Best Italian panettone brands: how to choose an authentic artisan cake

An authentic Italian panettone bread is light, airy, and full of flavor. Traditionally, that’s dried fruits. Modern versions incorporate a variety of alternative flavors, ensuring there is something for everyone. 

Whether you’re looking for a Christmas treat or simply enjoy the traditional Italian panettone recipe throughout the year, you need to know the best Italian panettone brands and how to choose an authentic artisan Italian panettone.

What defines the best Italian panettone brands?

The best Italian panettone brands use natural high-quality ingredients. They are baked fresh, without preservatives, and hand made. To confirm this is the case, look for the following clues on their packaging. 

• Natural Ingredients

The best Italian panettone brands use pure butter, farm-fresh eggs, natural dried fruit, and real vanilla. Check the ingredients to ensure this is the case. 

Ideally, the packaging should state natural ingredients and no preservatives are used. 

• Shelf Life

An artisanal panettone using the traditional Italian panettone recipe will last between 20-45 days. Industrial panettones will last much longer because they have preservatives. Unfortunately, industrial panettones will also be heavier and less enjoyable to eat.

The shorter the shelf life, the higher the quality of the ingredients and the better your Italian panettone bread will taste.

• Brand Name

There are many different brands of panettone available. You’ll have to try several to find your preferred one. However, it’s essential that you know your brands. In general, authentic artisanal brands, such as Pasticceria Scarpato and Penna Bakery offer the best quality panettones. It’s worth paying for the premium taste. 

• Origins

Panettone bread is Italian, it’s been made in Italy since the Middel Ages. Therefore, if you’re looking for the best brands, make sure you choose an authentic Italian brand. Preferably it should use Italian ingredients. 

Ingredients, rising and texture

Using authentic Italian ingredients is an important step in getting a great panettone. However, it’s also important you choose an artisanal brand as they will adhere to the traditional cooking methods. This means allowing the yeast to bubble, leaving the dough to sit for 2-3 hours, and then sit again for another 2-3 hours. 

It’s a slow process. Rushing it prevents the panettone from rising properly and gives it a dense, clogging texture. When created according to the traditional methods, it’s tall, airy, and light. In effect, it will crumble in your mouth giving you all the delightful flavors. 

Classic, pistachio, citrus and other flavors

The classic panettone has dried fruit, adding texture and flavor to your Italian bread. However, in recent years there has become a variety of alternatives worth trying.

• Pistachio

Chunks of pistachio transform the flavor of your panettone. It’s a must for any pistachio lover. 

• Chocolate

Transform the flavor with chocolate chips. Simply remove the dried fruits/raisins and add chocolate chips when mixing. The bread will have a delicious chocolate melt-in-your-mouth flavor.

• Limoncello

Panettone is a classic Italian recipe, as is limoncello. It’s not surprising the two are mixed. Add some limoncello to your Italian panettone mix. You can adjust the amount according to your flavor preference.

• Orange Liqueur

A delicious alternative to limoncello. Enjoy.

• Nut

Nutty Italian panettone has become a popular option. Add a handful of your favorite nuts to the mix, preferably chopped into small pieces. Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts are popular choices. 

• Cream-filled

Take it up a notch by adding pastry cream or even mascarpone to the center of your Italian panettone. It’s a delicious, indulgent treat.

How to choose panettone online

If you’re buying online select a retailer you can trust, such as Dolceterra. Check that your authentic Italian panettone is made with fresh Italian ingredients. Make sure it is artisanal  a sign it uses the traditional cooking approach. Of course, it will need to be imported from Italy and should have a comparatively short shelf life. 

Finally, pay attention to the packaging. It doesn’t affect the flavor but it does show how much care the artisan has put into making your panettone.