In our last article, we explored the rich origins of Panettone. Today, we’ll turn our attention to Pandoro, another iconic Christmas dessert that holds a special place in Italian homes during the festive season. Soft, golden, and shaped like a star, Pandoro is a treat that wins over both young and old. While Panettone divides opinions with its candied fruits, Pandoro seems to unite palates in universal delight. But where does this mouth-watering dessert come from? Its origins are wrapped in history, legend, and a bit of golden magic.
A touch of legend
The name Pandoro—meaning “golden bread”—is said to come from a cry of amazement. According to legend, a pastry apprentice marveled at the golden color of the dough and exclaimed, “Pan d’oro!” (golden bread). This story is just one of the many tales surrounding its origin. Some historians trace Pandoro back to ancient Rome. In a text by Pliny the Elder, there’s mention of panis, a bread enriched with flour, butter, and oil. The chef Vergilius Stephanus Senex reportedly prepared this luxurious bread for Roman banquets. Another reference comes from 16th-century Venice. Wealthy Venetian families enjoyed pane de oro—a golden, buttery bread—during grand feasts. It reflected both their wealth and the splendor of the city. Others believe Pandoro evolved from Vienna Bread, a Habsburg delicacy rich in butter, or perhaps from Nadalin, a star-shaped dessert from Verona, also prepared with butter.
Pandoro: a slice of history
While its origins remain debated, Pandoro as we know it today was born in Verona. On October 14, 1884, pastry chef Domenico Melegatti patented the recipe that would become a Christmas classic. Melegatti drew inspiration from Levà, an ancient Veronese cake prepared by village women. Traditionally, they covered it with almonds and sugar. Melegatti adapted the recipe, adding eggs and butter to make the dough softer. He also removed the crunchy topping, creating a dessert with a smooth, golden texture.
The dessert’s iconic star shape, with its eight-pointed pyramid mold, was the work of Angelo Dall’Oca Bianca, a painter and friend of Melegatti. This beautiful design transformed this sweet into a Christmas masterpiece.
A timeless Christmas dessert
Today, Pandoro remains a staple of Italian Christmas celebrations, alongside Panettone. However, making Pandoro at home is no easy task. Its preparation demands patience, precision, and time—lots of time. The process takes up to 36 hours, with at least 10 hours of leavening and seven dough cycles. The result, though, is pure magic. Its soft, buttery crumb, delicate sweetness, and dusting of powdered sugar make Pandoro a festive favorite. It’s no wonder so many families prefer to buy this golden delight from trusted pastry shops or brands rather than attempting it at home.
Pandoro vs. Panettone: the eternal debate
At Eat & Walk Italy, we still can’t decide which we love more: Pandoro or Panettone. Each has its charm. Panettone, with its candied fruits and raisins, represents tradition and complexity. Pandoro, on the other hand, embodies simplicity and elegance. And you? What’s your favorite Christmas dessert? Do you prefer the golden simplicity of Pandoro or the rich tradition of Panettone? Whichever you choose, both desserts tell a story of Italy’s passion for food, tradition, and celebration. At Eat & Walk Italy, we still can’t decide which we love more: Pandoro or Panettone. Each has its charm. Panettone, with its candied fruits and raisins, represents tradition and complexity. Pandoro, on the other hand, embodies simplicity and elegance.
The choice often comes down to personal taste and family traditions. For many Italians, Panettone evokes nostalgia. Its origins in Milan, combined with its rich, airy texture and bursts of flavor from fruits and raisins, make it a timeless Christmas centerpiece. Sharing a slice of Panettone with loved ones feels like partaking in centuries-old history. Yet, Pandoro offers something different—a blank canvas of flavor. Its soft, buttery crumb appeals to those who prefer a more subtle sweetness. Unlike Panettone, which carries complex flavors, Pandoro celebrates purity. Its golden, star-shaped form dusted with powdered sugar brings a sense of magic to the table. Many children, in particular, favor Pandoro, as its simplicity and lack of fruit make it more universally appealing.
(fonte immagine: Freepik)
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