2025 Panettone Guide : Delicious Christmas Treats
A curated edit of the most exceptional Italian panettones, from artisanal classics to modern luxury favourites.
Few festive traditions feel as elegant, or as indulgent, as slicing into a beautifully made panettone. The tall, domed Italian sweet bread has become a worldwide symbol of Christmas, yet its roots reach deep into Milanese history. A true panettone is naturally leavened, made using a slow-risen sourdough starter that can take several days to develop. This long fermentation is what creates its signature texture: a soft, feather-light crumb that tears in long, silky strands.
Recipes for enriched, sweetened breads date back nearly 200 years, but in 2005 Italy officially registered the name “panettone,” setting strict guidelines: it must be made with natural sourdough yeast, slow fermentation, and a generous amount of butter and egg yolks. Classic versions are studded with candied citrus peel and raisins, while today’s luxury interpretations explore pistachio, chocolate, hazelnut and more.
A great panettone feels almost impossibly light for its size, smells of butter, real vanilla and bright citrus, and tastes rich without ever feeling heavy. It is a craft of patience, technique and exceptional ingredients.
What to Look for in a Truly Exceptional Panettone
Origin: The finest panettones come from Italy. Many cheaper alternatives are produced elsewhere and compromise on texture and flavour.
Weight: Quality versions feel heavier — the result of more butter, more yolks, and better hydration.
Aroma: When a panettone is cut, its fragrance should bloom vanilla, citrus, butter.
Taste: Rich, balanced sweetness with depth from quality sugar and flour.
Texture: It should pull apart in long, ribbon-like strands. A crumbly texture often signals inferior production.
The Fluxx Luxury Panettone Guide 2025
Sous Chef Milano Panettone (1kg) — £28.99
Made in Milan, this version is bright, citrus-led and wonderfully light. Traditional in flavour, refined in technique, and excellent value for artisan quality.
Ideal for: Those who love authentic, understated craft.
Waitrose No.1 Hazelnut Crème Panettone (750g) — £20
Soft, glossy and generously filled with hazelnut crème, this is a modern, gianduja-inspired take that remains refined. Excellent quality for the price.
Ideal for: Chocolate lovers, festive brunch tables.
Birley Bakery Classic Panettone (1kg) — £48
A luxurious interpretation featuring Sicilian candied orange, Valencian almonds and Tahitian vanilla. Silky, indulgent and incredibly aromatic — one of the most premium options available.
Ideal for: High-end gifting and festive showstoppers.
M&S Italian Nocciolato Panettone (1kg)
A chocolate-forward panettone with cocoa-rich aromas and soft chocolate drops. Comforting, generous and perfect for festive family gatherings.
Ideal for: Chocolate celebrations and dessert tables.
Lina Stores Traditional Panettone (500g) — £18.95
A beautifully executed classic from London’s cult Italian deli. Buttery, citrusy and feather-light with a nostalgic flavour profile. Packaged in their signature mint-green wrap.
Ideal for: Host gifts, purists, Christmas stockings.
Fortnum & Mason Christmas Limoncello Panettone, 800g - £49.95
A tantalising twist on the Italian classic, the Limoncello Panettone features fragrant candied lemons folded into a delicately crafted sourdough that’s been patiently proved for 48 hours. The result is a beautifully light, citrus-laced panettone with a festive touch.
Petersham Nurseries x Bonifante Artisan Panettone — £29.50
A fragrant, slow-risen panettone made by master Italian baker Bonifante. Light, delicately perfumed and beautifully wrapped.
Ideal for: Design lovers and stylish festive gifting.
Claridge’s Panettone — £55
An ultra-luxury version with Art Deco packaging and an immaculate crumb. Rich, buttery, deeply aromatic — a statement piece for any festive table.
Ideal for: Luxury hampers, serious food lovers.
Angela Hartnett x Waitrose Panettone Classico (750g) — £25
Chef Angela Hartnett brings Italian precision to this refined, traditional panettone. Balanced sweetness, excellent vanilla notes and beautiful texture.
Ideal for: Foodies and chef-led gift giving.
Harrods Classic Panettone (750g)
Soft, rich and impeccably presented — everything you expect from Harrods. A golden crumb with citrus and vanilla notes that linger beautifully.
Ideal for: International gifting and luxury hampers.
Selfridges Selection Classic Panettone (1000g) — £29.99
This Selfridges edition offers exceptional balance for the price — a full kilogram of buttery, citrus-studded dough with fragrant vanilla and a soft, elastic crumb. The iconic yellow packaging makes it instantly gift-ready.
Ideal for: Stylish gifting, office celebrations, traditionalists.
Carluccio’s Panettone con Crema Zabaione (950g) — £29.95
A classic Milanese-style panettone elevated with silky zabaglione cream. Light, aromatic and beautifully balanced, with vanilla, citrus and subtle custard notes throughout.
Ideal for: Christmas morning or elegant gifting.
The Fluxx XMAS Slice
Whether you lean towards heritage-rich classics or modern, chocolate-filled indulgence, panettone is the most elegant way to bring Italian warmth to the festive season. The loaves in our Fluxx edit celebrate craft, flavour and design — perfect for gifting, entertaining or simply savouring with coffee on a slow, wintry morning.