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    Home » Recipes

    April 1, 2014 Baking

    Sicilian Orange Sweet Bread -Pane di Pasqua

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    Sicilian Orange Sweet Bread is a stunning citrus infused bread. Super fluffy and worth the effort to put together. Just perfect for Christmas or Easter morning.
     
    overhead image of sicilian orange sweet bread

     

    When another challenge for #TwelveLoaves comes around, I'm always a little nervous. Maybe not nervous, but sort of anxious. I sometimes think I know exactly what to bake and it involves yeast. I also sometimes think I'm really going to go the much easier route and do a non-yeast bread. I am in love with this Sicilian Orange Sweet Bread...let me tell you the story!

    Sicilian Orange Sweet Bread

    I love baking bread! I love baking yeast breads. I love baking quick breads! Obviously, the quick breads are much easier to put together. There are so many variations in quick bread recipes and a very tempting part in making them is the ease and speed! I'm not saying I'm not ever going to do a quick bread type of recipe for the #TwelveLoaves challenges. For now, I'm still experimenting with yeast recipes.

    So far our theme of Oranges, I knew it had to be something for Easter. There are different types of breads that are wonderful for Easter and I've shared a couple here: a gorgeous Italian Easter wreath and these guti di pasqua.

    overhead image of bread with almonds and sugar on top

     

    Here is our fantastic April-Oranges breads from the incredible #TwelveLoaves bakers:
    • Blueberry Dreamsicle Orange Lower-Fat Quick Bread from Shockingly Delicious
    • Brith with candied orange from Ma che ti sei mangiato
    • It's Thyme for Orange Dinner Rolls from Cookistry
    • Orange Biscuits from Magnolia Days
    • Orange-Fennel Cake Doughnuts from girlichef
    • Orange Marmalade Filled Sweet Rolls from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
    • Orange Marmalade Scones from A Baker's House
    • Orange Pull-Apart Bread from All That's Left Are The Crumbs
    • Orange Pull Apart Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Glaze from Bakingyummies
    • Orange Rolls from Basic N Delicious
    • Orange Rosemary Boule from Food Lust People Love
    • Orange You Delicious Honey Crescent Rolls from Kudos Kitchen By Renee
    • Pizza di Pasqua from Karen's Kitchen Stories
    • Rye and fennel seeds snails with blood oranges and red onion chutney from Rise of the sourdough preacher
    • Sicilian Orange Sweet Bread from Savoring Italy
    • Strawberry and Orange Quick Bread with Candied Orange Marmalade from Hip Foodie Mom

    overhead image of slice of bread on white plate

     

    #TwelveLoaves April: Oranges. The month of March was filled with gorgeous strawberry breads! We have chosen ORANGES for our April theme! Let's get baking!

    overhead image of slice of bread on white plate

    When I found a Sicilian lemon and orange bread that inspired me, I decided I was going to bake it in a round cake pan with the removable bottom. I was looking around my kitchen frustrated because the bottom of the pan wasn't closing correctly and the dough was ready to go to the next phase.

    I found some panettone papers that I picked up on sale at Sur la Table. I'm still dreaming of baking a panettone since before Christmas. I tossed the dough into the paper and I said a little prayer. It wasn't looking as puffy as it was minutes before in the bowl. I really thought that something had gone wrong and that the dough would never fill my paper even halfway. I covered it and walked away and I didn't even peak while it was rising. I waited and waited and then....whoa!!

    overhead image of dough in baking paper

     

    The magical thing happened that all bread bakers hope for when working with yeast: this bread rose and it rose to beautiful proportions! See, I added orange marmalade to the recipe and the dough was a little wet. I had to add a little flour as I was combining it and I thought I messed around too much with this dough. I didn't want to give up total hope, but I was prepared mentally to start a different bread the next day.
     
    overhead image of dough rising in paper liner
     
    overhead image of round loaf of bread with almond slices and sugar on top

    Pin it to your BREAD, ITALIAN FOOD, or DESSERT board to SAVE for later!

    Find me on Pinterest for more great recipes!  I am always pinning :)!

