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.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
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
-
Can Mike Johnson keep his job?Today's Big Question GOP women come after the House leader
-
A postapocalyptic trip to Sin City, a peek inside Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour, and an explicit hockey romance in December TVthe week recommends This month’s new television releases include ‘Fallout,’ ‘Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era’ and ‘Heated Rivalry’
-
‘These accounts clearly are designed as a capitalist alternative’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
May your loved ones eat, drink and be merry with these 9 edible Christmas giftsThe Week Recommends Let them eat babka (and cheese and licorice)
-
Best panettones for Christmas 2025: tried and tastedThe Week Recommends Festive, fluffy and full of joy, these panettones provide magic in every bite
-
Classic mince pies for the festive seasonThe Week Recommends The countdown to Christmas, and all its edible treats, has begun
-
The best Christmas theatre shows across the UKThe Week Recommends Tip-top festive ballets, plays and comedies to book up now
-
10 great advent calendars for everyone (including the dog)The Week Recommends Countdown with cocktails, jams and Legos
-
Giorgio Armani obituary: designer revolutionised the business of fashionIn the Spotlight ‘King Giorgio’ came from humble beginnings to become a titan of the fashion industry and redefine 20th-century clothing
-
The ultimate Christmas No. 1sTalking Point From Band Aid and Mariah to Wham! and the Pogues, these are the seasonally successful festive favourites
-
The unstoppable rise of the Christmas jumperIn The Spotlight The novelty garments have fallen in and out of fashion over the past 70 years
