10 best panettone for Christmas 2026, including toffee apple and Aperol Spritz versions

Score: 88/100

Keeping things classic, Morrisons' traditional fruit-filled panettone impressed across the board to take the top spot this year. Soft, silky and pillowy, the rich, buttery bake is packed with exceptionally juicy vine fruit and large pieces of zesty candied citrus peel, with a gentle boozy warmth for added depth.

Score: 88/100

Combining the best of Halloween and Christmas, this festive treat blends toffee apple and panettone in one delicious bite. Our winning flavoured bake may not be traditional, but it wowed the panel with its soft, buttery layers, juicy candied apple and ribbons of cinnamon-spiked caramel.

Testers also loved the DIY finishing touch, with cinnamon sugar provided to sprinkle over the top. Warming and wintery, we'd happily eat this for breakfast and dessert.

Score: 85/100

ASDA's tall, well-baked panettone is filled with gooey caramel and chocolate chips, then finished with a dark chocolate glaze for good measure. The panel loved the rich, freshly baked brioche aroma, describing it as 'generously filled' and 'well-balanced'.

Rich and chocolatey without being overly sweet, this is a grown-up take on the Italian classic – delicious toasted or straight from the pack.

Score: 84/100

Lidl's well-priced, classic panettone is a good pick for those who prefer a more authentic recipe. Testers enjoyed the notes of orange oil, candied orange peel and well-distributed plump, juicy vine fruit. A solid buy for those on a budget.

Score: 84/100

At 500g, Co-op's panettone is ideal for smaller families (just don't bank on leftovers for bread and butter pudding!). The golden bake is packed with zingy lemon peel and juicy vine fruit, with just a hint of alcohol. Soft and light, testers appreciated the restrained sweetness – and happily went back for another slice.

Available 1 November 2026

Score: 83/100

Waitrose's Aperol-inspired panettone was the talk of the office. The buttery brioche is laced with vibrant orange sauce and citrus peel, while a sachet of sherbet adds a playful fizz when sprinkled on top. Unashamedly sweet and more pudding-like than the traditional bake, we love this fun, festive take on the Italian classic.

Score: 80/100

Prefer your panettone a little less sweet? ASDA's classic bake has a distinctly savoury, buttery brioche base, with generous bursts of juicy vine fruit and bright citrus peel throughout. A refreshing choice for those who find traditional panettone a touch too sweet.

Score: 78/100

Don't let the hazelnut topping fool you – inside, Lidl's panettone is surprisingly classic. Vibrant orange peel and plump vine fruit run through the creamy, buttery bake, while the crisp nocciolato topping adds a welcome nutty crunch. A good choice if you want something a little different without straying too far from tradition.

Score: 76/100

Chocolate orange fans, this one's for you. Morrisons has combined white, milk and dark chocolate chips with zesty orange, while the slightly savoury brioche keeps the sweetness in check.

Rich and satisfying, with both chocolate and citrus lingering on the palate, it's a crowd-pleasing twist on traditional panettone that still feels suitably Christmassy.

Score: 72/100

If you’re the only one in your household that’s got a taste for panettone, this individual bake is ideal. The buttery brioche is soft and moist, with simple milk chocolate chips, and a touch of vanilla. Perfect with a cup of tea.

Available 1 November 2026