Name: Eggless Panettone
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup warm milk; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp orange zest; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1/2 cup raisins; 1/3 cup candied orange peel; 2 tbsp rum or orange juice; 1 egg wash substitute or milk for brushing; Pearl sugar or sliced almonds for topping

Why You’ll Love Eggless Panettone Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants homemade panettone with a simpler method. The dough is mixed in one bowl, rises slowly for a light texture, and bakes into a beautiful holiday bread with classic Italian flavor. It is also a great option for egg-free baking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lukewarm water
Honey
Active dry yeast or instant yeast
Sugar
Milk
Turmeric powder, optional
Orange zest
Vanilla extract
Strong bread flour
Unsalted butter
Raisins
Candied orange or mixed candied fruit

Directions

Prepare a tall panettone mold using parchment paper and a springform pan, or use a traditional panettone paper mold.

Mix lukewarm water, honey, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit briefly until the yeast activates. Add milk, sugar, turmeric, orange zest, and vanilla, then mix well.

Add the flour gradually, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Slowly incorporate the softened or melted butter until fully absorbed. The dough should be soft, sticky, and elastic.

Cover and let the dough rise until doubled in size. Soak the raisins, drain them well, and pat them dry.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, fold it gently, then add the raisins and candied fruit. Shape into a ball and place it in the prepared mold.

Cover and refrigerate overnight, then let it rest at room temperature before baking until it rises close to the top of the mold.

Score a cross on top, add a small piece of butter, and bake until golden and cooked through. Let cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Rising time: 16 hours
Total time: 17 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Use chocolate chips instead of candied fruit for a sweeter version.

Add dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots for a fruitier panettone.

Use lemon zest with orange zest for a brighter citrus flavor.

Add a little almond extract for a bakery-style aroma.

Top slices with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooled panettone tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.

To refresh slices, warm them in a toaster or under the oven grill for a few minutes.

You can also freeze sliced panettone for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm before serving.

FAQs

Can I make panettone without eggs?

Yes. This recipe is designed to be eggless while still staying soft, rich, and fluffy.

Do I need a panettone mold?

No. You can make a tall mold using parchment paper and a springform pan.

Why is turmeric added?

Turmeric gives the dough a warm yellow color similar to traditional panettone, but the small amount does not affect the flavor.

Can I skip the candied fruit?

Yes. You can replace it with chocolate chips, dried fruit, or more raisins.

Why is my dough sticky?

Panettone dough should be sticky and soft. This helps create a tender, airy texture.

Can I use all-purpose flour?

Strong bread flour is better because it helps the panettone rise tall and hold its shape.

Can I make it without a stand mixer?

Yes. This is a no-knead recipe and can be mixed by hand with a spatula.

Can I let it rise at room temperature instead of overnight?

Yes. You can let it rise in a warm place until it reaches near the top of the mold.

How do I know when it is baked?

It should be golden on top, and a skewer inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I freeze panettone?

Yes. Slice it first, freeze the slices, and reheat them when needed.

Conclusion

Eggless panettone is a beautiful holiday bake that feels special without being complicated. With no kneading, no eggs, and no required store-bought mold, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy a soft, fragrant, homemade panettone any time you want a festive treat.