Panettone Vegan Recipe: Easy, Delicious Holiday Treats

Panettone is a classic Italian holiday bread loved worldwide for its fluffy texture and delightful combination of dried fruits. Traditionally, panettone contains eggs, butter, and milk, making it unsuitable for those following a vegan lifestyle.

But don’t worry—our vegan panettone recipe transforms this festive treat into a plant-based delight without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just curious to try a compassionate twist on this holiday staple, this recipe is perfect for you.

With simple ingredients and a bit of patience during the rising process, you’ll create a soft, airy bread packed with citrus zest, raisins, and candied orange peel. It’s an ideal centerpiece for your holiday table or a wonderful gift for loved ones.

Ready to bake your own vegan panettone? Let’s dive into this delicious journey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan panettone recipe is a game-changer for plant-based bakers. It offers:

• Authentic flavor with the bright zest of citrus and sweet bursts of dried fruits.
• Soft, airy texture that rivals traditional panettone thanks to clever use of aquafaba and vegan butter.
• Allergy-friendly ingredients that exclude dairy and eggs, perfect for vegans and those with sensitivities.
• Make-ahead convenience—it tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for holiday prep.
• Impress your friends and family with a homemade artisan bread that looks and tastes professionally made.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
• 6 tbsp aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas)
• 6 tbsp vegan butter, melted and cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ cup raisins, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained
• ½ cup chopped candied orange peel
• 1 tbsp rum or orange juice (optional, for soaking fruits)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional but helpful)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap for covering dough
• Panettone mold or high-sided round baking pan
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm almond milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates your yeast is alive and ready.
2. Prepare the aquafaba: Using a whisk or electric mixer, whip the aquafaba until it forms soft peaks, similar to egg whites. Set aside.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In the large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix well to distribute the salt evenly.
4. Combine wet ingredients: Add the melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and citrus zest to the yeast mixture. Stir gently to combine.
5. Make the dough: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer on low speed. Once the dough begins to come together, fold in the whipped aquafaba gently to incorporate air and tenderness.
6. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment on medium speed.
7. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
8. Add fruits: Drain the soaked raisins and toss them with flour to prevent sinking. Gently fold the raisins and candied orange peel into the risen dough.
9. Shape and second rise: Transfer the dough into a panettone mold or a deep baking pan lined with parchment paper. Cover again and allow it to rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy.
10. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
11. Bake: Bake the panettone for 35-40 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil midway through baking.
12. Cool: Remove from the oven and cool the panettone on a wire rack before slicing. This helps set the crumb and enhances flavor.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra moist panettone, try soaking your dried fruits in rum or orange juice overnight. This adds depth of flavor and keeps the fruits tender inside the bread.”

• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix designed for yeast breads, but expect a slightly different texture.
• Use different dried fruits: Chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or cherries work wonderfully as alternatives or additions.
• Flavor boost: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cardamom for a warm spice note.
• Vegan glaze: Brush the top with maple syrup and sprinkle sliced almonds before baking for a shiny, crunchy crust.
• Storage: Store panettone in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer shelf life.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan panettone is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it sliced fresh with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or your favorite dairy-free latte.

It also pairs beautifully with a smear of vegan butter or fruit preserves for breakfast or a snack.

For a decadent dessert, serve panettone toasted alongside vegan vanilla ice cream or dipped in a warm cup of spiced almond milk. You can also use leftovers to make a vegan bread pudding by layering panettone chunks with plant-based custard and baking until golden.

If you love experimenting with vegan baking, check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or try the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another sweet treat.

Conclusion

Making vegan panettone at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the inviting aroma of citrus, spices, and freshly baked bread. This recipe proves that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create a soft, flavorful, and festive bread that can stand proudly on any holiday table.

The slightly tangy yeast flavor combined with sweet dried fruits makes every bite a celebration of tradition and compassion.

With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy a vegan panettone that rivals the classic versions in taste and texture. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, this bread will bring warmth and joy to your celebrations.

For more plant-based recipes that complement your holiday baking, explore our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes. Happy baking and happy holidays!

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