A soft, slightly sweet Easter cake from Italy, similar to panettone but lighter and shaped like a dove. It uses a slow-rise dough, which gives it that airy texture.

Ingredients

Dough

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) sugar
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk
• ½ cup (115g) butter, softened
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Add-ins

• ¾ cup candied orange peel (or chocolate chips if you prefer)

Topping

• 1 egg white
• ½ cup almonds
• 2 tbsp sugar (pearl or regular)

Instructions

1. Activate & mix
   Mix warm milk, yeast, and a bit of sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes.
   In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, eggs, butter, orange zest, and vanilla. Add yeast mixture. Mix into a soft dough.
2. Knead
   Knead for 10–15 minutes until smooth and elastic. It will be slightly sticky.
3. First rise
   Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours, until doubled.
4. Add fillings & shape
   Fold in candied orange. Shape into a dove (or just a round loaf if easier). Place on a baking tray.
5. Second rise
   Let it rise again for about 1 hour.
6. Top it
   Brush with egg white. Sprinkle almonds and sugar on top.
7. Bake
   Bake at 180°C for 30-40 minutes until golden.
8. Cool
   Let it cool completely before slicing.

Worth noting: The texture improves a lot if you let it rest overnight after baking.