PANDORO: A Slice of Italian Christmas

Pandoro, a classic Italian Christmas bread, comes from the picturesque city of Verona.

Renowned for its golden color and delicate flavor, this leavened sweet bread is traditionally shaped like a star, representing the Star of Bethlehem.

The name “Pandoro” itself is derived from the Italian words “pan d’oro,” referring not only to its color but also to its once exclusive status among the wealthy.

Today, pandoro is enjoyed by many during the holidays, often dusted with powdered sugar to imitate the snowy peaks of the Italian Alps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor: Captures the rich, buttery sweetness of traditional Pandoro.
• Impressive Presentation: The iconic star shape dusted with powdered sugar adds a festive touch.
• Perfect for Holidays: A crowd-pleaser at any Christmas gathering.

Cooking Time

• Preparation: 3.5–4 hours (includes rising time)
• Baking: 40–50 minutes
• Total Time: ~5 hours

Servings

• Makes 1 Pandoro (serves 8–10 slices)

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (17.6 oz) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 14 tbsp unsalted butter (1 stick + 6 tbsp), softened
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 egg yolks, room temperature
• 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp salt

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Method

Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Initial Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, yeast, and lukewarm milk. Mix until a smooth paste forms.
   • Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly.
2. Add Flavors and Eggs:
   • To the yeast mixture, whisk in eggs, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until combined.
3. Incorporate Flour and Butter:
   • Gradually mix in the remaining flour and salt.
   • Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
   • Add softened butter, a few tablespoons at a time, kneading until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.

First Rise

4. Let It Rise:
   • Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Pandoro

5. Prepare the Mold:
   • Grease a Pandoro or star-shaped mold generously with butter.
6. Shape and Place:
   • Punch down the dough to release air, shape it into a ball, and place it seam-side down in the prepared mold.

Second Rise

7. Allow Second Rise:
   • Cover the mold with a clean towel and let the dough rise until it crests the rim of the mold, about 1–2 hours.

Bake the Pandoro

8. Preheat and Bake:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

9. Cool in Mold:
   • Let the Pandoro cool in the mold for 10 minutes, then gently unmold onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
    • Before serving, generously dust the Pandoro with powdered sugar to mimic snow.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature for smoother incorporation.
• Warm Environment for Rising: Use a slightly warm oven (turned off) or place the dough in a warm, draft-free area for optimal rising.
• Grease Mold Well: Prevent sticking by thoroughly greasing the mold with butter.

Nutritional Facts (Per Slice)

Enjoy Your Homemade Pandoro

Serve slices of Pandoro with coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine for a truly festive treat.

This classic Italian Christmas bread is a beautiful centerpiece and a delicious way to celebrate the holidays. Buon Natale! 🎄

Pandoro: A Slice Of Italian Christmas

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 4 hours hrs

Baking Time 50 minutes mins

Servings 10 Slices

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Dough:

• 4 cups 17.6 oz all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 14 tbsp unsalted butter 1 stick + 6 tbsp, softened
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast 1 packet
• 3 large eggs room temperature
• 2 egg yolks room temperature
• 1/2 cup whole milk lukewarm
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp salt

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

 

Prepare the Dough

• Mix Initial Ingredients:
• In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, yeast, and lukewarm milk. Mix until a smooth paste forms.
• Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly.
• Add Flavors and Eggs:
• To the yeast mixture, whisk in eggs, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until combined.
• Incorporate Flour and Butter:
• Gradually mix in the remaining flour and salt.
• Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
• Add softened butter, a few tablespoons at a time, kneading until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.

First Rise

• Let It Rise:
• Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Pandoro

• Prepare the Mold:
• Grease a Pandoro or star-shaped mold generously with butter.
• Shape and Place:
• Punch down the dough to release air, shape it into a ball, and place it seam-side down in the prepared mold.

Second Rise

• Allow Second Rise:
• Cover the mold with a clean towel and let the dough rise until it crests the rim of the mold, about 1–2 hours.

Bake the Pandoro

• Preheat and Bake:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

• Cool in Mold:
• Let the Pandoro cool in the mold for 10 minutes, then gently unmold onto a wire rack to cool completely.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar:
• Before serving, generously dust the Pandoro with powdered sugar to mimic snow.