Dulce Pan Home Recipe in 4 steps

Hello, dear friends of Paulina Cocina! We're approaching the end of the season, and as always, I'm bringing you a special recipe. Today I'm sharing this homemade sweet bread , perfect for the holidays. If this is your first time trying to make sweet bread, don't worry; this recipe is simple, and I guarantee it will turn out spectacular.

After all the hard work of the year, this recipe is perfect for closing with a flourish. And if you're wondering what else is coming up in the holiday recipes, next week we have Vitel Toné. Don't miss it!

About this Homemade Sweet Bread Recipe

Hello again! This homemade panettone recipe is the perfect solution for those who want something delicious and traditional on the holiday table without overcomplicating things. I'll tell you this recipe is the result of a lot of practice (and a few mistakes). The first few times I tried making panettone, I didn't succeed because I was looking for shortcuts, but I've learned that some steps can't be avoided.

A brief history of sweet bread

Also known as panettone in Italy, it's a Christmas classic that has its origins in Europe. This sweet treat dates back to the 15th century in Milan, where it's believed to have originated as a special creation for the holidays. Its name, "panettone," comes from the Italian "panetto" (small bread), and over time, the suffix "-one" transformed it into "big bread."

Initially, it was a luxury reserved for wealthy families due to the cost of its ingredients, such as butter, eggs, and dried fruits. However, over time, it became popular and reached Latin America, where it adopted its own variations in countries like Argentina, where it became a staple on Christmas tables.

In Argentina, this recipe evolved to include local ingredients such as kumquats in syrup and candied fruit, adapting to the local palate. Today, pan dulce is much more than a dessert; it's a symbol of family togetherness and celebration during the holidays.

Tips for a perfect sweet bread

• Choosing the ingredients : For this recipe to be a success, use fresh, quality ingredients. Raisins soaked in cognac add a spectacular flavor, and candied fruits add a classic touch.
• Kneading : Don't skimp on kneading time. The recommended 15 minutes are essential for obtaining a soft, elastic dough.
• Glaze : Glaze is optional, but it adds an elegant finishing touch. Mix powdered sugar with a few drops of lemon and water until a smooth paste forms. Cover the panettone once it's warm.

Variations of this sweet bread recipe

Alternative fillings : If you don't like candied fruit, you can use…

• Chocolate chips
• Pieces of butter
• Dried cranberries

Regional versions:

• Argentine sweet bread : With candied fruits and nuts.
• Italian Panettone : With the essence of panettone and without candied fruit.

Some important clarifications for this recipe

• Kneading time : Kneading for 15 minutes isn't optional; it's essential! This time ensures the dough is elastic and well-developed. If you want a soft and airy sweet bread, dedicate this time to kneading.
• Flavored sugar : For this sweet bread recipe, I use a special sugar that I make by mixing lemon and orange zest (2 oranges and 2 lemons per 250g of sugar). This sugar adds a delicious touch to the dough and is also ideal for cakes and puddings. If you don't want to make it yourself, you can use regular sugar, but I recommend trying this option for an extra touch of flavor.
• Panettone or orange blossom essence : Personally, I don't use panettone or orange blossom essence because I prefer a more natural flavor. However, if you want the classic sweet bread flavor everyone remembers, you can add a teaspoon of these essences.
• Variety of fillings: The filling is what makes each sweet bread recipe unique. I usually make two versions: a traditional one, with walnuts, almonds, candied fruit, and raisins; and a more innovative one, with kumquats in syrup and almonds. You can also try adding chocolate chips, mantecol, or any other dried fruit you like. Let your Christmas creativity run wild!
• Soaked raisins: If you're using raisins, soak them in cognac overnight. This not only intensifies their flavor but also prevents them from drying out during cooking.
• Be careful when adding the filling: When adding the filling to the dough, do so carefully so it doesn't break. Knead gently until everything is evenly distributed.
• Using pans: If you don't have specific panettone pans, you can bake it in any baking dish. Just place parchment paper or aluminum foil between the dough and the base to prevent it from burning underneath.

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Homemade Sweet Bread Recipe

Ingredients

For two 1/2kg loaves or one 1kg loaf.

For the pre-dough

• 2 tbsp. of flour
• 1 CDA. of sugar
• 1 splash of warm milk
• 30 g of fresh yeast

For the main mass

• 500 g of flour 000
• 2 eggs
• 200 cc of warm milk
• 1 cdita. salt
• 60 g of sugar (you can use 100 g if you like it sweeter)
• 80 g of butter
• 1 cdita. vanilla essence
• Optional: orange blossom essence or panettone

For the filling (your choice)

• Raisins soaked in cognac
• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Candied fruit
• Kumquats in syrup

For the glaze

• Impalpable sugar
• Water
• Lemon

Sweet Bread Recipe in 4 steps

• Prepare the pre-dough : In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the pre-dough. Remember that the milk should be lukewarm, not hot or cold. Mix well with a spoon, cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel, and let it double in volume (about 15-20 minutes).
• Mix the main ingredients : In a large bowl, place the flour, sugar, and lemon and orange zest. Make a well in the center and add the salt around it, not in the middle. Add the eggs, softened butter, warm milk, the previous dough, and vanilla extract. Mix everything with your hand from the center outwards until the ingredients are well combined.
• Knead and let rise : Transfer the dough to the counter and knead for 15 minutes. This step is key to making the dough elastic and smooth. Divide the dough in half if you're making two 500g sweet bread rolls, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
• Add the filling and bake : Once risen, flatten each bun to release the air and roll it out into a square shape. Add the filling to the center and form a roll. Knead gently to ensure the nuts are well incorporated. Place the dough in the molds, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour. Bake at 180°C for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown on top.

Did you like this sweet bread recipe?

In Christmas Ebook, you'll find many more festive recipes, from classic Christmas recipes to modern options that will delight everyone. Discover how to make your holidays a delicious and special occasion with these unique recipes.