Keep it sweet: The seasonal delights of a panettone

Classic Italian yeasted confection panettone has become a firm favourite in the UK, with its light texture providing the ideal alternative to the heavier fruit cakes more traditionally seen on Christmas tables. Here, we take a look at some of the best classic options available, alongside some playful interpretations of this historic sweet treat.

Armani

The Italian fashion house may not be the first name that springs to mind when it comes to festive food, but its gastronomic subsidiary Armani/Dolci offers all manner of tempting sweets and gifts. The crowning glory of its Christmas collection is a traditional panettone, offered in a petite four ounces or indulgent 2.2lbs version. Serve with one of the brand's chocolate spreads for a truly luxurious dessert.

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Armani / Dolci Traditional Christmas Cake Panettone, €15 (£12.70)/four ounces, €35 (£29.70)/2.2lbs; armanidolci.com

Loison

This is a panettone with a pedigree - Loison has been making the Italian speciality for more than 75 years. Today, the family bakery, which dates back to 1938, is headed up by third-generation Dario Loison, who personally inspects all the ingredients that go into the company's top-line cakes to ensure quality is maintained. Made using a traditional sourdough method, each panettone takes 72 hours to make, resulting in a fluffy texture and rich flavour.

Loison Classic Panettone in Pink Tin, £26.50/1.5lbs, available from souschef.co.uk; loison.com

Selfridges

While most are hesitant to tamper with this centuries-old recipe, the department store has brought the classic bang up to date by incorporating an ever-popular ingredient – salted caramel. Infused with jewels of the rich, sticky sauce, it's worth a try for those who might have passed on the panettone at Christmas dinners past.

Selfridges Selection Salted Caramel Panettone, £24.99/2.2lbs; selfridges.com

John Lewis

Another for those who don't favour fruit-heavy cakes and puddings, this panettone from John Lewis eschews the typical candied fruit in favour of a smooth chocolate cream that runs throughout the cake. With the addition of chocolate chips cooked into the dough, it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for adults and children alike.

John Lewis Chocolate Panettone, £15/1.5lbs; johnlewis.com