     

    My husband saw me take it out of the oven and told me I needed to hang it upside down to cool or it will it will deflate.  I explained to Fabrizio that this isn't a panettone recipe. I just happened to use my panettone paper and it is actually a challah dough recipe! No butter, but vegetable oil. I did use the almond topping the baker suggests with this recipe. It wasn't very thick and it does drizzle around the sides. I wiped the sides of my bread. I happened to have pearl sugar and tossed some of that on top too! This is my riff on an Italian Colomba. My sort of faux-panettone.

     

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     Sicilian Orange Sweet Bread

    Sicilian Orange Sweet Bread is a stunning citrus infused bread. Super fluffy and worth the effort to put together. Just perfect for Christmas or Easter morning.
    Prep Time1 hr 30 mins
    Cook Time40 mins
    Course: Bread
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: braided bread, Christmas bread, Easter bread, yeast dough
    Author: Lora

    Ingredients

    • BREAD
    • 1 package 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
    • 1 cup warm water no more than 110°F [43°C]
    • 1/3 cup sugar
    • 4 1/2 to 5 cups bread flour or 5 1/2 to 6 cups bleached all-purpose flour
    • 3 eggs
    • 1/4 cup peanut corn, or canola oil
    • 2 tsp salt
    • finely grated zest of one orange
    • juice of 1/2 orange
    • 1/4 cup candied orange peel
    • 1/2 cup orange marmalade
    • TOPPING
    • 2 medium egg whites
    • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
    • 1/4 cup ground almonds
    • 1/4 cup flaked almonds
    • 1/4 cup pearl sugar

    Instructions

    • In a mixer, with a dough hook attachment, add the warm water and yeast.
    • Mix until blended. Add the sugar and mix about a minute. Slowly mix in 1 cup of the flour until combined. Mix in the eggs one at a time until they are combined.
    • Add another 2 cups of the flour, oil, salt, orange zest, orange juice and candied orange peel. Mix together on medium-low speed stopping the machine to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
    • Slowly add the rest of the flour and mix until combined. Stop the machine as you add each cup of the flour to scrape the sides of the bowl and incorporate the flour.
    • Mix on low speed for about 3 minutes until dough is incorporated. Be sure to give your mixer a break and as you don’t want to burn it out. Add flour if needed 1 tablespoon at a time. The dough will be a little sticky but also firm.
    • Take dough out of mixer bowl, form into a ball and coat with a light film of canola oil.
    • Form the dough into a ball and place into an oiled bowl (when I put the dough in the bowl ( I swish the dough around the bottom of the bowl and then flip it over so all of the dough is covered in a light film of oil).
    • Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size (about 1-1 1/2 hours).
    • While dough is rising, in a small bowl stir together the egg whites, powdered sugar and ground almonds.
    • Preheat oven to 375 F.
    • Punch down the dough. Gently incorporate the orange marmalade into the dough.
    • (I added it in spoonfuls. I added a spoon at a time kneading along after each addition, trying to keep the marmalade within the dough and not around the outside of the dough.) I added a little flour at the end and gave it one final knead into a ball.)
    • Add the dough to your panettone baking paper or 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper lined around with a removable bottom. Let the dough rise until it reaches the top of the pan (or panettone paper).
    • Bake the bread for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the bread. Spoon on the almond topping. Some of it may drip down the sides (you can carefully wipe it with a paper towel). Sprinkle on the flaked almonds and pearl sugar.
    • Lower the heat to 350 F and return the bread to the oven. Continue baking for about another 15-20 minutes. The bread should be golden brown. Ovens may vary so check your bread after 15 minutes to see how it’s doing. You test if it’s done by tapping the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it needs a bit more time.
    • Remove bread. Let it cool and serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @savoringitaly or tag #savoringitaly!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says

      April 01, 2014 at 6:35 am

      I love these kinds of sweetbreads. This looks amazing!

      Reply
    2. Lou says

      April 01, 2014 at 6:38 am

      Oh Lora!
      You knew I was looking forward to your recipe.
      It looks simply stunning!
      I can only imagine the softness of the dough...
      Wonderful, simply wonderful!
      Baci
      Lou

      Reply
    3. Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says

      April 01, 2014 at 7:31 am

      Lora!!! Oh my gawd!!! so so beautiful!!! Pinned and making a trip to Sur la table or online soon!!! this is so gorgeous! I love that you challenge yourself every month! love this so much!

