Panettone Farcito: A Festive Italian Treat with Orange and Chocolate Layers
Category: Leavened Cakes
Servings: 10
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Panettone Base:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Panettone | 1 kg |
For the Orange Cream Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Egg yolks | 108 g |
| Whole milk | 525 g |
| Cornstarch (maizena) | 45 g |
| Orange zest | 2 oranges |
| Sugar | 135 g |
| Whole milk | 85 g |
| Fresh liquid cream | 85 g |
| Egg yolks | 36 g |
| Cornstarch (maizena) | 20 g |
| Sugar | 45 g |
For the Chocolate Cream Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate | 75 g |
| Dark chocolate | 250 g |
| Fresh liquid cream | 125 g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Cream
Start by preparing the orange cream filling, which will form a fragrant base for your Panettone. Begin by grating the zest from one and a half oranges. The remaining half will be used for garnish at the end. In a mixing bowl, combine egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch, and whisk them together until smooth. Next, heat the whole milk in a saucepan until it is slightly warm. Gradually pour the warm milk over the egg mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk to avoid curdling the eggs. Place the mixture back on the stove over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a custard-like consistency. Once it’s thickened, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Cream
For the chocolate filling, finely chop the dark chocolate and set it aside in a bowl. In a separate saucepan, combine the whole milk and fresh cream, heating them over low heat until the mixture begins to simmer. Stir the liquid regularly to ensure it doesn’t scorch. Once the milk and cream have reached a gentle boil, remove the mixture from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir with a whisk until the chocolate has fully melted, creating a smooth, velvety ganache. Set the chocolate cream aside and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Prepare the Ganache
For the final chocolate ganache layer, heat the cream in a saucepan over low heat just until it reaches the boiling point. While the cream is heating, chop the remaining dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a mixing bowl. When the cream is hot, pour it over the chopped chocolate. Stir gently with a whisk until you have a smooth and dense ganache. This rich ganache will be used to coat the Panettone after assembly.
Step 4: Slice the Panettone
Now it’s time to prepare the Panettone for layering. Start by carefully cutting the Panettone into four even slices. To ensure the structure holds up, the first slice should be slightly thicker (about 4-5 cm), while the remaining slices can be about 2-3 cm thick. You should have a total of four slices.
Step 5: Assemble the Panettone
Once your slices are ready, begin assembling the Panettone by layering the fillings. On the first slice, spread the orange cream generously, making sure to cover it evenly. Add the second slice of Panettone on top and repeat the process with the remaining orange cream, layering it over the second slice. Continue layering the slices, adding a layer of chocolate ganache on the top slice.
Step 6: Garnish and Decorate
Once your Panettone is assembled, it’s time to add the finishing touches. For a decorative touch, peel the remaining orange and slice it into thin strips. These strips will serve as a garnish for the Panettone, giving it a bright and aromatic look. Carefully place the orange peel on top of the chocolate ganache for a festive and elegant presentation.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once you’ve decorated your Panettone with the orange peel strips, slice it and serve it to your friends and family. The layers of creamy orange filling, rich chocolate ganache, and the airy Panettone create a truly indulgent treat that is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Tips for a Perfect Panettone Farcito:
- Storage: Panettone Farcito is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, refrigerate the assembled Panettone and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the creams and ganache a day in advance, which will save you time when assembling the Panettone.
- Customize: While orange and chocolate are classic fillings, you can also experiment with other flavors like vanilla, coffee, or even a touch of liqueur to personalize your Panettone Farcito.
This decadent Panettone Farcito, with its creamy layers of orange custard, velvety chocolate ganache, and aromatic orange zest, is the perfect festive dessert for any celebration. Whether you’re serving it for Christmas, New Year’s, or simply for a sweet treat with loved ones, this delicious Italian classic will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the holiday spirit with this beautifully layered masterpiece that will add joy to any occasion!
