Are you dreaming of that fluffy, buttery, citrusy goodness that is Panettone, but intimidated by the seemingly complex process? Fear not! This recipe makes the magic of Panettone accessible to everyone, even those with limited baking experience. Using a bread machine takes the heavy lifting out of this holiday classic, allowing you to enjoy the delicious results with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy and delicious homemade Panettone! This is one of the best recipes for a quick dinner, perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup candied orange peel (optional)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Bread Machine
Grease your bread machine pan lightly with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your finished Panettone.
Step 2: Adding Ingredients
Add ingredients to the bread machine pan in the order specified by your machine's manual. Typically, liquids go in first, followed by dry ingredients. If your machine uses a separate yeast dispenser, add the yeast according to the instructions. For this recipe, a general order is: milk, eggs, sugar, salt, butter, vanilla, raisins (if using), candied orange peel (if using), flour, and yeast.
Step 3: Selecting the Dough Cycle
Select the “dough” cycle on your bread machine. This allows the machine to knead the dough thoroughly. The duration of this cycle varies by machine, so check your manual for specifics.
Step 4: First Rise
Once the dough cycle is complete, the dough will be soft and slightly sticky. This is normal for Panettone. Let the dough rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shaping and Second Rise
Gently remove the dough from the bread machine. Shape it into a ball and place it into a well-greased 6-cup bundt pan or a similar-sized loaf pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise again for another hour, or until almost doubled in size.
Step 6: Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the pan with the risen dough into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Let the Panettone cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This allows it to maintain its shape and prevents sogginess. Once cool, slice and serve. Enjoy this delicious homemade Panettone with your favorite hot beverage!
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh yeast for the best results.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can result in a tough Panettone.
- If your dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- If your dough seems too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it comes together.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality butter.
Variations:
- Add different dried fruits such as cranberries, currants, or chopped figs.
- Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
- Add a splash of orange liqueur to the dough for an extra boost of flavor.
- Use different types of citrus peel, such as lemon or mandarin.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 35-45g Protein: 5-7g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy Panettone recipe is perfect for holiday baking. Enjoy the delicious results with minimal effort! This healthy meal is sure to become a family favorite. It's among the best recipes out there for effortless deliciousness. Happy baking!