A soft, fluffy Italian sweet bread, perfect for holiday mornings, filled with spiced fruits and a hint of orange zest.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (candied citrus, raisins, cranberries)
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds or walnuts
Instructions:
- Activate yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm milk. Sprinkle in yeast and let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Make dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, salt, cinnamon, and orange zest. Add eggs, butter, vanilla, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add the remaining 1/2 cup flour if too sticky.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
- Add fruits and nuts: Gently fold in dried fruits and nuts, shaping the dough into a tall round loaf. Place in a greased pan or a panettone mold.
- Second rise: Cover and let rise 45–60 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 35–40 minutes, covering the top with foil if browning too fast. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze.
