Genoese Pandolce
Pandolce genovese
The Christmas cake of Genoa: a low leavened bread with raisins, pine nuts, candied citron, marsala and orange blossoms.
Genoese pandolce (also called 'sweet bread') is Genoa's most characteristic Christmas cake. Tradition dictates that it should be brought to the table by the youngest member of the family, and whoever finds a branch from that time in the cake must cut it off. There are two versions: the ancient pandolce (tall, leavened with sourdough starter) and the low pandolce (more widespread today, with baking powder).
Instructions
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3 steps · natural Italian voice
Prepare the dough
Soak it upraisins In the MarsalaCream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Combine flour, baking powder, and flavorings (orange blossom, fennel, orange zest). Add raisins drained, pine nuts and cedar.
Shape and let rest
30 minForm a round and slightly flattened loaf (not high). Place it on parchment paperMake cross-shaped incisions. Let rest for 30 minutes.
Cook
60 minBake at 170°C (338°F) for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before slicing.
Chef's Tips
The Marsala in the'raisins It's essential for the aroma. Low pandolce is dense and compact: don't expect something as soft as panettone. It will keep for 1-2 weeks at room temperature.
The story
Candied fruit, raisins, pine nuts and the scents of Marsala and orange blossoms are the identifying ingredients.
Ingredients
- (14.11 oz) 400 g of 00 flour
- (5.29 oz) 150 g butter
- (5.29 oz) 150 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- (3.53 oz) 100 g of raisins
- (1.76 oz) 50 g pine nuts
- (1.76 oz) 50 g of candied citron
- (1.69 fl oz) 50 ml of Marsala
- Orange blossom water
- 1 packet Of baking powder
- Fennel seeds
- Orange peel
Can't find it in the US?
- 00 flourMost US supermarkets
All-purpose flour, same weight
Or: Bread flour for pizza and bread
- candied fruitMostly online
Candied orange or lemon peel
- MarsalaLiquor stores
Dry Madeira
Or: Dry sherry (add a pinch of sugar for sweet Marsala)
Avoid salted "cooking Marsala".
- baking powderUS equivalent
1 Italian packet (bustina) = 16 g = about 4 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
Or: For lievito vanigliato also add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
⚠️ Automatic ingredient-based detection. Always check product labels.
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