Homemade Pandoro with a Twist

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 12g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. 3.
   Add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. 4.
   Add the softened butter to the dough and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
6. 6.
   Grease a Pandoro mold with butter and dust it with flour.
7. 7.
   Transfer the dough to the mold, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for another 1 hour.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. 9.
   Bake the Pandoro for 40-45 minutes or until it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. 10.
    Remove the Pandoro from the mold and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
11. 11.
    Dust the Pandoro with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature before adding it to the dough. This will ensure easy incorporation and a smooth texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra festive touch, you can add a sprinkle of edible gold dust on top of the powdered sugar.
• Serve the Pandoro with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• To keep the Pandoro fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Slice the Pandoro into wedges and serve it as a centerpiece on a dessert platter. Dust each slice with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

Place the Pandoro on a decorative cake stand and garnish it with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers for a visually stunning display.