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21 Scrumptious Italian Desserts You’ll Love (Easy to Make)

Modified: Feb 23, 2023 by Emily Stones · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Italian food receives all the reverence it deserves, but food lovers can forget to give Italian desserts the same praise as the main course. There are many delicious desserts from “Bel Paese,” and the best part is that so many are simple to make.

Read on to learn more about the delectable tastes of Italy’s sweeter side, like Granita, poached pears, olive oil cake, and more.

1. Tiramisu

2. chocolate pasta, 3. panna cotta, 4. meringue, 5. italian christmas cookies, 6. ambrosia biscotti, 7. strawberry gelato, 8. sicilian plum ice cream, 9. ricotta cheesecake, 10. pear crostata, 11. graffe napoletane, 12. zeppole, 13. granita al limone, 14. grilled pineapple, 15. caprese ice cream, 16. red-wine poached pears, 17. cannoli, 18. pignoli cookies, 19. pizzelle cookies, 20. olive oil cake, 21. maritozzi.

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that dessert lovers can find in most Italian restaurants. It has a light coffee flavor and includes espresso-soaked ladyfingers with a layer of mascarpone and cocoa powder.

Many chefs add dark rum to the mix to complement the espresso and chocolate flavors. Tiramisu may come as a cake, but some serve it in a cup.

It is common knowledge that no one does pasta better than in Italy. However, only a few people know that chocolate pasta is an option for dessert.

Add cocoa powder to the flour of fresh pasta dough to give chocolate pasta its signature bitter yet appealing flavor. Some recipes add hazelnut ice cream with fresh fruit or caramelized pecans for a sweeter savor.

The name Panna Cotta translates to “cooked cream” in English, which summarizes this gorgeous Italian dessert. A mixture of sweet cream and gelatin makes a sweet, jiggly pudding. The sugar and milk create a sweet taste, and some add extra flavor with vanilla extract, caramel, fruit syrups, chocolate, or coffee.

Meringue is a typical dessert in several cultures, but Italians have a flair for it. It consists of whipped egg whites and sugar as the base of this sweet, dry, and crisp dessert. Meringue is a versatile treat that can become candy, pies, or towers.

The sugar-to-egg ratio will determine how crispy the meringue is, so home chefs can experiment with the combination to make the perfect dessert.

Ring in the Holiday season with traditional Italian Christmas cookies. These cookies are soft and cake-like with a rich flavor. Some home bakers like to add sprinkles and a layer of icing to the cookie for an extra crunch.

They come in different shapes, from twisted ropes to S-shapes and balls, but they all have the same base of flour, sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, and anise extract.

Biscotti is a crunchy almond biscuit that some Italians dip into a drink for extra flavor. It is a great way to end a meal, especially with added flavors like this “ambrosia biscotti” recipe.

It includes cherries and coconut, creating the perfect cookie sidekick for a post-meal cappuccino, tea, or hot chocolate. Those who dislike cherries and coconut can add other flavorings to the mix of baking powder, eggs, sugar, and flour, such as pistachio, orange, or cashew.

The difference between gelato and ice cream is the milk-to-cream ratio. Gelato has more milk than cream, and in the case of lovely strawberry gelato, more fresh fruit in the mix.

Sugar and fresh strawberries sweeten this dessert with refreshing natural flavors. Replace strawberries with another fresh fruit for a crisp, enlivening follow-up to any meal.

Italian plum ice cream is an Italian delight. The creamy dessert is the perfect mix of sweet and sour, using fresh, ripe plums for a flavorful tang with sweet honey and brown sugar.

Roast the plums in brown sugar before making the ice cream for a rich and smokier taste. The ice cream is deep purple, making it unique in presentation and flavor.

Ricotta is a staple cheese in Italian cooking, and desserts are no exception. Ricotta cheesecake is a delicious take on a standard cheesecake, adding the light, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor of ricotta cheese.

It is easy to make a yummy ricotta cheesecake gluten-free, as well. Many cooks add lemon for a zesty final product with more than one flavor.

A crostata is an Italian pie or baked tart. In Naples, locals refer to it as “Coppi.” The crostata is more free-form than a slice of pie since it has an open face.

Fresh pear is one of the most common fillings. A pear crostata is flaky, buttery, and sweet, with some extra tang for those who include lemon and ginger.

Graffe Napoletane are Italian donuts. They are sweet, fried donuts coated in granulated sugar. Their base includes potato and lemon, making them a hearty and zesty treat.

Some even use limoncello and buttery mashed potatoes for a rich recipe. Serve these sweets fresh from the fryer with a side of ice cream for the best results.

Zeppoles are another classic Italian pastry. It is a deep-fried dough ball of any size coated with a nice layer of powdered sugar. Some serve zeppoles with a dipping sauce like chocolate or custard, while others prefer to enjoy the fried treat as is.

Fill the zeppole with jelly, custard, or cannoli cream to go the extra mile and surprise dinner guests.

Lemon granita is a traditional Sicilian dessert that Americans know as a simple “lemon Italian ice.” They are sour and zesty but sugary and sweet enough to eat as a dessert or mid-day summer pick-me-up.

Ice, sugar, and lemon zest are the primary ingredients in this simple treat, much like frozen lemonade. Add a scoop to lemonade or iced tea for extra flavor on a hot day, or enjoy it as a palette cleanser after a large meal.

Slices of grilled pineapple double as a side dish and refreshing dessert. Italians and other cultures mainly use coconut and brown sugar for a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor. It combines all the best dessert flavors while being healthier than the other desserts on this list since its flavor primarily comes from the natural sugars that caramelize on the grill.

Caprese and ice cream may seem like a bold combination, but the two mesh nicely together for an authentic Italian dessert. The frozen treat includes all the Caprese basics, like tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic vinegar. The name says “ice cream,” but the dessert has more of a sherbert texture.

Red wine-poached pears are a well-known dessert in France and Italy. Poach pears in a saucepan with orange juice, wine, cinnamon, and sugar for a sweet and tangy flavor. Cooks can use any red wine, but the following wines yield the best results:

• Chenin Blanc
• Sweet Semillon

Cannolis are one of the most well-known Italian desserts. Fried pastry dough encompasses a thick, creamy cannoli filling that consists of whole milk ricotta and mini chocolate chips. The golden, crispy tubes of cream are a staple for Italians everywhere and are available in almost every Italian restaurant or coffee shop. Luckily, they are easy to make at home, too.

Pignoli cookies are an Italian dessert that is crunchy and sweet. They are made with almond paste and ground pine nuts, giving them a unique nutty flavor. The dough is rolled into small balls before baking, giving them a distinctive chewy texture. Pignoli cookies make for the perfect after-dinner treat or midday snack. Not only do they taste wonderful, but they are also filled with essential vitamins and minerals from almonds and pine nuts, making them a health-conscious choice as well.

Baking a Pizzelle cookie may seem like a complicated feat, but it takes little to no effort with a well-stocked kitchen toolbox. Pizzelle makers are an easy way to bake thin, traditional Italian wafers. With one of these appliances to press the cookie into shape, the only additional ingredients are

• Vegetable oil

Olive oil cakes are light and spongey with a distinct lemony flavor. Many prefer the cake for its airy texture, while others like that it is healthier than a standard cake. Add dimension to the lemon-flavored treat with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream.

Maritozzi is a small dough ball stuffed with light whipped cream. Most bakers use brioche for the dessert’s exterior, but any sweet roll will work fine. Some like their Maritozzi with plain whipped cream, but others prefer to add some flair with espresso, nuts, chocolate, or fresh fruit.

Discover the decadence of Italian desserts with 21 easy-to-make options. Indulge your sweet tooth with these scrumptious Italian dessert recipes!

Ingredients

• Chocolate Pasta
• Panna Cotta
• Italian Christmas Cookies
• Ambrosia Biscotti
• Strawberry Gelato
• Sicilian Plum Ice Cream
• Ricotta Cheesecake
• Pear Crostata
• Graffe Napoletane
• Granita al Limone
• Grilled Pineapple
• Caprese Ice Cream
• Red-Wine Poached Pears
• Pignoli Cookies
• Pizzelle Cookies
• Olive Oil Cake

Instructions

• Review the listed recipes
• Pick your favorites
• Make your desired Italian dessert recipes

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23 Italian Desserts (+ Easy Recipes)

I think what I love the most about Italian desserts is their focus on natural flavors.

You won’t see any thick frostings or fillings, but rather fresh flavors and just enough sweetness to curb your cravings. 

Of course, they do have a love for certain delicious dairy products, like ricotta and mascarpone, adding such a lovely tang to their creamy dishes. 

We’ve all drooled over a slice of tiramisu and eaten one too many cannoli (right??), but Italian desserts go way beyond that.

From airy sugar cookies and zesty lemon cakes to crunchy biscotti and dreamy gelato, these Italian desserts will transport you straight to Italy!

Our Favorite Italian Desserts

1. italian butter cookies.

You’ll likely recognize these cookies as the kind that pop up all over during the holidays.

A cross between shortbread and sugar cookies, they’re perfect for any occasion.

The flavor is in the name: butter cookies.

These are so rich, and I highly recommend not adding a glaze or frosting to let that buttery goodness shine.

2. Canestrelli (Italian Egg Yolk Cookies)

These are much more of an Italian sugar cookie.

They have a delightfully mild lemony flavor and tasty crunch while still being melt-in-your-mouth tender.

So, what makes these so different? Well, the recipe calls for a boiled egg yolk!

You’ll need to make hard-boiled egg yolks and grate them before mixing them into the dough.

This will this prevent too much gluten from developing (which can make it tough).

3. Traditional Italian Breakfast Cookies

I’ll have cookies for breakfast for the foreseeable future, thank you very much!

When you make these, you’ll notice that they come out much like a traditional Lady Finger cookie.

There’s a distinct crispness to the shell, but the middle is lovely and tender.

The key to getting that airy texture is to beat the eggs with the sugar until light and frothy.

4. Cranberry, Pistachio and White Chocolate Panettone

Panettone is a Christmas favorite that you’ve probably seen standing tall in all the stores.

It can be plain, chocolate, or loaded with dried fruits. 

But I like this recipe best. It’s chock-full of crunchy pistachios, creamy white chocolate, and tart, chewy cranberries. Yum!

