Panettone Masterclass with Chef Gianluca Guinzoni
Duration: 2 Days
Chef Gianluca Guinzoni, the visionary behind G&G Dolci, established the brand in 2022 in Dubai as a premier destination for luxury Italian pastries in the UAE. Guided by his passion for excellence, Chef Gianluca brings together traditional Italian craftsmanship and modern innovation to create pastries that embody both artistry and flavor. His mission is to redefine the pastry experience through precision, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
In this course, Chef Gianluca will share his expertise and guide students through each stage of creating an authentic Italian Panettone, from building the starter to mastering fermentation and baking. Over two days, participants will gain a deep understanding of the process, learning the key techniques that define this classic.
• Fermentation & Mother Dough
o Understanding lievito madre (mother dough) and its role in flavor and structure
o Feeding, maintaining, and balancing acidity in natural yeast
o Temperature and humidity control for optimal fermentation
o Developing strength and elasticity in long doughs
• Mixing & Dough Development
o Combining starter, water, flour, and other ingredients to form the base dough
o Proper mixing and kneading techniques to achieve a smooth, elastic texture
o Gradual incorporation of egg yolks, sugar, and butter for balanced richness
o Managing dough hydration and fat integration for perfect structure
• Incorporating Mix-ins
o Soaking dried fruits and candied peel for flavor infusion
o Gently folding fruits and aromatics into the dough for even distribution
o Shaping the dough into balls and preparing for proofing
• Fermentation & Proofing
o Multi-stage fermentation: first and second doughs
o Recognizing ideal proofing stages for volume and texture
o Controlling the environment for flavor, structure, and stability
o Ensuring the dough rises correctly in the panettone mold
• Baking & Finishing
o Temperature control and baking time for large-format breads
o Achieving perfect height, open crumb, and signature dome
o Cooling, hanging, and storing to preserve texture and shelf life
The focus of this course is to equip students with the professional knowledge and precision needed to craft traditional Panettone, combining artisanal skill with scientific understanding to achieve consistent, high-quality results.
