Fluffier Than Panettone, This Fruit-Free Italian Christmas Cake Hits Lidl Shelves!

In Italy, the holiday season is also a perfect time for family gatherings and indulging in festive treats. While Santa Claus delivers gifts here as well, Italians don’t traditionally enjoy chocolate logs like some do. Instead, Italian Christmas tables feature different kinds of sweet delights. To conclude a meal, Italians have a variety of choices. In Campania, for instance, Neapolitans have a particular fondness for struffoli, small orange blossom-flavored doughnuts shaped like little balls. In central Italy, locals savor homemade gingerbread known as panpepato in Umbria. However, two other desserts are especially beloved across Italy.

The panettone, a brioche with raisins and candied citrus peel, reigns as the undisputed star of Italian Christmases. Its production became industrialized after World War II, making it relatively inexpensive, accessible for all budgets, and widely exported. Wrapped in beautiful paper or a decorated metal box, it is often given as a cherished gift. Like many French and international supermarkets, Lidl also offers it during the holiday season. But the German discount chain doesn’t stop there! They also market another type of lighter Italian brioche…

Softer and fluffier than panettone, the pandoro is known for its subtle vanilla flavor. Hailing from Verona in Veneto, its name means “golden bread.” Shaped like a star, it is not filled like panettone but is simply dusted with powdered sugar—perfect for those who aren’t fond of raisins and candied fruits. At Lidl, the 1 kg pandoro from the German brand Favorina is priced at $6.99 each. It will be available from Thursday, November 20, to Wednesday, December 24, 2025, the company notes.

Of course, artisanal versions of pandoro are likely even more delicious. But for those looking to try this product and get a taste of Italy, the Lidl version offers an excellent compromise.