5. Lemon Ricotta Cake with Almonds

Lemon and ricotta are a match made in cake heaven: zesty, creamy, tangy, and perfect with some toasted almonds. 

Ricotta provides the same fantastic moisture to this cake as you would expect from sour cream.

It also gives it a bit of extra sweetness. 

Sour cream gives a tang to cakes, which I usually love.

But since this cake is full of zesty lemon flavor, using ricotta really helps to balance that out. 

6. Authentic Tiramisu

I think tiramisu might just be the best dessert ever made.

Think about it: tender sponge, rich coffee, creamy sweet filling, and plenty of chocolate! Oh, and I like to add booze to mine, too!

Not only are the flavors damn near perfect, but it’s so easy to make! Try it and see for yourself.

7. Easy Classic Pizzelle Recipe (Italian Waffle Cookies)

Though these light, waffle-like cookies are super tasty, you will need a Pizzelle Iron to get that gorgeous shape and pattern.

I think it’s more than worth it, and when you start making these, you won’t be able to stop!

They’re so light and crisp, and I adore the simple vanilla flavor.

Of course, you can also make these with anise, almond, lemon, and chocolate flavor, too.

8. Chocolate Vanilla Berry Panna Cotta Tart

Panna cotta is a silky smooth, creamy dessert made from sweetened cream and gelatin. Alone, it’s elegant and simple. 

This tart is sweet, dreamy, and full of rich flavors. 

I love the chocolate-flavored pie dough used in this recipe.

It adds terrific color contrast and makes such a nice change to the regular tart shells we typically see. 

9. Almond Biscotti Recipe with Cranberries

Biscotti are twice-baked cookies that are allowed to dry out during the second round in the oven. 

Now, I know that a dry cookie might not seem appealing, but in this case, it works.

I say dry, but really, they’re crisp and crunchy and loaded with flavor. 

To make them extra special, try dipping on end in some dark chocolate.

10. Italian-Style Candied Chestnuts

I can’t believe I’d never tried candied chestnuts before!

Sure, I’ve had them roasted, but this is something totally different.

For this recipe, you’ll be peeling and boiling your chestnuts before gently removing the skins.

Once they’re naked, they get another bath, this time in a sugar and vanilla syrup. 

When they’re cooked, the chestnuts will have a similar texture to a dried apricot. They’ll be soft, moist, and beautifully chewy.

11. 5-Ingredient Cannolis

Cannolis represent everything I love in a dessert.

Their shells are crisp, and the filling is sweet, creamy, and almost cheesecake-like. 

But if you’ve ever tried to make them at home, you’ll know that it doesn’t always go to plan.

Frying those shells is a real pain without the proper equipment!

Want to know my secret? I buy them ready-made.

You can usually find them in Italian bakeries, and they’ll sell you a whole bunch, ready to go. Just add the filling and dig in!

12. Thick Italian Hot Chocolate

Having spent a couple of winters in France and Italy, I’ve been ruined forever when it comes to hot chocolate. 

I just can’t look at a pack of Swiss Miss the same!

What makes it so good? Well, they use real chocolate, for one thing! And lots of it. 

Essentially, they make a thin chocolate ganache. Talk about drool-worthy!

13. Easy Tiramisu Cake

You can use any vanilla cake you want to make this, including a boxed mix. In fact, I recommended it to save time.

Don’t be shy with the coffee syrup, making sure it soaks in all over the surface of the cake.

If you have espresso powder, all the better! But you can honestly make this just as good with instant coffee.

I’ve been making a modified version of this for years using coffee and rum cake.

My version also has a Bailey’s infused whipped cream and mascarpone frosting. To die for!

14. Italian Christmas Cookies

These little cookies are like little cake clouds covered in a sweet glaze.

When you keep them in balls, the edges will turn cookie-like, but the middle will be nice and fluffy.

Of course, you can make these into any shape you prefer and they’ll be just as tasty.

I know anise can be a bit much for some people, so feel free to skip it.

Or, you can always substitute it with cinnamon and/or nutmeg for a touch of warmth.

15. Italian Pear Almond Cake

Along with the lovely flavor of the pear, this recipe calls for brown butter.

If you’ve never made or used brown butter before, you’re in for a real treat. 

To make brown butter, you just need to gently heat regular butter until it turns (you guessed it) brown and fragrant.

Be patient and keep an eye on it! 

Once you have it, you won’t want to use anything else. It’s especially amazing in chocolate chip cookies!

16. Chocolate Gelato

Gelato and ice cream are pretty similar, though ice cream does tend to be lighter on the tongue.

Gelato, on the other hand, is usually incredibly smooth and bursting with flavor.

The only way to tell the difference is to try both and compare – it’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it!

Ice creams are made using a cream and egg custard base.

But gelato is made using milk and sugar, giving it a lower overall fat content. 

To get the best flavor profile, this recipe uses real chocolate and cocoa.

17. Zeppole

These Italian donut holes are light, fluffy, and melt-in-your mouth good.

After frying, these donuts are coated in powdered sugar for the perfect bite-sized treat.

It’s a classic that never gets old. But if you want to change things up, you can use cinnamon sugar for a tasty twist.

Best of all, this recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. But watch out, they disappear just as fast!

18. Affogato

Everyone knows that dessert is best served with coffee! So why not serve an Italian coffee-based dessert?

Although it looks fancy, this recipe is made with just 2 ingredients: vanilla ice cream and coffee!

If you want the authentic Italian experience, use vanilla gelato, espresso, and a shot of liqueur.

You really can’t go wrong with this classic combo!

19. Torta Barozzi

The original recipe for this classic Italian dessert has been kept secret since it was first created in 1886.

However, many famous chefs have tried to recreate it and this recipe is one interpretation. .

It’s made of almonds, peanuts, coffee, and dark chocolate. Both decadent and delightful.

20. Strawberry Gelato

No ice cream machine needed for this strawberry gelato! With this easy recipe, you can make your very own gelato at home.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between gelato and ice cream?

Both are made with eggs, sugar, milk, and cream.

But traditional ice cream has more cream than milk, while gelato has more milk than cream.

It’s also churned at a much slower rate than ice cream, which incorporates less air.

Give this recipe a try, and you may never buy ice cream again.

21. Chocolate-Vanilla Tartufo

Tartufo is a traditional Italian dessert that’s made with layers of chocolate and vanilla ice cream inside a hard chocolate shell.

This treat is pretty much a staple in Italian restaurants on the east coast of the United States.

Even though the recipe is a bit involved, it’s really not that complicated.

Make this for your dinner guests, and prepare for them to be impressed!

22. Northern Italian Apple Strudel

Every country seems to have a strudel version it’s known for, and Italy is no exception!

This apple strudel is made with puff pastry, apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and, of course, raisins, nuts, and Calvados liquor.

It’s a sophisticated treat that brings a true taste of an Italian kitchen right into your home.

Serve it with a nice dessert wine to complete the experience.

23. Italian Berry Mascarpone Cake

This dessert has a pistachio spongecake base, followed by layers of mascarpone, a berry filling, and whipped cream.

The star of this cake is clearly the mascarpone cheese, though the berries are deserving of the spotlight as well!

It’s a light treat that’s perfect after a heavy Italian meal.

Looking for the perfect Italian dessert? From tiramisu to authentic gelato, here are some of our favorite desserts from Italy.

Ingredients

Italian Butter Cookies

Canestrelli (Italian Egg Yolk Cookies)

Traditional Italian Breakfast Cookies

Lemon Ricotta Cake with Almonds

Authentic Tiramisu

Easy Classic Pizzelle Recipe (Italian Waffle Cookies)

Chocolate Vanilla Berry Panna Cotta Tart

Almond Biscotti Recipe with Cranberries

Italian-Style Candied Chestnuts

5-Ingredient Cannolis

Thick Italian Hot Chocolate

Easy Tiramisu Cake

Italian Christmas Cookies

Italian Pear Almond Cake

Chocolate Gelato

Torta Barozzi

Strawberry Gelato

Cranberry, Pistachio and White Chocolate Panettone

Chocolate-Vanilla Tartufo

Northern Italian Apple Strudel

Italian Berry Mascarpone Cake

Instructions

• Select your favorite recipe.
• Organize all the required ingredients.
• Prep a delicious Italian dessert in 30 minutes or less!

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Easy Italian Dessert Recipes That are the Best

Italians love their desserts, and no wonder why. That’s why I’ve put together this list of easy Italian dessert recipes that are simply delicious! No matter if it’s for Christmas, Easter, or just a special occasion, these recipes are sure to impress.

Easy Italian Dessert Recipes

This list includes dessert recipes that are all Italian. Some are so easy to make you won’t believe it! But I make them all in our home and if I can do it so can you. Italian desserts can be as simple as fruit topped with a whipped cream dressing, or as involved as making pannetone bread (which I won’t even attempt!).

Understanding Italian Desserts

Italian desserts come in all sorts of varieties. It may be as simple as nutella spread on a biscuit, or as decadent as a tiramisu. Unlike many American and other western cultures, desserts in Italy aren’t always heavy, chocolatey or super sweet and sugary.

In fact, one of the more common desserts after a regular meal is a plate full of fresh fruit. Whether it’s grapes, apples or pomegranates, the Italians love their fruit. So don’t be afraid to include some healthy fruit options on your Italian dessert tray!

When to Serve Italian Desserts

Many specialty desserts are only made during the holidays, specifically Catholic holidays. For example, Pannetone is only made and marketed during the Christmas season. However, ricotta cheesecake, or ricotta pie, or even lemon cake is more common during Easter.

One recipe that is very common during Easter time for Italians is Italian Easter bread. This bread is traditionally very dense and it takes a long time to make. It is most often baked with an intact egg in the middle.

Over the years, people have adapted this traditional recipe to be more of a regular bread consistency, and that’s a shame because it’s not true to it’s original form. My mother-in-law would make these and shape them in the form of a basket. She’d then give them away to friends and family.

I have her recipe, but I don’t post it on my site because it isn’t very easy to make. It’s simple enough, but takes a long time with the rising so it doesn’t really fit in with my focus on easy Italian recipes.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of easy Italian dessert recipes and are inspired to try them in your own home! Let me know your favorite Italian dessert in the comments below – I love to hear from my readers!

Welcome! This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. You can read my disclosure for more details .

