Do you get excited to plan your annual Christmas baking projects? Well today we've got you covered with a vegan version of a traditional Italian dessert that takes center stage during the holidays. This vegan panettone is just the ticket if you are looking for a traditional Christmas recipe that fits the bill for anyone following a plant-based or dairy-free diet.
By making a few easy swaps, you can create this delicious easy vegan panettone with very little effort in the kitchen. Whether you are a vegan yourself, or are simply looking for a dessert that will appeal to everyone around the dinner table, this recipe is for you.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
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Why This Recipe Works
This vegan panettone recipe works on multiple levels to create a delightful and satisfying treat enjoyed by many.
First, by substituting dairy products for plant-based alternatives such as non-dairy milk and vegan margarine, this recipe caters to those following vegan diets. These alternatives also manage to maintaining the traditional flavor and texture of an original panettone.
Additionally, the versatility of this recipe allows for endless customization, whether it's experimenting with different combinations of dried fruits and nuts or adapting the sweetness level to suit your individual preferences. This adaptability ensures that each batch of vegan panettone can be tailored to cater to diverse tastes, making it a universally loved and cherished treat for all occasions.
Finnally, despite the apparent complexity involved in creating your own homemade vegan panettone, this is actually a very easy dessert to make. The majority of your time is spent waiting on the dough to rise. Other than that, its simply a matter of mixing ingredients together and putting your panettone in the oven to cook. It just doesn't get much easier than this easy vegan dessert recipe.
Ingredients
Flour:
Typically bread flour is used to create a traditional panettone and give it its light, airy, texture. However, for this vegan panettone recipe you can feel free to use all-purpose flour. Additionally, you can opt for whole wheat flour which will give your panettone a nuttier flavor or a gluten-free variety to accommodate any dietary requirements.
Sugar:
Traditional panettone recipes, much like this one, typically include granulated sugar for sweetness. In vegan panettone recipes, you can use various alternatives such as organic cane sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. Additionally, agave nectar or date syrup can be used as liquid sweeteners, providing a rich flavor profile.
Yeast:
A classic panettone typically relies on active dry yeast or instant yeast for leavening, aiding in its characteristic rise and airy texture. For a vegan version, you can use the same types of yeast as replacements. However, ensure that the yeast you use is labeled as vegan-friendly, as some brands may contain additives derived from animal products.
Milk:
For this homemade vegan panettone recipe, you can use your favorit plant-based milk, such as soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk as a binding and moistening agent. These dairy-free options offer similar richness and moisture to the dough, ensuring a tender crumb and delightful flavor.
Margarine:
While regular butter is used to create a traditional panettone, this vegan version uses a plant-based margaine in place of butter. If this is unavailable to you, you can also opt for coconut oil, apple sauce, mashed banana, vegetable shortening, nut, or seed butters instead.
Dried Fruits:
To make this vegan panettone, you can use a variety of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, chopped apricots, or cranberries, along with nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios. Ensure that the dried fruits are free from any added sugars or preservatives to maintain the integrity of the recipe. You can either buy your favorite dried fruit mix from the store, or if you have the time, you can make your own from scratch. Simply gather your favorite dried fruits and nuts, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces, and stood them into a bowl to create your own mix.
How to Make Vegan Panettone
Step One:
Mix flour, yeast, sugar, milk, and margarine in a large bowl until a dough forms.
Step Two:
Fold the dried fruits into the dough while kneading.
Step Three:
Mold the dough into a circle of parchment on a baking sheet so the cake can hold its shape during cooking.
Step Four:
Bake for 30-40 minutes at 357F.
Step Five:
Serve while warm, and enjoy!
Tips
- Panettone dough requires multiple rising periods to develop its characteristic flavor and texture. Allow the dough to rise for 2-3 hours in a warm, draft-free environment until it has doubled in size before shaping and baking. Once shaped into the mold, allow the dough to rise for another 1-2 hours.
- This homemade vegan panettone is typically baked in tall, cylindrical molds to help it rise evenly. If you don't have a panettone mold, you can use a large, sturdy paper panettone mold or improvise with a clean, empty coffee can lined with parchment paper.
What to Serve With Vegan Panettone
Panettone is a delightful treat on its own, but it can also be enhanced by serving it alongside a variety of complementary accompaniments. This vegan Italian dessert is best served with a dollop of whipped coconut cream, adding a creamy contrast to the light and fluffy bread. Additionally, it can be served as an afternoon snack with your favorite tea or coffee drink. However, if you are serving this vegan holiday dessert as part of a bigger celebratory feast, you might also want to stock your dessert table with some Christmas sangria and some traditional Christmas tree cookies.
FAQs
How do I know when my panettone is done baking?
You will typically know that your vegan panettone is done baking when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a cake tester or skewer to test for doneness. If you insert it into the centre of the cake and it comes out clean, then you know your vegan panettone is fully cooked.
My panettone turned out dense. What went wrong?
Your vegan panettone may come out too dense as a result from overmixing the dough, not allowing enough rising time, or using too much flour. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and avoid overhandling the dough.
How long can leftover vegan panettone be kept fresh?
You can store any leftover panettone that you might have in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer-term storage, you can also freeze it for 2-3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag.
More Dessert Recipes
If you love impressing your dinner guests with a sweet homemade treat, then you should check out this collection of more dessert recipes to inspire you in the kitchen.
Vegan Panettone
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoon yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- ½ cup dairy-free margarine melted
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
Instructions
- Mix flour, yeast, sugar, milk, and margarine in a large bowl until a dough forms.
- Fold the dried fruits into the dough while kneading.
- Mold the dough into a circle of parchment on a baking sheet so the cake can hold its shape during cooking.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes at 357F.
- Serve while warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Panettone dough requires multiple rising periods to develop its characteristic flavor and texture. Allow the dough to rise for 2-3 hours in a warm, draft-free environment until it has doubled in size before shaping and baking. Once shaped into the mold, allow the dough to rise for another 1-2 hours.
- This homemade vegan panettone is typically baked in tall, cylindrical molds to help it rise evenly. If you don't have a panettone mold, you can use a large, sturdy paper panettone mold or improvise with a clean, empty coffee can lined with parchment paper.