Colomba

An Italian Easter bread baked in the shape of a dove, the symbol of peace. It's made with methods much like panettone: a rich, slow-fermented dough, traditionally leavened with lievito madre and built over more than one dough stage. It usually holds candied orange peel and is topped with an almond glaze, whole almonds, and pearl sugar.

By Henry Hunter · Updated October 1, 2026

Henry's notes from the bench

• If you've made panettone, you're most of the way there. Get your starter strong and active days ahead, because these doughs ask a lot of it.