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31 Italian Desserts for Celebrations and Sweet Occasions

By The Editors of Epicurious

Classic Italian desserts never go out of style. It’s always the right time for tiramisu, and we could live on gelato alone. So we combed the Epicurious archives for the best Italian (and Italian-inspired) sweets to gather this list of reader favorites. Below you’ll find easy cookies, luscious semifreddo, refreshing granita, and lots of traditional holiday desserts. Grab an espresso and start scrolling—there’s definitely something here to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is of the most popular Italian desserts on Epicurious—it's also our seventh most popular recipe of all time . It's a great make-ahead sweet for your next dinner party—just top with fresh fruit, good maraschino cherries, or simple shaved chocolate curls before serving.

Pastiera Napoletana

This citrusy, grain-filled pastry isn't a quick dessert, but it's absolutely worth the effort. Read more about Pastiera Napoletana history , then get to work.

Pignoli Cookies

These classic cookies from Italy get their chewy texture from almond paste and egg whites , and their crunch from the buttery pine nuts embedded in their crispy surface. Be sure you're using canned almond paste in this recipe—not marzipan, which is sweeter.

Goat Cheese, Honey, and Rye Crust Pie

This cheesecake -like dessert is based on the first-ever recorded pie recipe, written down by ancient Romans.

Classic Cannoncini

These pastry horns are filled with a simple Chantilly cream—but you could pipe in a richer custard instead. This recipe comes from The Italian Bakery: Step-by-Step Recipes With the Silver Spoon .

Mousse al Cioccolato (Chocolate Mousse)

This dairy-free chocolate mousse is made with just two ingredients—dark chocolate and eggs—and can easily be transformed into a rich flourless chocolate cake .

Brandied Almond Biscotti

These crunchy biscotti are perfect as part of a Christmas cookie assortment. Try drizzling with chocolate after they're baked and cooled.

Almond Praline Semifreddo With Grappa-Poached Apricots

Semifreddo is a great way to make a cooling frozen dessert if you don't happen to own an ice cream maker .

These teeny deep-fried, honey-dredged balls of dough are about the size of marbles. They can be shaped into a tall cone or a wreath. Decorate this festive centerpiece with rainbow sprinkles or candied fruit.

Nonna Mary's Ciambella

Ciambella is often shaped in a ring, but this version sticks with a simple loaf. Cookbook author Guiliano Hazan, son of cooking icon Marcella Hazan, credits his grandmother for this recipe.

Old-School Tiramisù

For this prep-ahead favorite, you'll dunk store-bought ladyfingers in a lightly sweetened mix of coffee and dark rum.

Chocolate Budino With Candied Walnuts

This silky and deeply chocolaty pudding gets a last-minute topping of candied walnuts. It's a must-try for chocolate dessert lovers.

Dark Chocolate Semifreddo

The texture of this airy semifreddo is somewhere between frozen chocolate mousse and gelato. In other words, it's ideal.

For a true delight, serve these crispy zeppole hot out of the oil. Ice cream makes a nice accompaniment, as does bittersweet chocolate sauce for dipping.

Polenta Budino With Plum Marmellata

The sweet corn flavors of polenta pair nicely with summer stone fruit. Plums are lovely, but you could also use peaches or cherries . Serve this pudding with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

These not-too-sweet twice-baked cookies are extra delicious dipped in an after-dinner drink.

Pistachio and Dried-Cherry Biscotti

Serve these crunchy cookies with espresso or a glass of amaro. Dried cherries add tang, while orange zest, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract boost the aroma and flavor.

Sweet Ricotta Pastries

A tender, short crust is filled with a creamy orange-scented ricotta custard. Served with hot espresso, these little pastries are a wonderful way to end a big meal.

Sicilian Cannoli

The best cannoli is a fresh cannoli—which is why it's totally worth making this Italian dessert recipe at home. While sheep's milk ricotta cheese is classic in this dish, you can use a combination of easier-to-find fresh cow's milk ricotta and goat cheese instead for a similar tangy flavor.

Limoncello Gelato

This homemade gelato gets its richness from egg yolks, buttermilk, and mascarpone, and a bright lemon flavor from limoncello. Serve with cookies and extra limoncello to sip on the side.

Torta di Ricotta e Polenta

This honey-sweetened cake is made with ricotta, fine polenta, and almond flour—but no all-purpose flour—so you can serve it to gluten-free friends.

Ricciarelli

These traditional Tuscan almond cookies have a wonderful chewy texture and a flurry of powdered sugar on top.

Gianduia Gelato

If you're looking for an intensely flavorful gelato, start here. Hazelnut and chocolate are dreamy together, and the texture of this frozen dessert is silky and luscious. You will need an ice cream maker —but we promise you'll make frequent use of that machine once you taste this stuff.

Rainbow Cookies

Almond paste, marmalade, and bittersweet chocolate lend deep flavor to these classic, brightly-hued cookies.

Some say these thin waffle cookies from Abruzzo are the original cookie. Serve with gelato the day they're made—if you want to, though, you can store the simple batter in the fridge for up to a week.

Ricotta Cheesecake

Seek out freshly made, local ricotta for this elegant cake, which is flavored with just a smidge of cinnamon, lemon zest, and vanilla.

Tiramisu Affogato

This is neither a traditional affogato nor a traditional tiramisu, but it is a simple Italian-inspired dessert that tastes fabulous.

Coffee Granita

You can use decaf coffee to make this easy recipe. Or make it with the strong stuff and nibble as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Zabaglione Gelato

The custard mix for this creamy dessert is flavored with the traditional Marsala, plus a little rum.

Sfogliatelle Ricce

There are plenty of easy Italian desserts, but these light and crunchy sfogliatelle are more of a commitment. Consider this Italian pastry the perfect baking project for a quiet afternoon.

In this Italian holiday favorite—another project that's worth the effort—a sweet yeast dough is studded with golden raisins and jewel-toned glacéed citron.

Genevieve Yam

23 Easy Italian Desserts

Italy has some of the finest food in the world, and this is no different when it comes to delicious desserts.

One of the things that sets their desserts apart from other places is the authenticity, because of their natural and fresh flavoring, rather than leaning on the artificial. 

Though you’ll know classics like tiramisu, there are so many more tasty delights to discover from Italian cuisine – and we’ve got the best of them below!

In our handy guide to 23 easy Italian desserts, we’re going to bring you some of the best and simplest recipes for a whole range of Italian puddings. 

There’ll be something for everyone, and you feel like you’re enjoying sweet treats in Italy in no time!

1. Italian Breakfast Cookies

Though these are perfect for starting your day with, they double just as well as a dessert treat to enjoy after your meal! 

Cookies are very simple to bake, and these authentic Italian delights are no different. All you’ll need is the usual: eggs, sugar, baking powder, vegetable oil, flour.

Add to that some vanilla extract for an extra kick of flavor, plus some optional sprinkles, and you’ve got an Italian cookie! 

The big difference, besides the great taste, is that these are long and thin – almost like a little cookie baguette! Though you may expect cookies to be round, these will pleasantly surprise you.

2. Chocolate Triple Berry Panna Cotta Tart

This is a gorgeous dessert blend of rich chocolate, healthy berry sauce, and vanilla panna cotta. 

Panna cotta is an Italian classic, a lovely sweetened cream that’s thickened and molded.

You can get them in coffee and other flavors, but the one for this tart is vanilla flavored – which really adds a hint of freshness and sweetness to the dessert.

All the ingredients mix together to create a multi-colored delight, with reds, pinks, whites, and browns all at play. In the truest sense, it looks good enough to eat! And it’s delicious on top of that. 

3. Italian Butter Cookies

More tasty Italian biscuits here, which are both supremely easy to bake and supremely delicious to eat!

Better yet, you can make them in all different kinds of shapes and styles, such as the sandwich or star cookies that are detailed in this recipe. In addition to that, you can always add whatever toppings you might want. 

Butter cookies always prove to be light and rich, giving you full flavor while not proving too sickly as other cookies might. With that being said, they’re so good that you’re sure to help yourself to more!

4. Lemon Ricotta Almond Cake

If you want a great and gooey Italian cake , there are few better than this delicious pick! 

You’ll get a perfect blend of flavors, with the sharpness of the lemon and the richness of the almond nuts. On top of that, the ricotta cheese adds a perfect creaminess and softness to the cake too. 

5. Cranberry Almond Biscotti

Another deliciously nutty dessert made using almonds, biscotti is a classic Italian biscuit.  

However, the big difference here is the use of cranberries . With these thrown into the mix, you’ll find that the nutty biscuit takes on an extra level of sharpness.

This really complements the nuttiness, adding a great contrast of sharp and sweet.

These crisp biscuits are also very easy to make, first cooking your mixture, before cutting the biscotti into diagonal slices and cooking it further. After cooling, you’ll have these deliciously crunchy treats.

6. “Canestrelli” – Italian Egg Yolk Cookies

These tasty cookies are a unique Italian tradition, and making them will be unlike any biscuit you’ve made before! Needless to say, though, the outcome will be extremely delicious.

Why will they be so different? Well, the recipe adds hard boiled egg yolks right into the dough!

This is because doing so will make the cookie extremely light and crumbly, which makes them feel like they just melt in your mouth. 

The flavors are wonderful too, a delicate blend of sharp lemon and sweet vanilla bean – all with the airiness and richness of butter. 

7. Panettone 

You may have had a Panettone cake at Christmas time, which is the time period that they were originally made for. However, they’re so good that it’s worth having them all year round!

It’s hard to find a cake as fluffy and full as this, with a brilliant blend of soft sponge and healthy additions like raisins and orange. 

With that being said, excellence comes at a cost: these aren’t the quickest cakes to make. To get the best of one, you may even need a few days. However, they are relatively easy and they are worth it – so give it a try!

8. Authentic Tiramisu

Another Italian classic, this has become famous the world over – and it’s no wonder why! There have been lots of different versions over the years, but this one is an authentic recipe. 

Having tiramisu for dessert will give you a full canvas of flavors: creamy cheese filling, rich chocolate, sharp coffee, soft ladyfingers sponge.

Add to that the small hint of alcohol (either rum or Marsala wine), and you’ve got a dessert that will please every person who tries it.

