Panettone vs. Pandoro: What’s the Real Difference?
If you walk into an Italian household in December, you’ll likely find not one but two signature holiday cakes: Panettone and Pandoro. They sit side by side on Christmas tables every year, sparking a classic debate: are you team Panettone or team Pandoro? While both are festive favorites, they couldn’t be more different…in origin, flavour, and personality.
Where They Come From
Panettone is Milanese, rooted in Renaissance luxury and celebrated for its rich fillings.
Pandoro, meanwhile, comes from Verona. Its name means “golden bread,” a nod to its bright yellow crumb and buttery simplicity.
Together, they represent two sides of Italian holiday culture: indulgence and elegance.
What Makes Panettone Unique
Panettone is tall, domed, and filled with candied fruit and raisins. It’s airy, fragrant, and slightly tangy from natural yeast (lievito madre). Its complexity comes from the long fermentation process that develops its signature flavour.
What Makes Pandoro Special
Pandoro is shaped like an eight-pointed star and dusted generously with vanilla icing sugar. It has:
A soft, cake-like texture
A delicate flavour
A buttery sweetness that appeals to kids and adults alike
Unlike Panettone, Pandoro contains no candied fruit: which makes it the perfect blank canvas for toppings like mascarpone cream, pistachio sauce, Nutella or custard.
How We Eat Them in Italy
Panettone is served sliced, often paired with spumante, dessert wines, or espresso. Many families enjoy it after Christmas lunch or during festive aperitivos.
Pandoro is either sliced horizontally to create star-shaped layers, then dusted with its signature icing sugar, or cut vertically following the eight shaped lines. It’s commonly eaten at breakfast or as dessert, often warmed slightly to bring out the butter.
Which One Is “Better”?
Ask any Italian, and you’ll start a friendly argument. Some swear by the bold citrus notes of Panettone; others love the pure simplicity of Pandoro. The truth? They belong together: both offer distinct holiday experiences and are both a must have under your Christmas tree and on your dinner table.
Find them at Lina’s
For three decades, we’ve helped Calgary families choose their favourite holiday sweet…or take home both. Whether you're a Panettone person, a Pandoro loyalist (or a bit of both), we’re proud to bring these beloved traditions from Italy to your table each Christmas.
Pandoro (top) or Panettone (bottom) - which team are you?
