Desserts

Pandoro tree

⏱ 30 min👤 12 pp★☆☆☆☆

The Pandoro is a classic Italian sweet yeast bread or cake, normally served during the Christmas holidays, loved by all, and so widely eaten that it is perhaps rather taken for granted. That’s why today we want to surprise you by showing how you can turn a run of the mill Pandoro into a sumptuous dessert worthy of a famous pastry chef. With just a few ingredients and a little imagination, your common or garden Pandoro will give character and style to your Christmas lunch, making gluttons out of everyone, young or old! Once cut laterally, every slice becomes a star with many points, and it will be easy to make our fabulous concoction, or you can make another shape using your own imagination. To make the wonderful filling follow what our chef does, step-by-step thanks to the pictures in our gallery, and you will get a result every bit as good as him! To work - and obviously Merry Christmas to you all!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
8g
Carbohydrates
52g
Fat
32g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Total time
Serves 12 persons
★☆☆☆☆ Easy

Preparation

Place the ricotta, icing sugar and mascarpone in a bowl and beat with an electric whisk until creamy and smooth. Add the maraschino liqueur and set aside. Cut the Pandoro bread laterally into 3cm thick slices with the classic star shape. Fill a pastry bag with the prepared creamy mixture, and spread it over the middle of the Pandoro slice (leaving the points of the star empty). Sprinkle with coarsely chopped chocolate. Cover with the second largest star shape, apply a layer of cream and one of dark chocolate. Continue in this manner, making layers with slices of Pandoro until all ingredients are used up. Sprinkle with icing sugar to taste. Whip the cream until stiff and fill the pastry bag once again, then make ‘clumps’ of cream at the unfilled tip of each slice of Pandoro. Place a cherry in the centre of each dollop of cream.

Tips
Pandoro is usually stuffed with whipped cream, mascarpone, cream, eggnog or melted chocolate; but you can also fill with the creamy ice cream, taste you more welcome.
Trivia
The Pandoro (Pan d’oro or ‘golden bread’) is named after the golden yellow of the egg-based dough. Some argue that it is an evolution of the historic Veronese dessert, the ‘Nadalin’, a cake shaped like a star that Veronese families made for Christmas.

Step by step

Prepare the creamy filling
Prepare the creamy filling
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Pandoro Tree with Ricotta and Mascarpone Cream

One of the most delicious variations of the Pandoro Tree is the one that includes a delightful ricotta and mascarpone cream. To prepare it, simply mix together the ricotta, powdered sugar, and mascarpone, beating everything until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. This cream makes the pandoro even softer and tastier. Once you have filled the pandoro with this cream, you can enrich the dessert with a sprinkle of chopped dark chocolate and, if you like, add some sour cherries for a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the dessert. This variation is perfect for those who love rich and creamy desserts, ideal for the holiday season or for a special snack.

Lombard Pandoro Tree with Sour Cherries

If you want to try a regional variation of the Pandoro Tree, you can opt for the Lombard version, characterized by the addition of sour cherries. This recipe enhances the typical flavors of Lombardy, where sour cherries are often used in desserts. The preparation remains similar to the traditional one, but the touch of sour cherries gives a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the pandoro. To make it, simply place the sour cherries on top of the mascarpone and ricotta cream before assembling the dessert. This not only makes the dessert aesthetically more beautiful but also offers a unique flavor that will delight your guests. Perfect for the holidays, this dessert represents a tribute to the Lombard pastry tradition.

Light Pandoro Tree without Sugar

For those looking for a lighter version of the Pandoro Tree, it is possible to prepare it without sugar. By using natural sweeteners or stevia instead of powdered sugar, you can keep the dessert tasty without compromising your diet. The ricotta and mascarpone cream can be sweetened with a healthy alternative, still maintaining a creamy and pleasant consistency. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of cream for desserts, making it lighter overall. This variation is ideal for those who want to enjoy a dessert during the holidays without feeling guilty. Although the light version may not have the same sweetness as the original recipe, it can still satisfy your sweet cravings, allowing you to celebrate in a healthier way.

Nutritional Benefits of the Pandoro Tree and Approximate Calories

The Pandoro Tree, made with ingredients like ricotta and mascarpone, offers some interesting nutritional benefits. Ricotta is a source of protein and calcium, important for bone health. It also contains less fat than other cheeses, making it a lighter choice. Mascarpone, although higher in calories, adds a unique creaminess to the dessert. On average, a serving of Pandoro Tree can contain about 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portion size. It is important to consume it in moderation, especially during the holidays, but it can be enjoyed as an occasional dessert to celebrate special moments with friends and family.

Can the Pandoro Tree be Frozen?

Freezing the Pandoro Tree is possible, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. If you want to preserve the dessert for a longer period, it is advisable to freeze it before filling it. This way, the consistency of the pandoro will remain intact and will not change once thawed. Once ready, you can wrap it well in plastic wrap or in a food bag before placing it in the freezer. When you decide to consume it, let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature. However, it is worth noting that the mascarpone and ricotta cream may not retain its original creaminess if frozen and thawed, so it is better to prepare it fresh at the time of serving. By following these tips, you can enjoy your Pandoro Tree even after several days without compromising too much on the flavor and quality of the dessert.