The Story Behind Our Iconic, Traditional Panettone
Italian Christmas Tradition: The Panettone
With Panettone season just around the corner, we wanted to share a little about the rich history behind this beloved Italian Christmas cake—and why it’s so special to us here at Carluccio’s.
A Taste of Italian Food Tradition
Panettone is more than just a festive treat; it’s a symbol of Italian heritage that dates back centuries. Originating in Milan, this sweet, dome-shaped bread was traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Its delicate, fluffy texture, enriched with butter, dried fruit, and candied citrus, made it a luxurious delicacy once reserved for the nobility.
The story of Panettone’s creation is intertwined with Italian folklore. One popular legend suggests it was born out of a kitchen mishap during a royal banquet in Milan. When a dessert was ruined, a quick-thinking kitchen assistant named Toni created a sweet bread with leftover ingredients. The guests loved it, and it was dubbed "Pan di Toni," which later evolved into Panettone.
Over the centuries, Panettone became an essential part of Italian celebrations, symbolising joy, warmth, and family gatherings. Today, it remains a staple of Italian Christmas feasts, enjoyed not only in Italy but across the world.
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Handcrafted Panettone: Made with Care and Tradition
At Carluccio’s, we’ve been bringing this iconic Italian tradition to the UK for over 25 years. Our Panettone is still crafted by artisans in Italy, following time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. The key to its unique texture lies in the use of natural “mother yeast” (lievito madre), which gives the dough its unmistakable light and airy structure. Each Panettone is carefully mixed, kneaded, and left to rise over several hours before being baked to golden perfection.
Our producers begin this labour of love in September and continue through December, capturing the essence of Italian craftsmanship in each cake. Once the season ends, production halts until next year, making Panettone a truly exclusive holiday indulgence.
Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary with a Special Collection
This year is particularly special for us as we celebrate our 25th anniversary. To mark the occasion, we’ve redesigned our Panettone packaging to create a beautiful collector’s box, making it the perfect gift for your loved ones—or a festive treat for yourself.
Along with our traditional Panettone, we’re introducing exciting new flavours like the limited-edition Zabaione (custard with Marsala wine), available only this year.
Don’t Miss Out on This Italian Christmas Favourite
Panettone is only available from October to December. Once it's gone, it won’t be back until next year.
If you haven't already, join our waitlist today to be the first to know when it’s available. With limited quantities and an exclusive anniversary edition, this is not something you want to miss!
We can’t wait for you to experience this slice of Italian history.