      Reply
    4. Stacy says

      April 01, 2014 at 8:40 am

      That, my friend, that is what we bakers of yeast bread LIVE for! When the dough rises up and exceeds all your hopes, never mind your expectations. What a gorgeous loaf, Lora!

      Reply
    5. Heather // girlichef says

      April 01, 2014 at 8:59 am

      This is absolutely stunning, Lora! And I love how the panettone mold have it that beautiful height. LOVE.

      Reply
    6. Liz says

      April 01, 2014 at 9:17 am

      Wow, what a magnificent Easter bread! The texture looks amazing...perfect for a nice smear of butter!!

      Reply
    7. Rossella says

      April 01, 2014 at 10:33 am

      Are you anxious? You're always great for Twelve Loaves (and not only for it).
      I'm anxious too. I want to propose something new each time.
      Your Sicilian Easter Bread is really great.

      Reply
    8. Paula - bell'alimento says

      April 01, 2014 at 11:07 am

      Oh cara this looks amazing!

      Reply
    9. Renee says

      April 01, 2014 at 11:18 am

      Brilliant of you to use the panettone paper for the bread. What a stunning loaf it turned out to be and with such a light and airy texture. Bravo!

      Reply
    10. Bakingyummies says

      April 01, 2014 at 1:41 pm

      It may not be a panettone but it certainly looks like one. The crumb is beautiful and your bread looks great especially the top with all those almonds and sugar pearls.

      Reply
    11. Orange Rolls #TwelveLoaves | Basic N Delicious says

      April 01, 2014 at 3:02 pm

      […] Sicilian Orange Sweet Bread from Cake Duchess […]

      Reply
    12. Lauren says

      April 01, 2014 at 3:38 pm

      Whoa! I am impressed!

      Reply
    13. Courtney @ Neighborfood says

      April 01, 2014 at 4:23 pm

      Wow! What an incredibly lofty, gorgeous loaf of bread! I'm loving all the orange flavors too. It's perfect for this season.

      Reply
    14. GourmetGetaways says

      April 01, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      This looks so delicious!! I would love to be involved in this challenge next month!

      Reply
    15. Susan says

      April 01, 2014 at 5:50 pm

      What i gorgeous bread and I can only imagine how incredible it smelled and the smell it brought into the kitchen! I love yeasty sweet breads and this is making me want a slice!

      Reply
    16. Lady Lilith says

      April 01, 2014 at 9:33 pm

      I am with you on the bread. Quick easy and tasty.

      Reply
    17. Karen @ Karen's Kitchen Stories says

      April 02, 2014 at 2:29 am

      Oh my goodness Lora. Just beautiful. I too was looking for the right pan to bake my bread and found panettone papers that I'd gotten from Sur la Table. Worked beautifully. Great minds think alike. I have hung my sourdough panettone upside down to prevent collapsing. I stick skewers through the panettone papers and hang them from my dining chairs! xo

      Reply
    18. Kim Beaulieu says

      April 02, 2014 at 3:53 am

      Oh Lora, this is just stunning. I can't take my eyes of it. Gorgeous bread and beautiful presentation on this.

      Reply
    19. Felice/All That's Left Are The Crumbs says

      April 02, 2014 at 4:19 am

      Your bread is simply stunning Lora. I have been trying to stick to yeast breads since joining the group because I want to become comfortable baking any kind of bread too. I am looking forward to trying this, although I am kind of sad that I won't be able to bake it in a panettone paper since here is no way I would find them here. I'm sure I have a 9-inch pan so I'll try it in that.

      Reply
    20. Blueberry Dreamsicle Orange Lower-Fat Quick Bread — Shockingly Delicious says

      April 02, 2014 at 8:40 am

      […] Sicilian Orange Sweet Bread from Cake Duchess […]

      Reply
    21. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says

      April 02, 2014 at 8:46 am

      Ha, I'm busy taking the easy way out and you set yourself up for a new challenge each month. LOVE YOUR BREAD! The topping is to die for.

      Reply
    22. Jamie says

      April 02, 2014 at 9:06 am

      Lora, this is absolutely stunning!! Gorgeous! The texture does look more like a brioche than a panettone, but don't I just prefer it that way! I must try this recipe!