9. “Marron Glacé” – Candied Chestnuts

If you’ve ever had chestnuts before, then it was probably roasted. This Italian classic takes a whole different perspective, making them all chewy and moist!

On top of that, it’s an incredibly simple recipe, and you only need the chestnuts, water, sugar, and some vanilla. All you really have to do is shell and peel the chestnuts before cooking them in some sugar syrup.

-You’ll have these sweet and chewy treats ready in no time, with minimum effort!

10. Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

If you’re in the mood for something both tasty and indulgent, full of rich flavors, then you’ll want to try making this authentic Italian chocolate hazelnut cake. 

All it takes are a few simple ingredients, amounting to a delicious cake with a perfect blend of hazelnut and sickly chocolate.

Better yet, the cake is improved with a homemade frosting. What does that consist of, you ask? Coffee and Frangelico liqueur!

You may have thought you needed it before, but that great mix brings out even more texture and flavor from the cake. 

11. “Pizzelle” – Italian Waffle Cookies

If you want a cookie that just screams “Italy”, these totally light waffle-like cookies are extremely delicious and easy to make. 

The only downside is that you’ll need a special iron to make them, but once you get one of those, you’ll be able to enjoy having these waffle-looking cookies all the time.

Just make sure to experiment with getting the right amount of batter with the iron – it’s an art!

The traditional Italian version will have anise in place, but some people use vanilla or chocolate. 

12. 5 Ingredient Homemade Cannoli

When it comes to Italian desserts that are easy to make, it’s hard to beat this homemade cannoli. After all, when it only features 5 ingredients (by name!), it’s sure to be easy!

On top of that, the recipe uses pre-made cannoli shells, meaning that you don’t have to spend extra time making them yourself.

These are sure to give you a perfect blend of flavors, with the rich mini chocolate chips, hints of vanilla, and some ricotta cheese. 

13. Italian Christmas Cookies

Just like the Panettone, this is an Italian Christmas treat that shouldn’t just be kept to the holiday season – instead, enjoy them all year round!

These mini, bite-sized delights don’t resemble cookies as you might picture them. Instead, they look more like little cake balls, just with crispy outsides and fluffy insides.

It’s the perfect blend in textures! Add to that delicious hints of vanilla and the tasty icing, and you’ve got a cookie that’s going to make your mouth water. 

14. Thick Italian Hot Chocolate

You may think that you’ve had hot chocolate before, but you haven’t had Italian hot chocolate!

If you ever thought that the usual hot drink wouldn’t really serve as a dessert itself, the Italian version more than justifies itself as a pudding. 

That’s because Italian hot chocolate is very thick and creamy, like a bowl of chocolate-flavored custard.

If you’ve ever used the chocolate and cream combination that is ganache in a recipe, then this is like having a whole dessert of that.

  15. Chocolate Gelato

Gelato is one of the richest and most refreshing desserts there is, and the chocolate variety is possibly the best type there is. 

Many might confuse gelato with ice cream, but they are different. Ice cream will give you a lighter texture, while gelato contains less fat and is very smooth. 

It takes only a few ingredients to make, with milk, cream, egg yolks, and sugar. Oh, and don’t forget the chocolate! 70% dark chocolate is used for this, giving the gelato an incredibly rich and impactful flavor (see also ‘ 20 Delicious Talenti Gelato Flavors To Try ‘). 

16. Tiramisu Cake

The tiramisu we looked at earlier is already one of the best Italian desserts that you can get, but what might make it better? Making it a cake! That’s right, you can bake your very own tiramisu cake.

This easy to make authentic Italian dessert gives you a perfect mix of rich coffee and creamy mascarpone, all with the soft texture that you’d expect from a cake.

This is a génoise cake, meaning that it is slightly more complicated than a traditional sponge cake, with plenty of different layers of various fillings. 

17. Pear Almond Cake

Pear is, undoubtedly, one of the best fruits. It’s so refreshing!

When you then add that to a rich and delicious cake, with the nuttiness of the almonds too, then you’re going to have an extremely tasty Italian dessert that keeps you coming back again and again.

If you’re used to baking cakes, then this will be no different! There are a handful of easy to get ingredients, like eggs, granulated sugar, and baking powder.

On top of those, the key flavors are going to be coming from the flaked almonds and the medium sized pears (check out our favorite pear desserts ). 

18. “Zeppole” – Italian Donut Holes

When you picture a doughnut, you might picture the classic ring one, with the gap in the middle. What if I told you that the non-existent gap could be the best bit?

Well, it can! Doughnut balls are like the dough that came out of the middle of a ring doughnut, and no less delicious. 

Italy does some of the best doughnut balls with their “Zeppole”, a delicious and doughy treat that’s perfect for any dessert. These will take just half an hour to make, making them the perfect snack – quick! 

At the end, you can sprinkle them with sugar, but some choose to sprinkle cinnamon instead for an added spicy kick.

19. Strawberry Gelato

We covered chocolate gelato earlier, but making one that is strawberry flavored is just as great an idea – and just as delicious!

This tasty alternative to ice cream offers a lot more than that refreshing dessert, adding more milk than cream to create a smoother pudding.

On top of that, gelato is notoriously creamy, because it is churned slower in order to use less air. With less air, you get something that’s thicker and creamier. 

It also takes very few ingredients! All you need is some whole milk, a cup of granulated sugar, some heavy whipping cream, and the fresh strawberries that’ll give it that great taste.

Additionally, some lemon juice is added, just to give it a hint of sharpness.

20. Affogato

This is one of the many great coffee-based desserts on this list, with that famous drink giving it a richness and strength it wouldn’t normally have. Better yet, it even involves gelato like we’ve just been discussing! 

Put simply, this tasty dessert is a scoop of gelato (or ice cream if you want!) all topped off with a shot of hot coffee. As you can guess, it doesn’t take a lot of ingredients, nor time – you’ll have it ready in only 10 minutes!

21. Tiramisu Bombe

A lovely twist on the tiramisu cake we had earlier, this bombe is the perfect way to indulge in all the delights that tiramisu has to offer. 

Better yet, it’s very easy to make, because this recipe uses pre-made sponge cake to save you plenty of time – and get you closer to enjoying this perfect dessert!

22. Torta Barozzi

This scrumptious Italian cake is extremely rich and chocolatey – not just any old chocolate either, but 70% dark chocolate.

Add to that some almonds for a hint of nuttiness, and you’ve got a cake that’s quick to make and even quicker to eat!  On top of that, rum and coffee are also included, adding to the richness. 

23. “Zuccotto” –  Creamy Italian Cake

We’re finishing with a cake because, well, every meal should be finished with a cake. This both looks and tastes great, with a creamy beige dome that’s full of creamy flavor.

Like the best Italian puddings, this also has just a hint of alcohol added to it, livening up the taste even more. 

Originally made for the Medici family, this is certainly good enough for royalty! There’s a handful of tasty ingredients to use, such as Italian pastry cream and a bit of dark chocolate.

On top of that (literally!), the cake is topped with grated chocolate, giving it a decadent, stylish texture to the outside. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What pastries come from italy .

Italy is famous for its pastries, many of which can be enjoyed with the desserts above. One of our recipes involved cannoli, and this is certainly one of the most beloved Italian pastries.

In addition to that type, other famous ones are crostata, cornetto, and torrone. 

What Does Tiramisu Mean In Italian?

This is a fun one! The Italian translation of “tiramisu” roughly comes to something like “pick me up”. This is a pretty fitting name for it, since you will always feel picked up and cheered up by a slice of tiramisu.

If you look at our list above, you’ll see that there are plenty of ways to have a tiramisu, too!

Is Gelato Healthier Than Ice Cream?

We covered both chocolate and strawberry gelatos in the list above, each time noting how they were different to ice cream. It turns out that gelato is also healthier than ice cream, too!

This is because gelatos have fewer calories in them than ice creams do, as well as a lower fat content and less sugar. 

Final Thoughts

Italy is responsible for some of the best desserts in the world, each with their own perfect blends of flavors. We’ve helpfully collected together some of the very best for you to try making at home.

Whichever ones take your fancy, you’ll find that they are easy and quick to make! That way, you can spend less time baking and more time tasting. Enjoy!

Italy has some of the best desserts in the world, guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Read our collection of the best and easiest Italian desserts.

Ingredients

Italian Breakfast Cookies

Chocolate Triple Berry Panna Cotta Tart

Italian Butter Cookies

Lemon Ricotta Almond Cake

Cranberry Almond Biscotti

“Canestrelli” – Italian Egg Yolk Cookies

Authentic Tiramisu

“Marron Glacé” – Candied Chestnuts

Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

“Pizzelle” – Italian Waffle Cookies

5 Ingredient Homemade Cannoli

Italian Christmas Cookies

Thick Italian Hot Chocolate

Chocolate Gelato

Tiramisu Cake

Pear Almond Cake

“Zeppole” – Italian Donut Holes

Strawberry Gelato

Tiramisu Bombe

Torta Barozzi

“Zuccotto” –  Creamy Italian Cake

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• Click the recipe name and visit the website
• Collect the ingredients and cook the food
• Enjoy – don’t forget to leave a review

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Best Classic Panna Cotta (Easy!)

Published: Mar 10, 2022 · Modified: Mar 29, 2024 by Stephanie @ Pretty.Simple.Sweet. · This post may contain affiliate links · 148 Comments

This is a classic recipe for easy, rich and creamy Italian panna cotta. I make this every time I need an impressive, quick dessert! Served in individual portions, you won’t believe how simple this recipe is to make! Just top with fresh berries and enjoy!

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Table of contents

What is panna cotta, how to make panna cotta, garnishes for panna cotta, tips for making the perfect panna cotta, can you freeze panna cotta, how long does panna cotta stay good in the fridge, can i replace the heavy cream with milk, what happens if my panna cotta mixture accidentally boils after adding the gelatin, can i substitute sheet gelatin for powdered gelatin, more of my favorite custard-based recipes.

Here’s a fact you may not know about me. When I quit my job in the cooperate world, I went on a journey to find myself (whatever that means) and started selling mini baked goods for events. It wasn’t quite as glamorous as I had anticipated, but it paid the bills. Well, barely. With a tiny kitchen and fridge, mini desserts were all I could offer. While that seems so long ago now, there are a few things I remember vividly.

