Winter's Panettone 850 g

Winter's panettone is the great classic of Peruvian festivities: a soft, fragrant leavened cake enriched with sweet raisins and chopped candied fruit. When sliced, it reveals an airy, soft crumb and an inviting golden colour, releasing an intense aroma of vanilla and citrus that immediately fills the room.

The sweet symbol of the festive season in Peru

In South America, and in Peru in particular, December does not truly begin until the first box of panetón appears on the table. Winter's is one of the most cherished historic brands in Andean and coastal households, inextricably linked to childhood memories and gatherings with the whole family around the table.

Unlike the Milanese version from which it distantly originates, Peruvian panettone has developed its own distinctive identity, featuring a soft, sweet dough enriched with colourful candied fruit that brings a delightful fruity note to every slice.

How to serve it according to tradition

Enjoying Winter's panettone is a simple ritual that requires no elaborate preparation, but is at its best when following a few small tips:

• The ideal temperature: before slicing it, leave it in a warm room for an hour if your home is cool, so that the fats in the dough soften and the crumb regains its fluffiness.
• The right cut: use a long, serrated knife, slicing with gentle motions without pressing down on the dome to avoid compressing the crumb.
• Spreading butter: cut a thick slice and, in true Peruvian fashion, spread a thin layer of slightly salted butter over it before taking a bite.

Ideal pairings and hot chocolate

In Peru, panettone is rarely served on its own. Its companion of choice is the classic chocolatada, a steaming mug of hot chocolate infused with cinnamon sticks and cloves, prepared thick and fragrant.

The contrast between the spiced sweetness of the hot cocoa and the buttery dough of the cake creates a perfect balance, ideal for European winter evenings too. If you prefer a cold drink, you can accompany it with a glass of fresh milk or a well-roasted American filter coffee.

Best times of day to enjoy it

Although it originated as the star of Nochebuena, Christmas Eve, this festive cake is enjoyed at any time of day throughout the holiday season:

• For breakfast: a generous slice dipped in warm milk or coffee to start the day with energy.
• For afternoon tea: the quintessential afternoon treat, served in slices on a platter in the centre of the table alongside hot chocolate.
• After dinner: as a dessert at the end of festive meals or as an informal snack while catching up with loved ones.

Ideas for leftover slices

If you have a few slices left over after the holidays, you can easily turn them into delicious breakfast treats in just a few steps:

• French toast: dip the slices into a mixture of beaten egg and milk, and brown on both sides in a frying pan with a knob of butter.
• Toasted: pop the slice in a toaster or on a hot griddle for two minutes until the surface is crisp and the candied fruit caramelises slightly.
• Bread and butter pudding: cut the cake into cubes, arrange in a baking dish with milk, eggs, and sugar, and bake in a bain-marie until golden brown.

How to store Winter's panettone

As long as the packaging remains sealed, the product is best kept in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources and sunlight. Never store it in the fridge, as the moisture and cold tend to harden the crumb quickly.

Once the inner bag is opened, reseal it carefully using the original wire tie or a food clip. This helps the cake retain its natural softness and aroma for several days without drying out.

Yield and servings for the 850g size

The 850g pack is the standard family size par excellence. This size easily provides around 8 to 10 generous slices, perfect for serving a large family or a group of guests during a festive gathering.

Who it is perfect for

This cake is designed for anyone wishing to bring the authentic flavours of South American Christmas festivities to their table, for Peruvians living abroad seeking the taste of tradition, and for anyone curious to try a fruity, delicious variation of the classic holiday bake.

Frequently asked questions

How is it different from traditional Italian panettone?

Peruvian panettone generally has a denser, more aromatic crumb, with pronounced citrus and vanilla notes and a characteristic abundance of colourful diced candied fruit.

Can I warm Winter's panettone before serving?

Yes, you can warm individual slices in a warm oven for a few minutes or briefly heat them on a griddle to enhance the aroma of the butter and candied fruit.

Does the pack already include the chocolate for pairing?

No, the pack includes only the 850g leavened cake; Peruvian tablet chocolate for the hot drink must be purchased separately.