      Reply
    23. Christiane ~ Taking On Magazines says

      April 02, 2014 at 9:06 am

      Wow. I don't even know what else to say. The bread has such a beautiful ... well, everything. I love the color, the height, the topping, all of it. I'm curious about the hanging upside down thing though.

      Reply
    24. Renee - Kudos Kitchen says

      April 02, 2014 at 9:53 am

      I'd be anxious too, just thinking about making this lovely loaf. You are a master bread baker, Lora! This is worthy of a magazine cover or the front cover of a cookbook!! STUNNING!

      Reply
    25. Nancy @ gottagetbaked says

      April 02, 2014 at 12:47 pm

      Whoa, no butter in there? Only oil? That's amazing! Your Sicilian orange sweet bread is absolutely beautiful, Lora. I'm in love with your dishes and the cake slicer. You are truly the queen of bread baking, lady. I'm always in awe of the things you make. And I totally need to hear more about hanging panettone upside down. I've always wanted to try making one because of how much I love eating them!

      Reply
    26. Holly says

      April 03, 2014 at 1:02 am

      Wow- this is a stunning bread and perfect to celebrate Easter! Sur la table has recently opened near me and I will add panettone papers to my list of treasures to buy there!

      Reply
    27. Kathia Rodriguez says

      April 03, 2014 at 1:36 pm

      What a great recipe, looks so beautiful, I just want to smell it, I bet smell so good.

      Reply
    28. cakeduchess says

      April 05, 2014 at 3:04 pm

      Thanks, Julie! We'd love to have you!!

      Reply
    29. Orange Poppy-Seed Cake- {Ciambella ai Semi di Papavero all'Arancia} - Cake Duchess — Cake Duchess says

      April 07, 2014 at 10:52 am

      […] #TwelveLoaves bread baking group is baking with oranges all month long! You could bake a quick or yeast bread and join us in our love of ORANGES. Even if […]

      Reply
    30. Joann@The Italian Next Door says

      April 21, 2014 at 11:25 am

      This looks delicious!! One question, though. I didn't see the initial baking temperature? Did I miss it? Thanks!

      Reply
    31. cakeduchess says

      April 21, 2014 at 1:06 pm

      ciao Joann! I start it at 375 F and then for 2nd 1/2 of baking it's at 350F. Hope you had a nice Easter! Buona Pasqua!! grazie. 😉

      Reply
    32. Orange and Almond Quick Bread #TwelveLoaves | Bakewell Junction says

      April 27, 2014 at 10:25 pm

      […] Sicilian Orange Sweet Bread from Cake Duchess […]

      Reply
    33. Annamaria @ Bakewell Junction says

      April 27, 2014 at 10:30 pm

      Lori,
      I almost missed the party this month but l found a lovely quick bread recipe. Hope you like it as much as I do.
      Annamaria

      Reply
    34. Strawberry and Orange Quick Bread with Candied Orange Marmalade | Hip Foodie Mom says

      August 17, 2014 at 12:14 pm

      […] Sicilian Orange Sweet Bread from Cake Duchess […]

      Reply
    35. Lauris says

      September 04, 2015 at 11:05 am

      The recipe intrigues me especially the addition of orange marmalade. I am thinking that after the addition of the marmalade there is a second rise? It is not clear in the method. Looking forward to making the bread. Yours looks so tempting.

      Reply
    36. cakeduchess says

      September 04, 2015 at 2:11 pm

      Yes, let it rise again until it reaches the top of the pan (or panettone paper). It took mine about another 1.5 hours to rise enough. Enjoy the bread!

      Reply
    37. Rita Chang says

      July 10, 2022 at 2:58 pm

      Can I use butter instead of oil?

      Reply
      • Lora says

        July 11, 2022 at 5:34 am

        Hi Rita...I've only used a mild flavored oil to make this bread. You could try with softened butter...it should turn out fine!

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    Welcome to our Italian kitchen! We are Lora and Gabriella, the mother-daughter team behind Savoring Italy. With more than 30+ years of experience in the kitchen, Lora has had a great advantage – receiving guidance from both her husband who is an executive chef/restaurant owner and her mother who is a renowned private chef. 

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