One of them is how people went crazy over the mini panna cotta served in shot glasses topped with berries. And since it was the easiest thing on my menu, I couldn’t have been happier.

Panna cotta means ‘cooked cream’ in Italian. This is an eggless custard dessert. It includes very few ingredients consisting of a simple mixture of cream, sugar, and vanilla. Gelatin is added to set the mixture and create a dreamy, custard-like consistency. The final product is rich and silky smooth.

This is the best panna cotta recipe I know! I’ve made it dozens of times. Despite the heavy cream, this dessert is perfect as a light, not-too-sweet dessert after a heavy meal. And if you’re new to baking with gelatin, don’t fear! It’s incredibly easy to work with and I’m going to walk you through every step of making this delicious panna cotta.

Gelatin is a thickening agent made of tiny granules that have no color or flavor. Depending on where you’re from, gelatin may be sold in sheets or boxes containing 2 or more envelopes. One envelope usually contains ¼ – ½ oz. (7-14g) of unflavored gelatin whereas one sheet is around 1 teaspoon (5g).

• Bloom the gelatin. Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water or milk in a small mixing bowl and let it sit for a few minutes to gelatinize. You’ll notice the gelatin mixture turns into something that looks like soft, rubbery Jello.
• Make the cream mixture. While your gelatin is setting, heat the cream, sugar, and vanilla together in a saucepan until hot and you see a low boil. Make sure all the sugar is dissolved.
• Add the gelatin. Turn off the heat and scrape out the softened gelatin into the hot cream mixture. Immediately whisk until smooth. Adding the gelatin to the hot mixture is what activates it. Make sure the mixture is completely smooth and that there are no little crystals remaining. If there are, bring the saucepan back to the stove and heat very gently without letting the mixture boil (this is very important!) until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
• Portion, set, and serve. Pour your panna cotta mixture into individual ramekins and place in the refrigerator to set for a minimum of 4 hours. To serve, top with garnishes of your choice.

This vanilla panna cotta tastes exquisite on its own, but I also love serving it with different garnishes. Some of my favorites include:

• Fresh berries
• Chocolate ganache
• Whipped cream
• Berry sauce
• Toasted nuts and caramel sauce
• Make a strawberry sauce: Place fresh or frozen strawberries with some powdered sugar in the food processor and process until smooth. Then, top your set panna cottas with the strawberry sauce and small pieces of fresh strawberries. This is my favorite topping for panna cotta!

• If you wish to make an even lighter panna cotta , you can replace some of the heavy cream with a lighter cream or milk.
• Make sure all the gelatin is dissolved. Using a whisk to combine the gelatin with the heavy cream mixture is the best way to do this. If you notice any tiny gelatin clumps or crystals, place the mixture over a low heat and whisk until dissolved. But do not bring it back to a full boil.
• Skip imitation vanilla and go for the real thing. Vanilla is the only flavor ingredient added to panna cotta, so use quality vanilla. Real vanilla extract, a scraped and seeded vanilla bean, or even vanilla bean paste will do well in this recipe. Keep in mind that if you use a vanilla bean or vanilla paste, there will be specks of vanilla in your panna cotta. For this reason, I tend to stick with vanilla extract, but if you don’t mind the flecks of vanilla (after all, they offer amazing flavor) then go for it!

Commonly asked questions

Yes, you can! It keeps well in the freezer. Leave it overnight in the fridge to thaw thoroughly before eating.

Panna cotta will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep covered with plastic wrap.

If you want to reduce the amount of cream in the recipe, you can substitute it for a lighter cream or whole milk. However, I do recommend keeping at least ⅓ of the heavy cream to maintain the super creamy and rich texture and flavor and replacing the other ⅔ with a lighter option.

Gelatin starts losing strength above 212°F/100°C , which is why you don’t want your cream mixture to get too hot once it’s added. If your mixture comes to a boil on accident, turn off the heat immediately. Most likely, it will still set if it didn’t remain at this temperature for very long. However, if you find that your panna cotta does not set properly in the fridge after several hours, you’ll need to start over.

Yes. If using sheet gelatin, substitute 2 ½ sheets of gelatin for the 1 ¼ teaspoons of powdered gelatin the recipe calls for. To bloom the gelatin, place the gelatin sheets in a bowl filled with 2 cups of cold water and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Remove the sheets once they are completely soft and gelatinous and whisk them into the hot panna cotta as directed in the recipe. Don’t add them with the water they were soaking in – add the sheets only.

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• Crème Brulee: A classic rich and creamy baked custard with crunchy, caramelized sugar topping.
• Coffee Panna Cotta: Another version of absolutely sinful panna cotta. A perfect pick-me-up dessert!
• Classic Cheesecake: Satiny-smooth cheesecake with a buttery, crumbly cookie crust.
• Chocolate Cheesecake: A cheesecake made for true chocoholics only.
• Coconut Cream Pie: Made with flaky, buttery pie crust, rich coconut pastry cream, fluffy whipped cream, and toasted coconut chips.

Panna Cotta

Rich and creamy vanilla panna cotta that is so simple to make!

Ingredients

• ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water or milk
• 1 ¼ teaspoons (4g) unflavored powdered gelatin*
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, scraped and seeded

Instructions

Place water in a small mixing bowl and sprinkle gelatin over the surface in a single layer. Be sure not to pile it as that will prevent the crystals from dissolving properly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes to soften.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat cream, sugar, vanilla extract or vanilla pod, sliced in half and with the seeds scraped out, on medium heat and bring just to a boil until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and discard vanilla bean. Stir in gelatin and immediately whisk until smooth and dissolved. If the gelatin hasn’t fully dissolved, return the saucepan to the stove and heat gently over low heat. Stir constantly and don’t let the mixture boil.

• Pour cream into 4 individual serving dishes. Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or until completely set.
• If you like, top with fresh fruit, berries, berry sauce , or lemon curd .
• Panna cotta can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Recipe Notes

* If using sheet gelatin, substitute 2 ½ sheets of gelatin for powdered. Add the sheets to a bowl filled with 2 cups cold water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, then remove the sheets once they are completely soft and whisk them into the hot panna cotta as directed in the recipe (you don’t need to add it along with the water, such as in powdered gelatin – add the sheets only).

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Brittaney @ Sips and Snacks says

February 19, 2015 at 7:40 pm

These are beautiful! I haven’t made Panna Cotta since culinary school, but I think I should soon!

Shiran says

February 20, 2015 at 2:47 pm

I think you should too 🙂 Thank you!

Akshay says

September 19, 2022 at 6:10 am

All r awesome..😘😘🤩🤩💞💞 How to see more videos

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says

February 20, 2015 at 11:30 am

Oh this looks so delicious! I love berries so this is just right up my ally.

Thank you Alicia!

May 25, 2020 at 1:44 am

Heyy….. Tried it and came out greaat…… Tastes very yumm….. I do have a doubt though….. What is the accurate ratio of gelatin to cream? Kindly reply if there is any!! Thank you in advance🙂

Diana D'souza says

September 14, 2020 at 8:01 am

Tried this recipe today with a variation. I used rose extract and made rose panna Cotta. Turned out delectable. Everyone at home loved it. Thank you for the well explained recipe. Stay safe and happy.

Jenny Hughes says

July 25, 2022 at 1:53 am

Hey Diana, did the rose extract give it a Turkish delight flavour? I would love Turkish delight panna cotta. And did you replace vanilla with the rose extract?

Chris Weller says

August 03, 2021 at 10:32 pm

Heres a tip, pour half the panna cotta into each cup or whatever you are using put them in the fridge and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Keep the rest of the panna cotta warm on stove. Take out of fridge and put a teaspoon or more of sugar free (or no added sugar) Raspberry Jam in the middle and then pour rest of the panna cotta on top of each and put them back in the fridge. You could put pretty much whatever takes your fancy into the middle but we are on a Keto diet and used Monk Fruit sugar. Its better for you and not refined rubbish and tastes EXACTLY like refined sugar.

December 04, 2023 at 7:57 pm

Since no one else is going to say it I’ll do it – You sir are a genius (LOL)

Connie the chocoholic says

February 21, 2015 at 1:15 am

i started catering for events too just last summer. While you can earn quite a bit if the event is big one, the profit margin is so small. People are always trying to haggle on prices when really they should understand how much ingredients and time cost!

lovely panna cotta btw, and i learned something new bout gelatin!

February 22, 2015 at 4:26 am

I know exactly what you’re saying Connie! I’m a perfectionist so it was very hard for me. I wanted every single cupcake to look just right and it didn’t pay off eventually, since it took so much time. That’s how customers are though, and it’s something you just have to be patient with 🙂 I used to be the same, always trying to get the best price, but now that I understand what it’s like to have your own small business, I almost never do that. Having my business was still fun though, and so many of my customers were nice and easy to work with! 🙂

Winnie says

February 22, 2015 at 3:49 am

אחת המנות הכי אלגנטיות שיש פשוט נראה נפלאאאאאאאאאאא

February 22, 2015 at 4:16 am

Thank you so much Winnie! 🙂

Carolina says

February 22, 2015 at 6:50 am

Great recipe!!I prepared it yesterday and ate it just a few minutes ago…AMAZINGLY GOOD! Thank you!!

February 22, 2015 at 7:18 am

Thank you so much Carolina! 🙂

Sophie says

February 25, 2015 at 7:43 am

it looks so beautiful&delicious！！Thanks for sharing the recipe！You inspired me，thank you！

February 25, 2015 at 8:46 am

Thank you so much Sophie! 🙂

March 25, 2016 at 11:12 am

Thanks, wonderful recipe, my pennacotta didn’t set,I used China grass but I didn’t cover with plastic wrap. It was in liquid state what’s the reason, can you tell please

March 27, 2016 at 4:47 am

Hi Indu, did you use China grass before or know how to use it (for example that it needs to be dissolved in water and then later brought to a boil)?. Do you know how to substitute it with gelatin? Did you give it enough time to set in the fridge? I don’t have much experience with this product but it should give same result as gelatin.

March 27, 2016 at 2:14 pm

Hi Shiran, Thanks for your reply, I searched online but no adequate info for how to use china grass in pannacotta, I never knew the info you shared, I used 2 tsps of china grass for 250 ml of cream and same amount of milk, I let it set for more than 12 hours, I get veg gelatin in nearby sainsburys so I can use it instead but can you teach how to use china grass ( for anything) .

