Panettone: History of the Italian Christmas Cake

Panettone is the most famous Italian Christmas cake, but few people know its history and origins. The origins of this dessert are linked to many legends, but one in particular is the best documented: panettone was invented in the fifteenth century at the court of Ludovico il Moro, Lord of Milan.

The legend of panettone in Milan

The origins of this delicacy are lost in time, and its birth is linked to numerous legends. The most famous one says that panettone was born in the fifteenth century at the court of Ludovico il Moro, Lord of Milan.

On Christmas Eve, during the banquet, the official cook of the Sforza family accidentally burned a cake. Toni, the kitchen boy, used a piece of leavened dough he had saved for Christmas to rescue the situation. He worked it, adding flour, eggs, raisins, candied fruit and sugar, and obtained a particularly well-risen and soft dough.

The Sforzas named it "pan di Toni", and it looked more like a loaf of bread than a dessert. Instead of the less noble flours, wheat flour began to be used for Christmas, and the dough was enriched with candied fruit and raisins.

Starred, artisanal, traditional or filled: it's time for panettone!

Panettone is a Christmas must-have, and pastry chefs offer a wide selection of excellent versions.

The choices are endless, from traditional to filled. Among them: apple and cinnamon, pears and gianduja. A real taste sensation.

Plan your next programme with us: discover Milan and Signature experiences.