling. For us, however, the caramel coffee filling was a miss. It had sunk all the way to the bottom, for a not-so-appetising surprise.
Waitrose Christmas Fruited Panettone
Waitrose may just have the most extensive flavour varieties of panettone we've seen to date with chocolate, fruited, chestnut & pear, apricot & peach bellini and a gluten-free variation. There’s lots to love about the indulgent Fruited Panettone, which is made from a traditional Italian recipe. In an attractive festive red box, it is rich in butter and embellished with sultanas and candied orange. Bellissimo!
Authentic Panettone in Tin (Original)
For all the Christmas feels, this panettone is a classic. It comes in the perfect size for sharing with friends or family – but surely won’t be around for long. Authentic packaging is also a plus.
Chiostro di Saronno Traditional Panettone
This Christmas, your taste buds are in for a treat. Chiostro di Saronno is offering a delectable panettone that is a true classic. Delight in the candied fruit and cloud-like texture - all served up in a gift-ready box.
Selfridges Classic Panettone
This luxury panettone will go down a treat. Oozing sugary goodness, this lavish loaf boasts irresistibly sweet notes. Its golden-glazed inside is laced with fruit and the risen top is domed as a classic panettone should be. This is a decadent dessert to devour in the lead-up to the Christmas period as is or toasted with butter.
M&S Mini Classic Panettone
When it comes to traditional puddings, you can’t beat the totally moreish food from one of London’s most beloved supermarkets. Made in Italy, this panettone follows a classic recipe and features an abundance of candied peel and sultanas embedded in soft bread. Enjoy with a tipple or steaming cup of creamy coffee.
Breramilano 1930 Traditional Panettone Cake Hat Box
Another good luxury option, this Fenwick panettone comes packaged in a traditional gift box. The dough is sweet and buttery after hours of proving, while the raisins are big and juicy and surrounded by generous shreds of zesty candied orange.