March 28, 2016 at 4:34 am

Hi Indu 🙂 An online search (China grass is also called agar agar) would give you a lot of information on how to use it (in general, not necessarily in panna cotta). It seems like it needs to be dissolved in water and then brought to a boil. Since I haven’t tried this product myself, I can’t tell you exactly how to use it, but it should be quite simple!

ca lee says

May 24, 2020 at 10:29 am

I think China grass doesn’t really give the same effect that gelatin does. It sets differently and has a totally different texture. China grass sets leaving behind a more “flaky-like” jelly texture. So I doubt it would help set Panna cotta

Natalia says

April 15, 2019 at 12:16 pm

Probably the temperature of liquid was too high for gelatine.

Miriam says

January 05, 2018 at 3:35 pm

This recipe is amazing! I made it for a large crowd and it was a hit. Thank you!

Jennifer says

January 28, 2018 at 11:21 am

I just made this to my mom’s birthday and everyone L-O-V-E-D it! I added strawberries on top to add a pop of color, I recommend you all do the same. I’m not a great cook but this was really simple and delicious. Thank you Shiran for yet another easy recipe 🙂

January 31, 2018 at 6:20 am

I made these for a dinner party, and they were a huge hit! Super impressive-looking despite being so easy to make!

February 14, 2018 at 1:34 am

Hey, It looks delicious. I was looking for an original and easy dessert to bring to a baby shower and I think I found it. I loved the addition of berries on top.

February 21, 2018 at 10:21 am

This recipe sounds delicious and I can’t wait to try it ! Just one question- can I pour the mixture into 8oz ramekins so once it’s done refrigerating I can take them out of the ramekins so they will stand on their own?

February 25, 2018 at 6:25 am

Hi Lily, yes, you can! If you’re having trouble removing it from the ramekins, try to use this method.

Hayley Barry says

March 30, 2018 at 3:38 am

Hiya, I’m making this recipe today, do I add the milk that I dissolved my gelatin in to the recipe too or do I try to extract the gelatin from the top of the milk to add in? Thanks 🙂

March 31, 2018 at 3:14 am

Hey Hayley, you need to add all the gelatin mixture – milk and gelatin. You don’t need to separate them.

Heather M says

April 18, 2018 at 3:30 am

This may be a silly question – but if I am making this mixture for 12 people would it be safe just to multiply all ingredient measures by 3 or does gelatin not work like this? Also I love a rosemary and thyme panna cotta could I just infuse along with the vanilla for the same length of time? Thanks! Your recipe looks awesome and gives me some courage to try panna cotta again!

Thanks Heather

April 18, 2018 at 5:22 am

Hi Heather! Yes, you can multiply the amount of ingredients, it will work fine. Before removing from heat, you can leave the ingredients to soak for several minutes, or let the mixture simmer for five minutes on low-medium heat, to get a stronger flavor, then strain the mixture. Good luck!

Odette says

April 25, 2018 at 7:31 am

Hi I’ve tried a few different receipes , what cream would you recommend ? I’m in Sydney would Bulla double cream work ?

April 29, 2018 at 8:46 am

Hi Odette, I’m not familiar with this brand, but you need to use heavy/whipping cream – one that is good to make whipped cream. It should be liquid.

May 17, 2018 at 6:19 am

Odette I’m in australia too and yes bulla double cream is what I use

May 10, 2023 at 7:29 pm

Thank you for sharing. My husband says it tastes a lot like my rice pudding which gave me an ideas to try to make fast rice pudding with panna cotta instead of stiring milk for hours. I put in cooked rice and place it in the fridge. We will see what happens in a few hours

Stephanie @ Pretty.Simple.Sweet. says

May 21, 2023 at 4:06 pm

Hi Megan, I’m curious to see how your rice experiment worked? 🙂

Aastha says

June 11, 2018 at 6:33 am

Hey, your recipes and blog is amazing.

Shalini says

June 16, 2018 at 6:37 am

My daughter tried your panna cotta receipe and I had my doubts if she will make it properly.. it was out if this world!! She made it quickly and easily. We couldn’t have enought of it? thank you very much for sharing your amazing receipe with us!

June 20, 2018 at 3:24 am

very cool panna cotta is always a easy winner

Jessica says

June 21, 2018 at 4:20 pm

Hi! I’m interested in doing this for about 20 people. How many servings is the recipe? And should I double it for more or will that screw up the recipe? thank you so much!! Looks wonderful!

June 24, 2018 at 10:57 am

Hi Jessica, it depends on the size of the serving. I usually make this for 4 people (about 1/2 cup per serving), but you can make smaller servings. You can double, triple, or make more of the recipe, it would work just fine.

August 02, 2018 at 12:31 am

This looks like a great recipe. If I want to make coconut panna cotta, can I replace 1 cup cream with coconut mik or put 2 cups coconut milk and leave out the cream altogether? Thanks

August 02, 2018 at 1:05 pm

Hi Hina, you can use 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup coconut cream (coconut milk is great too, but coconut cream is my favorite). This will give a nice coconut flavor. You can experiment with that and use more coconut cream/milk next time for more flavor and less heavy cream.

Ashley says

August 21, 2018 at 9:30 am

I like making desserts for the guys I work with. I kind of use them as my sound board for food before I make dinners at the club I am a member of. I am making this tonight. Super excited. Going to make it with Berry sauce. Review to come. 🙂

September 05, 2018 at 8:09 pm

Hi Shiran can I really freeze this one without separation after thawing?

September 08, 2018 at 11:25 am

It will be ok. Leave it overnight in the fridge to thaw throughly before using.

September 06, 2018 at 4:51 am

Hi Shiran, Thank you, I love this recipe and it works perfectly. I need to make a lot for a family gathering. What it be possible to make these in plastic cups a few weeks in advance and freeze them? What would you recommend? Thanks in advance.

It should be fine. Leave it overnight in the fridge to thaw throughly before using.

September 10, 2018 at 12:02 am

Hi Shiran, It’s hayfever season for me and I missed out on my serve of pannacotta dessert. How would this recipe go with coconut cream, and what other cream substitute would you suggest? Everyone raved about it while I had apple crumble. The Pannacotta was served with Aldi’s coffee icecream and raspberries. I put raspberries on the bottom of the glass before filling as well. The others loved this combo. I can’t wait till after spring and summer to enjoy this recipe myself. Robin. West Australia

September 10, 2018 at 7:17 am

Thank you Robin, you currently don’t have heavy cream available to make this dessert?

Nazita Andrade says

September 15, 2018 at 4:53 am

Hi Shiran…how can I incorporate coffee flavour into the panna cotta?…I’m going to try this recipe with whipping cream..Thank u

September 17, 2018 at 2:46 am

You can add instant coffee to the cream, and then you might need to play with the amount of sugar in the recipe.

March 01, 2019 at 8:58 pm

I added about a tablespoon of instant espresso to it when I made it. It was great.

October 04, 2018 at 7:47 pm

seriously!!!! thank you for creating such an easy dessert with an easier recipe. I tried it about 7 times. Different recipes and my family was sick and tired of the word panna cotta. This came out so amazing and so perfect. Thank you for helping me realize that i can actually make desserts. Guess what I am doing now, reading all your other deserts and making a list. xoxo

October 09, 2018 at 11:39 pm

Great, simple receipe with delicious result! Worked great first time! Thanks for sharing.

Cheryl Leaver says

October 19, 2018 at 6:39 am

Wanted a dessert that used up left over organic milk & cream, worked a treat and there will be no more throwing out milk & cream just before use by date because it’s my shopping day ?? many thanks

Leah Solomon says

November 30, 2018 at 10:07 am

Hello! I am making these for a large event tomorrow. The serving size says 4, but how many oz are in each serving? I’m making for 60 people and using 3 oz dessert cups.

December 02, 2018 at 5:22 am

Hi Leah, the recipe yields about 2 cups/480 ml of panna cotta.

December 18, 2018 at 8:48 pm

Hello, how long does a panna cotta can stay in room temperature, I tried making it then leave some of it outside the fridge for about 5hrs, I checked it and it melted. Is this normal?

December 19, 2018 at 8:02 am

It makes sense because the gelatin stabilizes it only when it’s cold, so you should serve it quite cold. It will start to melt at room temperature.

January 18, 2019 at 7:56 pm

This recipe looks really delicious! I’m making it for my aunt’s birthday, and I’m wondering if I can double the recipe.

Eileen Seaters says

February 18, 2019 at 2:54 am

Hello Shiran, I would like to make about 20 to 25 Panna Cotta’s but I don’t know if I could quadruple…plus… the recipe. Can you recommend any recipes where I could serve about 25 people with one recipe for single serve cups ??? I have plans on making your lemon and Nutella Tarts 2 to 3 each…but because I have between 100 and 150 people to serve…I would like some single serve 2 to 3 ounce cups of different items. Your recipes really look lovely and I sincerely will be making them for the first week of March for a very special occasion. Thank you so very much for your time and talents. Easy and delicious! Sincerely, Eileen

February 20, 2019 at 7:29 am

Hi Eileen, you can multiply the recipe as many times as you’d like.

March 25, 2019 at 10:02 pm

Can i use whipping cream?

March 26, 2019 at 5:17 am

Marilyn Elizabeth Meek says

April 10, 2019 at 7:39 pm

Can agar agar be used instead of gelatin? Any other possible non animal substitutions for gelatin?

Maria . K says

April 19, 2019 at 3:14 pm

Hi, If I use 2cups of milk and 2cups of cream as opposed to 4cups of cream – do I add the said qty of gelatin or alter ? If so can you pl specify – it’s rather urgent. Thanku

April 27, 2019 at 10:40 pm

Can you use whipping cream as heavy cream

May 01, 2019 at 5:18 am

Yes, you can use heavy cream or whipping cream.

angela says

May 06, 2019 at 8:40 pm

hi there. if i make the night before i need will they be ok for 1.5 hr drive? how long does it take to set on day of making them?

May 06, 2019 at 11:15 pm

if made night before, will they be ok to take 1.5 hours away?

how long do they take to set on day of making them

May 16, 2019 at 12:05 am

Hi can i use light cream instead of heavy cream and still get the same texture?

