Italian Christmas Dessert Workshop: Filled Panettone & Tiramisu

Add some dolce di Natale to your Christmas table with our cooking short courses in Sydney!

Bring a little taste of Italy to your festive gatherings in this indulgent hands-on workshop. You’ll make two classic Italian desserts that capture the spirit of the festive season — a rich, creamy tiramisu and a show-stopping filled panettone.

Guided by your tutor, you’ll learn how to make authentic espresso-soaked sponge layered with mascarpone cream for the perfect tiramisu, as well as how to prepare and fill a soft, aromatic panettone — Italy’s beloved Christmas cake. Discover traditional flavour combinations, expert techniques, and presentation tips that make these desserts such treasured favourites in Italian homes.

Both desserts are perfect for festive entertaining — easy to make ahead and store, ready to be unveiled and steal the spotlight at your Christmas table.

By the end of the class, you’ll have two beautifully finished desserts ready to share — and the confidence to recreate them for your friends and family this Christmas.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Italian Christmas Dessert Workshop, you will be able to:

• Prepare and assemble a traditional Italian tiramisu from scratch
• Create and fill a festive panettone using seasonal ingredients
• Apply key techniques for structure, flavour balance, and decoration
• Recreate both desserts confidently at home for Christmas celebrations

Course content

What will be covered in this Italian Christmas Dessert Workshop?

• Overview of classic Italian Christmas sweets
• Step-by-step tiramisu preparation and layering
• Techniques for filling and finishing panettone
• Tips for storing, serving, and presenting your desserts

You’ll make a whole tiramisu in class to take home, and the tutor will also show you how to make individual portions — perfect for festive dinners and entertaining.

Intended audience

Who is this Italian Christmas Dessert Workshop for?

This class is suitable for all skill levels — from enthusiastic home bakers to dessert lovers wanting to add an Italian flair to their festive table.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Course materials

Please bring to class:

• A covered glass container (approximately 20 x 20cm) for your tiramisu
• Apron
• A container or box to take your desserts home
• Pen and notebook for tips and recipes

Additional information

Please note the following:

• The tiramisu made in class is egg-free.
• The standard panettone filling contains nuts, but these can be omitted entirely for anyone with a nut allergy.
• Please wear closed-in shoes.
• If you have long hair, please tie it back.
• Accessibility: Please note there is no level access to the room for this class. Access is via approx. 20 steps.