This dome-shaped panettone consists of buttery, rich brioche bread studded with chopped candied orange peel, raisins, and chunks of dark chocolate. The brioche is made with a special natural yeast and the dough rises three times—or almost 20 hours—before baking.

Panettone is traditionally served after the Christmas meal along with a glass of dessert wine or bubbly wine, accompanied by dishes of mixed nuts, dried fruit, torrone, and other holiday confections. Panettone can be warmed for a few minutes in a very hot oven and served with crème anglaise or fresh cream whisked with mascarpone. Leftover panettone makes a delicious French toast or bread pudding.