Pangiallo Recipe - A Christmas Cake from Rome (2024)

FAQs

What cake is traditionally eaten in Italy at Christmas? ›

Panettone: history and characteristics of this italian cake. People everywhere eat panettone while celebrating their Christmas holidays, perhaps without knowing that the word Panettone comes from the Milanese dialect 'Pan del ton', which means 'luxurybread'. Yes, the Panettone is a local speciality.

The holidays in Italy wouldn't be complete without panettoni and pandori: they are as iconic as a tree, wreath, or mistletoe in other cultures. Traditionally, Italians give the festively wrapped cakes as gifts, as they symbolize luck and prosperity through the New Year.

The Christmas Cake originally was called the Twelfth Cake and would have more traditionally been served at parties on the Twelfth Night ending the 12 days of Christmas on the 5th of January. And these cakes started as enriched fruit cakes, something more akin to an Italian Panettone.

Panettone is a dome-shaped leavened cake with a soft texture and a recipe that includes candied fruit and raisins. Pandoro is also a leavened cake, but it has a star shape, is fluffier, and is served dusted with powdered sugar to imitate, according to tradition, snow on the mountains.

In Italy, one of the most iconic cakes is the rich and decadent Tiramisu, which consists of layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.

Panettone tends to be a little more expensive than most other baked goods, mainly due to the amount of time that goes into making each one. A traditional panettone is usually a lengthy procedure, however, a cheap mass-produced alternative will take shortcuts in the baking process which will be reflected in its taste.

High sugar content: Panettone bread contains a high amount of sugar, which acts as a natural preservative. Sugar helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, extending the shelf life of the bread [1].

Storing: Keep your panettone in a dry and cool place (54-65°F), away from direct sunlight. This is especially important if you have purchased a panettone with a glaze; they will be extremely sensitive to heat and light. After slicing, store the remaining inside of the cellophane bag that it was originally wrapped in.

Panettone has a rich history dating back to medieval Milan. Legends surround its origin, but it's generally believed that a young nobleman fell in love with a baker's daughter, creating the sweet bread to win her heart. Over time, Panettone gained popularity, becoming a symbol of Italian Christmas celebrations.

What is a panettone without fruit called? ›

Luxury Panettone without Candied Fruit (Pandoro)

With a drink: In Italy, it's not uncommon to enjoy a slice of panettone alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or a sweet wine like Vin Santo. The idea is to tear a piece of the panettone and dip it into the drink, allowing the bread to soak up some of the liquid.

Panettone has been eaten in Italy from 1500 or even earlier. Its origins are from the city of Milan during the reign of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan (Ludovico il Moro, “The Moor”).

Origins. Historically the Christmas cake has been an English tradition. It started in the Middle Ages as plum porridge, a pretty unappetising formula that consistent of boiled beef mixed with bread, oatmeal, spices, dried fruit and wine.

Afterwards, fruit and desserts, which in Italy are masterpieces: each region has its own christmas dessert, but every italian family will eat at least a pandoro and a panettone.

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without Italy's king of cakes. Hours spent recipe perfecting and leavening, the panettone is no longer purely an Italian holiday icon.

The main difference between pandoro and panettone lies in the shape, an eight-pointed star for the former and a cylinder with a domed top for the latter, and in their defining flavours: the pandoro is presented in all its simplicity, covered with a dusting of icing sugar, while the panettone is enriched with candied ...

Perhaps the most iconic Italian dessert, tiramisu appears on menus at restaurants not only throughout Italy but also all over the world.