Marilyn Garcia says

May 27, 2019 at 6:03 pm

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Dee Palmer says

June 29, 2019 at 4:33 pm

Hello! Your recipe sounds great. I was wondering if I can add a little more gelatin sheets so that it firms a bit more? Summer started and need for it to hang in there for me while in the car to my event. AC will definitely be on but never made this before. Thank you!

July 01, 2019 at 4:10 am

Yes, you can!

Minu John Mathew says

July 08, 2019 at 8:02 am

Dear Shiran, Thank you for this amazing recipe. I love pannacotta. But didn’t know that it was this simple to make. I tried this recipe at home dot to dot exactly as you have written and it came out awesome. My husband and children loved it. We get farm fresh milk. So I boil and collect the cream and store it. I had only that cream. I used it and it tastes wonderful. Texture was also perfect. I would make it again and also loads because we have a pot luck every week. This will be my fool proof dessert recipe. Thank you so much again.

Anthony Spinelli says

July 31, 2019 at 12:50 pm

My mother always made Panna Cotta when I was a small boy,i tried your recipe and it was excellent I used a blueberry sauce topping and it was a big hit with my grand children.Thank you for the easy recipe,

Wendy Sherwood says

September 29, 2019 at 3:18 pm

Made this with the berry sauce recipe for a special dinner with friends. It was wonderful! I will definitely make it again.

Sella Thiru says

October 13, 2019 at 5:03 am

Quick question, would like to know if i can add a blue food coloring. Your comments on adding food coloring please.

Thank you, Sella

October 16, 2019 at 6:46 am

Yes, when the panna cotta is ready, you can add the food coloring.

Tricia says

November 03, 2019 at 11:10 pm

Just got back from Italy 3 weeks ago and my husband and I can’t stop craving the food v so I made your panna cota today with a a cherry balsamic sauce. I can’t believe how ready it was! Yeah! Can’t wait to serve this to guests. Thank you.

Jaclynn says

November 20, 2019 at 5:01 pm

Hi. Can I use vanilla extract instead of the bean and seed?

November 24, 2019 at 3:07 am

Hi Jaclynn, you can use vanilla extract instead (the amount is mentioned in the recipe).

November 24, 2019 at 8:43 am

Hi, Really quick question, How much water do I add to the gelatin powder? Really hope you will reply, many thanks!

December 07, 2019 at 10:28 pm

1/4 cup or 60ml. It’s the first Ingres at the top of the recipe.

November 30, 2019 at 1:30 am

Hi! Thanks for the recipe! Just tried it out. It was my first time making it (from scratch). It turned out great! It set up nicely, and the texture was great! I did have to replace some of the cream with milk because I didn’t have enough cream, but it turned out okay just like you wrote. Will definitely be using this recipe again in the future!

Marcia says

February 09, 2020 at 2:05 pm

I would love to make this pan cotta. Instead of making it in individual cups, could I make it in one serving dish, and if so what would be the best size for the aunt of ingredients?

February 11, 2020 at 3:05 am

Yes you can, but I’m not sure which pan size you’ll need to use for this recipe. It also depends on how tall you want the panna cotta to be.

Sara C. says

February 12, 2020 at 5:51 am

Wonderful, simple recipe! I put it in wine glasses and served it as a dessert – everyone loved it 🙂

February 12, 2020 at 4:10 pm

I liked the taste but would reduce the amount of gelatin. Was too stiff to be really excellent

Christine says

February 14, 2020 at 10:01 pm

Jell-O is my husband’s favorite dessert (go figure), so I made this classy (classic) dessert for valentine’s day this evening – followed your recipe using 3 sheets of 180 bloom gelatin and this turned out perfectly with a four hour set in the fridge. I accompanied with the berry sauce recipe you link to as well, and we were both just in heaven.

Michelle Cobb says

March 06, 2020 at 11:52 am

Could I had cocoa powder to give it a chocolate flavor?

March 16, 2020 at 1:42 pm

I haven’t tried it with cocoa powder so I can’t say for sure.

Catalina-Isabel says

March 15, 2020 at 6:01 am

Thank you so much for this recipe i am not very good at cooking but that was so easy and it tasted that good i needed to make more because i ate the first lot hahahaha. I did water instead of milk because i didn’t have milk and tasted good to me. I also paired it with berry sauce but i used mixed berries and that too was amazing.

Thank you so much for helping a helpless cook like me. P.S I haven’t checked yet but would love to see your twist on desserts that are keto friendly 🙂

Love from Sydney Australia

March 31, 2020 at 9:59 am

This is a great tasting recipe but I noticed a separation of layers in the panna cotta – may I know why this happened?

April 06, 2020 at 7:20 am

Hi Jamie! I’m not sure what exactly happened, sorry. I’m sure google can help you more than me 😉

May 02, 2020 at 8:22 pm

Will a heavy cream substitute of milk and butter work the same way?

May 03, 2020 at 2:24 am

It won’t, you’ll have to use heavy cream for this recipe, or a combination of milk and heavy cream.

May 03, 2020 at 9:15 am

thanks! then would fresh cream work instead of adding heavy cream?

May 11, 2020 at 11:45 am

Perfect the very first time, and so easy. Thank you!

June 12, 2020 at 12:25 am

Turned out great. Easy instructions. Thanks!

Georgia Vengtasamy says

September 12, 2020 at 6:03 am

Thank you for posting this, enjoyed following the recipe. The vanilla taste was beautiful.

Quick question: I used the gelatine sheets which set perfectly, however the panacotta was really dense. It said not to add the water, should I be adding another liquid?

September 13, 2020 at 3:51 am

Hi Georgia, if you prefer the panna cotta to be more soft, you can try using a bit less gelatin every time you make it, until you like the result 🙂

September 29, 2020 at 8:27 am

I made this but also added a mixed berry Coulis to the panna cotta mixture, then when it was set I added a bit more Coulis to the top, also added fresh berries and mint leaves. My family loved it.

October 01, 2020 at 8:25 am

Made this but tweaked it a little bit. First I used a cup of double cream and a cup of thicken cream, I then added home made mixed berry coulis to the panda cotta, once set I added more coulis to the top and garnished with fresh berries and mint leaves. was absolutely delicious. will be making it again but going to put a mango twist to it.

Athena says

November 14, 2020 at 8:35 pm

I did 1/2 milk 1/2 cream and it seperate .. the buttery layer was on top and the milk later on the bottom .. why does it split .. I did exactly as per your recipe .. please help as I don’t want full cream because of the fat content

Reema malhotra says

November 16, 2020 at 3:47 am

Hi can I use non dairy Whipping cream

LINDA SMITH says

December 09, 2020 at 7:21 am

Can you “brule” panna cotta like creme brule?

December 16, 2020 at 3:53 am

Yes you can 🙂

January 22, 2021 at 4:54 pm

I tried this recipe and it was absolutely DELISH! If you don’t mind, can you disclose about how much you charged per cup?

January 27, 2021 at 10:51 am

I wish I could remember! It was such a long time ago 🙂

January 28, 2021 at 10:41 am

I’m going to make this omitting the gelatin , that way i can spoon a little over the berries , making it. Lighter dessert ..❤️

March 05, 2021 at 11:26 am

Quick question

Do i need to let pann cotta cold down before pouring into smallplastic dessert cup?

March 10, 2021 at 3:04 am

Hi Issy. You can let it cool slightly, then mix well and pour into the cups.

March 15, 2021 at 1:54 pm

Made this before and turned out AWESOME! Do you know if I can make this chocolate flavored? Thanks in advance

March 30, 2021 at 7:01 am

You can add bittersweet/dark chocolate but I suggest following a recipe for that for the best result 🙂

March 21, 2021 at 11:38 am

We have made this at least ten times since finding this recipe last year. It’s perfect every time, so easy, and so nice to be able to make a favorite dessert at home after the restaurant we discovered this at went out of business. Thank you!

October 10, 2021 at 9:22 am

Super-easy and delicious. Thank you.

Karine says

April 06, 2022 at 7:13 pm

Shiran, Tried this out yesterday and turned out great. I will most certainly use this recipe again. Thank you. I did notice that my Panna Cotta was a little gritty but I think this is a property of the Vanilla Bean Paste I was using. Thank You so much. What else can I use Vanilla Bean Paste for? 👍💕 Karine

Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet. says

April 07, 2022 at 4:58 am

Hey Karine, so glad you liked the Panna Cotta! Vanilla bean paste is ideal for recipes where you really want the vanilla flavor to shine, which is why is so good in custard-desserts. However, you can use it in place of vanilla extract in any recipe.

Claire Martins says

June 26, 2022 at 9:40 pm

Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?

June 29, 2022 at 5:39 am

Hi Claire, half and half will work – the panna cotta may be less rich/thick, but it will work!

November 13, 2022 at 4:01 am

This was delicious and super fast and easy to make. Will be my new “go-to” dessert for large dinner parties where efficiency is a must – thank you!

November 13, 2022 at 5:03 am

Hi Aline, thank you and I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂

December 16, 2022 at 10:22 pm

Hi! I am lactose intolerant. So can I use lactose free heavy cream and cream

December 21, 2022 at 3:08 am

Yes, it should work 🙂

December 23, 2022 at 7:48 am

I made it with the sheet gelatin, I even double the recipe and everybody enjoyed it

Thanks for sharing the recipe

December 23, 2022 at 4:00 pm

Hi there, just checking: are you sure 1.25 tsp = 7 grams?

December 25, 2022 at 2:51 am

Hi Chris, thanks for pointing this out! 1.25 tsp is equal to 4g, not 7. I’ve corrected this in the recipe 🙂 Merry Christmas!

Lisa Rowland says

February 27, 2023 at 8:24 am

Excellent recipe and perfect elegant little dessert. I love how flexible it is and all of the options it has. Delicious!

April 05, 2023 at 5:50 pm

Thank you, Lisa!

March 20, 2023 at 8:19 pm

Horrible recipe, keeps spreading after I put it into glasses!

April 02, 2023 at 3:51 pm

Hi Ty, I’m sorry this happened. Perhaps the cream got too hot and boiled too long, causing the mixture to separate.

October 04, 2023 at 11:47 pm

Lovely recipe. Made it but it didn’t quite sr to the consistency I would have liked so made it again the following day and increased the gelatin by another 1/4 teaspoon . Worked out to my liking. Thank you for sharing this great recipe

October 05, 2023 at 12:04 pm

Whitney says

November 17, 2023 at 10:24 pm

I made this today and the texture is PERFECT! My family love it. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe.

