Panera Bread's Panettone Recipe: A Festive Treat for the Holidays
The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and festive treat? This year, why not try your hand at making Panettone, a traditional Italian sweet bread? This recipe is inspired by the beloved bakery chain, Panera Bread, known for its high-quality ingredients and delectable baked goods. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful creation!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe requires a few key ingredients that will bring out the authentic flavors of Panettone. Make sure you have these on hand before you begin:
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For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
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For the Candied Fruits and Nuts:
- ½ cup candied citron
- ½ cup candied orange peel
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup currants
- ½ cup chopped candied cherries
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
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For the Egg Glaze:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's break down the process into manageable steps, making sure to capture the essence of Panera's quality:
Step 1: Activating the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combining Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Whisk well to combine.
Step 3: Gradually Adding Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour, softened butter, salt, orange zest, and lemon zest to the wet ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Kneading the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use the dough hook attachment on your stand mixer for this step.
Step 5: Incorporating the Fruits and Nuts
Add the candied fruits, raisins, currants, candied cherries, and chopped nuts to the dough. Gently fold them in until evenly distributed throughout.
Step 6: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 7: Shaping the Panettone
Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a round ball.
Step 8: Second Rise
Place the dough balls in two greased 1-pound loaf pans. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 45 minutes to an hour.
Step 9: Egg Wash and Baking
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the loaves with the egg wash (egg and water mixture). Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the Panettone cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy your homemade Panera-inspired Panettone!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality butter.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of candied fruits and nuts to your liking.
- You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth.
- Store leftover Panettone in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
This recipe will guide you to bake a delicious and impressive Panettone this holiday season. Remember, the key is to take your time and enjoy the process! Happy baking!
