Panettone is a traditional festive cake from Italy that is quickly becoming a Christmas favorite among Brits. The cake comes in a variety of flavors, making it an appealing choice for the holiday season. Laura Stott tested several supermarket panettones in preparation for Christmas and gave her verdict on the best options available. Each cake was rated on a scale of one to five based on taste, texture, and overall quality.
One of the panettones tested was Aldi’s Specially Selected Pistachio, priced at £5.99 for a 750g cake. This cake was praised for its strong pistachio flavor, with generous amounts of nutty cream and chocolate chips throughout. The brioche-style sponge was slightly crumbly but moist, making it a cake-like treat perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or a festive drink. The cake received a rating of 4 out of 5.
Tesco’s Finest Tiramisu offering, priced at £12.50 for a 790g cake, came in a large box but was found to have a smaller sponge than expected. The coffee, cream, and chocolate flavors were lacking, and the sponge was dry with uneven filling distribution. Despite the high price point, the cake was disappointing overall, earning a low rating of 1 out of 5.
Lidl’s Deluxe Chocolate And Orange panettone, priced at £6.99 for an 800g cake, was praised for its buttery bread that was rich and indulgent yet light and fluffy. The cake was packed with dark chocolate chips and orange peel, with subtle flavors and a dry texture. This affordable option was deemed a useful all-rounder to have on hand, earning a rating of 4 out of 5.
Tesco’s Nomma Limoncello panettone, priced at £6 for a 500g cake, was found to be average in taste. Despite the promise of authentic Italian flavors with limoncello, the cake fell short of expectations with a lack of excitement and only subtle citrus notes. The sponge was adequate but not outstanding, and more candied fruit pieces would have improved the overall experience. The cake received a rating of 3 out of 5.
Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Limoncello panettone, priced at £10.50 for an 800g cake, was packaged beautifully with a festive yellow bow. The cake, made with concentrated butter, was moist and featured a limoncello filling topped with a hazelnut glaze and sugar nibs. With a 12% liqueur content, the cake had a nice festive kick and a delicious aroma. The cake received a rating of 4 out of 5.
The Gran Ducale Tiramisu And Chocolate Chip panettone, priced at £12.99 for a 750g cake on Amazon, was considered the winner by Laura Stott. This authentic Italian-made panettone had a soft and fluffy sponge with a perfect texture, abundant coffee cream, and high-quality chocolate pieces. The cake was filling and worth the slightly higher price point, delivering an incredible taste and eating experience. The cake was awarded a rating of 5 out of 5, making it a standout choice for Christmas celebrations.