Best 2 Sweet Italian Holiday Bread Recipes

Indulge in the sweet flavors of Italy with our collection of traditional holiday bread recipes. From the classic Panettone, a rich and fluffy bread studded with candied fruits and nuts, to the delicate Pandoro, a star-shaped bread with a dusting of powdered sugar, these recipes embody the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Discover the secrets behind these iconic breads, with step-by-step instructions and tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, our recipes are designed to guide you through the process and create delicious, authentic Italian holiday breads that will impress your family and friends.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN SWEET BREAD

Italian Sweet Bread image

This golden brown bread offers satisfying sweetness in every slice. The hearty round loaves rise well and cut beautifully. With an egg wash and a sprinkling of Italian seasoning, the bread looks pretty, too. -Kim Ooms, Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 2 loaves (16 pieces each).

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup warm 2% milk (70° to 80°)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
EGG WASH:
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
Italian seasoning, optional

Steps:

In bread machine pan, place the first 7 ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed)., When the cycle is completed, turn dough onto a floured surface. Divide in half. Shape each portion into a ball; flatten slightly. Place in 2 greased 9-in. round baking pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes., Beat egg and water; brush over the dough. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning if desired. Bake at 350° until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 87 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 22mg cholesterol, Sodium 119mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.

MOIST ITALIAN SWEET BREAD

Moist Italian Sweet Bread image

The women in our family feel so blessed that my mom taught us how to make this Pane Dolce before she passed away. We do our best to carry on her loving tradition. -Kathleen Schweihs, Lockport, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 3 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 cup milk
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
4 eggs
6 teaspoons anise extract
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup chopped red and green candied cherries
8 cups all-purpose flour
ICING:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
4 teaspoons milk

Steps:

In a small saucepan, combine the first four ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until butter is melted. Remove from the heat; cool to 110° to 115°., In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the butter mixture, eggs, extracts, nuts and cherries and 4 cups of flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch dough down; divide into thirds. Shape each portion into an oval loaf; place in three greased and floured 8x4-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. , Bake at 350° for 60-65 minutes or until golden brown. Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly. Remove from pan to wire racks to cool. , In a small bowl, beat icing ingredients until smooth; drizzle over cooled loaves.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips

For a sweeter bread, add an extra ¼ cup of sugar to the dough.
For a more colorful bread, add some dried cranberries or raisins to the dough.
If you want to give the bread a shiny glaze, brush it with melted butter or simple syrup before baking.
To make sure the bread is cooked through, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

Sweet Italian Holiday Bread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a holiday party or just looking for a sweet treat. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. So next time you're looking for a delicious and festive bread to bake, give Sweet Italian Holiday Bread a try. You won't be disappointed.