With the holiday season of 2024 approaching, dessert enthusiasts are treated to innovative twists on classic festive treats, particularly the panettone and the roscón de Reyes. These traditional confections are experiencing a creative renaissance, as bakers and pastry chefs experiment with new flavors, ingredients, and presentations aimed at delighting customers.
Originated from Italy, panettone has long been adored for its fluffy texture and rich flavor, often highlighting dried fruits and nuts. This year, one standout version hails from the renowned pastry chef Raúl Asencio, who belongs to the seventh generation of family bakers from Valencia. Since 1758, his bakery has been crafting confections, but this year, his panettone has captured attention for its unique flair. According to El Corte Inglés, customers can find his panettone available in five tantalizing flavors, elevatively priced at 29.90 euros each, perfect for post-Christmas dinners or New Year celebrations.
Unlike the standard offerings often found at supermarkets—which typically feature raisin or chocolate chip flavors—Raúl's version includes secret fillings such as chocolate and hazelnut cream. This special twist on the classic recipe maintains its artisanal roots, with the pastry taking up to four days to make using sourdough. Notable flavors include the original panettone from Milan, which is dotted with raisins and candied orange peels, and the more adventurous chocolate turrón panettone.
Meanwhile, the traditional Spanish roscón de Reyes is redefining itself as well. Traditionally served on the feast of Epiphany, this year’s innovations have been characterized by creativity and versatility. The Lamucca Group has introduced their avant-garde take on this classic, featuring nougat brittle and candied oranges accompanied by high-quality organic ingredients. The bakery claims this version evokes “the aromas and flavors” from significant moments of life, making it not just food, but nostalgia.
Chef Dabiz Muñoz is also pushing boundaries with his roscón creations this season. His unique renditions, aptly named “roxcones,” include flavors such as Black & White salted caramel cookie and XO strawberry with vanilla cream. Each creation stands out not only for its innovative flavor combinations but also for the artistic presentation involving colorful top layers and impressive garnishes, which he markets as pastry masterpieces. These delightful concoctions are available through El Corte Inglés, emphasizing both accessibility and modern luxury.
At the intersection of tradition and innovation, Armando has been making strides as well, taking over from previous pastry brands to craft their unique roscón de Reyes. His adaptations include fillings of homemade Nutella and Fismuler cheesecake, promising both taste and freshness. Armando's staples are crafted with zesty lemon and orange brioche base, satisfying both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.
For the more indulgent sweet tooth, the roscónmisú from Big Mamma and Novo Mundo intertwines the beloved tiramisu with Italian flavors, making for one of the most decadent desserts this season. Its composition includes rich, sweet buns filled with pistachio tiramisu, successfully blending several iconic desserts to create something new yet familiar. Customers eager to get their hands on this delightful offering can place pre-orders for pickups across multiple locations.
Another intriguing entry on the dessert table this year is the Pepón from Valencia's Pepina Pastel. This bakery’s extensive creativity sees the introduction of five delicious flavors, such as carrot cake and milk chocolate. Stylish jewelry from San Saru accompanies the cakes, enhancing the festive spirit and offering shoppers something to cherish beyond the usual edible centerpiece.
Murcia’s Xuso Jones and Las Tartas de Julita have also combined their efforts to showcase the ‘Xuscones de Reyes,’ which have taken the classic roscón and filled it with trendy cheesecake flavors, introducing the fun twist of hidden surprises: each roscón carries either a €10,000 prize or golden jewelry, ensuring excitement both inside and outside the cake.
This season is shaping up to be memorable for holiday desserts, as both the panettone and roscón de Reyes are being celebrated with unprecedented flair and originality. With each bakery striving to present the best of tradition intertwined with modern innovation, holiday celebrations are set to be enhanced by these delightful creations, providing both nourishing flavors and festive joy for every occasion.