Chocolate Panettone (Breadmaker 1 1/2 Lb. Loaf)
Recipe Category: Yeast Breads
Servings: 16
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 200.3 per serving
Keywords: Breads, Fruit, Christmas, Bread Machine, For Large Groups, Small Appliance, Under 4 Hours, Easy
Description
Delight in the sweet aroma of freshly baked Chocolate Panettone with this easy recipe designed for your bread machine. With the perfect balance of rich chocolate morsels, juicy cherries, and crunchy almonds, this Italian-inspired panettone is perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or whenever you want to enjoy a soft, flavorful loaf of bread. Utilizing a breadmaker makes the process even simpler, yielding a loaf that is both indulgent and easy to make. It’s a perfect way to add a festive touch to your Christmas breakfast or brunch table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Butter | 1 tbsp |
| Margarine | 5 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Bread Flour | 3 cups |
| Sugar | 3 tbsp |
| Fast Rise Yeast | 2 tsp |
| Chocolate Morsels | 1/2 cup |
| Almonds (sliced) | 1/2 cup |
| Cherries (dried or candied) | 3 tbsp |
| Powdered Sugar (for dusting) | 1 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 24 mg |
| Sodium | 108.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26.4 g |
| Fiber | 1.7 g |
| Sugar | 6.5 g |
| Protein | 4.6 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare Your Bread Machine:
Begin by selecting the loaf size recommended by your bread machine manufacturer. For this recipe, a 1 1/2 lb loaf is ideal. -
Add Ingredients to Bread Machine:
Carefully measure out the milk, water, egg, butter, margarine, salt, bread flour, sugar, and yeast. Add these ingredients to the bread machine pan in the order suggested by the manufacturer. This typically means wet ingredients first (milk, water, egg, butter, margarine), followed by the dry ingredients (salt, flour, sugar, and yeast). -
Start the Kneading Process:
Set your bread machine to the “fruit/nut” cycle or “basic” cycle with the lightest crust setting. This will ensure the dough rises evenly and gets a golden, light crust. -
Add the Mix-ins:
During the last 5 to 10 minutes of the kneading cycle, or when the breadmaker beeps to signal it’s time to add mix-ins, add the chocolate morsels, sliced almonds, and dried cherries. This will help evenly distribute these sweet, nutty additions without them getting too crushed or melted. -
Baking the Panettone:
Allow the bread machine to finish its baking cycle. When done, the bread will be golden brown on top, with a soft, tender crumb inside. Remove the panettone from the machine carefully, and allow it to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. -
Final Touch:
Once cooled, sift powdered sugar over the bread for a delicate finishing touch. This adds a festive look and a hint of sweetness to the chocolatey, fruity flavors. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the panettone into generous pieces and enjoy it fresh, or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This panettone is perfect for breakfast, as a dessert, or even as a sweet gift for loved ones.
Tips for Success:
-
Customizing Flavors:
Feel free to experiment with different types of dried fruits or nuts. Try adding dried apricots, raisins, or hazelnuts for a unique twist on the traditional panettone. -
Storage Tips:
This panettone can also be frozen. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm it in the oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste. -
Breadmaker Settings:
If your bread machine doesn’t have a “fruit/nut” cycle, you can still add the chocolate, cherries, and almonds manually during the last few minutes of kneading.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Panettone is a festive, flavorful treat that combines the rich tradition of panettone with the ease of a bread machine. With minimal hands-on time and the help of your breadmaker, you can enjoy a loaf that is perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. The chocolate, almonds, and cherries bring just the right balance of sweetness and texture, making this an irresistible bread everyone will love.
