Add a twist to your festive-season feasting with a Pandoro, a regional Italian Christmas cake that began life in Veneto. The star-shaped sponge cake or sweet bread can be enjoyed on the day or in the lead-up to Christmas. This version from Italian restaurant and deli Carluccio’s is a pretty option that promises to be a hit. It comes with icing sugar to add your own dusting of snow and can also be toasted and enjoyed with a hot drink for added cosy comfort.

Pandoro Classico, 750g, £19.95; carluccios.com