November 17, 2023 at 11:04 pm

Awesome! So glad you loved it!

Teri Miller says

December 28, 2023 at 3:04 pm

Is it possible to make in a tube, bundt or loaf pan for easier serving?

December 29, 2023 at 11:25 am

Hi Teri, you could certainly do that and place a spoon in the pan for guests to help themselves. Oftentimes a mold is used to make panna cotta individually as well. If you have a silicone muffin pan, you could make individual panna cotta using that as well.

Carrie says

January 05, 2024 at 3:37 pm

Fantastic! I added 1/4 tsp of Fiori Sicilia from King Arthur Flour and gave a nice citrus flavor. Before I added it, it smelled wonderful with just the vanilla. The texture was smooth and creamy. Will definitely make this again!

February 07, 2024 at 12:48 pm

What a great addition, Carrie! Yum!

February 06, 2024 at 8:26 pm

After increasing gelatin to 1 1/2 t., my Panna Cotta turned out PERFECTLY. It’s so smooth, creamy, and delicious; I’ve made the recipe 3 times since last week (my friends can’t get enough)! I even tried chocolate, using milk chocolate chips melted in the microwave. So easy and delicious!

February 07, 2024 at 12:31 pm

Thank you, Diana! So glad you enjoyed this recipe!

Maria DCosta says

March 01, 2024 at 12:35 pm

Was always scared of Panna Cotta..but this was so simple and came out yum

March 03, 2024 at 3:49 pm

Thank you, Maria!

30 Authentic Italian Dessert Recipes

By: Author Angie

Posted on February 19, 2024

Home » Recipes » 30 Authentic Italian Dessert Recipes

The Italian food adventure is an endless journey, and one of the best parts of this journey definitely includes  Italian dessert   recipes !

Italian cuisine is distinguished worldwide for the recipes our grandmothers and mothers have handed down from generation to generation for decades.

Some of the best parts of these recipes that have been handed down are definitely the sweeter recipes!

So, if you are looking for a few ideas to make an authentic Italian dessert, the Italian recipes below are exactly what you need. 

There are so many unique recipes from every different region in Italy when it comes to desserts.

What are my favorite Italian desserts?

Two of my absolute favorites are tiramisu and cannoli – they never fail to remind me of home.

Tiramisu’s rich coffee flavor and light mascarpone cream is always my favorite easy dessert, while cannoli are the ultimate sweet treat with crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese.

30 easy Italian dessert recipes

I have included ones that I, as an Italian, feel are worthy to be called authentic Italian desserts!

So, below are the 30 best Italian dessert recipes that I personally love!

#1 authentic tiramisu

Tiramisu is the most popular Italian dessert that combines layers of ladyfingers soaked in coffee, creamy mascarpone cheese, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

This treat is perfect for those who crave a balance of sweetness and a hint of bitterness.

With its velvety texture and rich flavors, tiramisu is a beloved dessert that never fails to impress.

#2 Chocolate Caramel Affogato 

If you’re a coffee lover, the Chocolate Caramel Affogato is a dessert you shouldn’t miss.

Be sure to enjoy it before the gelato melts completely!

#3 Zuccotto: A Creamy Italian Dessert Cake

Zuccotto is a delightful Italian dessert cake that originated in Florence.

This dome-shaped cake is made by layering slices of sponge cake with a rich filling of whipped cream, chocolate, and nuts.

#4 Cherry Panna Cotta

Cherry Panna Cotta takes this traditional dessert to new heights by infusing it with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh cherries. 

Panna cotta translates to “cooked cream” in Italian, highlighting its simple ingredients.

#5 Classic Italian Cream Custard (Zabaglione)

Made with just eggs, sugar, and Marsala wine, zabaglione is a decadent Italian dessert that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

I like to serve it still warm in small glasses with crisp biscotti – the perfect ending to any meal. 

#6 Chocolate Genoise Sponge Cake Recipe

If you’re a chocolate lover, then the Italian cream cake is a must-try dessert.

I like to fill mine with fresh berries for an extra element of flavor. 

#7 Ricotta Cake

#8 Lemon Ricotta cake

For a refreshing twist on the classic Ricotta Cake, try the Lemon Ricotta Cake.

 I sometimes like to add a drizzle of limoncello syrup for an extra kick of lemony freshness. 

#9 homemade cannoli

As a proud Sicilian, cannoli holds a very special place in my heart as one of the best desserts ever created!

Crisp pastry tubes are filled with sweet ricotta filling, candied citrus, or chocolate chips.

I remember helping my nonna make them from scratch, from rolling the dough to filling the cannoli shells.

Cannoli transported me straight back to my childhood in Sicily.

#10 Italian Cream Puffs With Custard Filling

Light and airy on the inside with a crispy shell, they’re a special treat to serve with afternoon cappuccino.

I like to fill mine with homemade Italian pastry cream for maximum flavor and indulge in at least two – they’re just too good to stop at one!

#11 Pastiera Napoletana Recipe

Pastiera is a traditional Neapolitan tart eaten during Easter. Its wheat berries, ricotta, and citrus zest base have a unique, slightly nutty flavor.

I top mine with a dusting of powdered sugar to let the flavors really shine.

#12 Classic Italian Crostata (Italian Pie)

For a classic Italian dessert, you can’t go past a crostata.

Buttery, flaky pastry is filled with seasonal fruit and baked until golden. I love using mixed berries in summer and apples in fall.

A light dusting of powdered sugar finishes it off perfectly.

Crostata is so versatile – enjoy a slice with an afternoon espresso, or pack one for a picnic.

#13 Babá

Originating in Naples, babá is a light and airy yeast cake soaked in rum.

Its soft, fluffy crumb truly melts in the mouth. I like to serve it simply dusted with powdered sugar so its subtle flavors can really shine.

Babá is the perfect ending to any meal, especially in the warmer months when you want something refreshing rather than heavy.

#14 Italian Mimosa Cake

Mimosa cake is a layered sponge cake with a light, mousse-like filling of mascarpone, pastry cream, and liqueur.

Bright yellow like the flower, it’s a beautiful centerpiece for any celebration table.

#15 Torrone

Made with honey, nuts, egg whites, and spices, its texture is chewy yet crisp.

I prefer the classic version layered with almonds but have been known to indulge in variations like chocolate, too! Torrone is the perfect treat to nibble on with after-dinner espresso or serve with panettone.

It really gets me in the festive holiday season.

More popular italian desserts

#16 chocolate salami .

Chocolate salami might sound strange, but it tastes absolutely divine! Cocoa powder, butter, sugar, and nuts are rolled into logs and chilled to resemble salami.

Sliced and served, its texture is rich yet crumbly. I like to pair it with a hot cup of tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Chocolate salami is such a unique treat – you won’t want to stop at just one slice!

#17 Italian Pear Almond Cake

This moist pear and almond cake has such a lovely aroma and flavor.

Fresh pears are baked into the batter, their juices mingling with the subtle notes of almond extract.

I like to serve it warm with a scoop of gelato.

#18 Panforte with Chocolate, Hazelnuts and Cherries

Originally from Siena, panforte is a chewy, fruit-studded cake with hints of spice. I like to make a batch and enjoy it over a few weeks.

This dark chocolate version with dried cherries would be just perfect with espresso!

#19 Italian Pistachio Cake  

Pistachio cake is one of my all-time favorites.

Fresh pistachio paste mixed into the tender vanilla batter results in a subtle yet vibrant green hue.

like to top mine with a cloud-like mascarpone frosting infused with just a hint of almond. 

#20 ITALIAN APPLE CAKE (TORTA DI MELE )

 Made with fresh apples, this apple cake is light, moist, not too sweet, and looks pretty on top.

Make it all in one bowl with just 6 main ingredients and 15 minutes of hands-on time!

#21 CASSATA ICE CREAM

Get into the festive spirit and prepare to dive into a world of pure decadence with this quick cassata ice cream recipe, perfect for a Christmas treat!

It’s a shortcut recipe that still captures the essence of this famous Sicilian ice cream cake in a snap, making it a beautiful addition to your holiday celebrations.

#22 Italian Cannoli Cake Roll

This creative dessert combines everyone’s favorite cannoli flavors into a delicious cake roll.

The sponge cake is layered with a sweet ricotta filling dotted with chocolate chips and zest, then tightly rolled up. 

I love serving it for special occasions when I want something a bit different from the usual cakes.

#23 Torta Caprese

Torta Caprese hails from the beautiful island of Capri, and dreams are made of its light, moist crumb.

I like to pair it with an evening espresso, as its subtle flavors truly shine that way.

#24 CASTAGNACCIO

In autumn, chestnut cake, castagnaccio, is a staple in Tuscan homes.

Dense hearty, its crumb is flecked with nuts, dried fruit, and rosemary. I love its earthy, rustic flavor profile.

#25 LIMONCELLO SORBET

Limoncello Sorbet is a tangy and refreshing frozen dessert.

It’s a perfect palate cleanser or a light and refreshing treat on a hot summer day.

#26 PISTAcCHIO CANNOLI

Take classic cannoli to nuanced new heights by filling the crispy pastry shells with a light pistachio cream instead of the usual ricotta.

The vibrant green color and intense nutty notes make these a perfect dessert for dinner parties.

#27 Italian Paradise Cake / Torta Paradiso

This light-air sponge cake truly lives up to its name. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture is simply divine.

I like to serve small slices so guests can really savor each bite. 

#28 Italian Rice Pie (Pastiera di Riso)

Pastiera is a specialty of Naples traditionally served at Easter.

It’s a sweet, saffron-scented ricotta custard baked in a crust of wheat berries, rice, eggs, and citrus zest.

 Its rice, ricotta, lemon or orange zest base, and spices have such a unique aroma.

#29 Limoncello Tiramisu

A classic tiramisu gets modern twists with limoncello.

Soaked ladyfingers are layered with a light mascarpone cream spiked with the bright citrus liqueur. Its zesty flavor cuts through the richness perfectly.

I like to serve it in pretty glass jars for a dressed-up presentation. 

#30 Easy classic pizzelle recipe

Pizzelle are Italian anise-flavored wafer cookies traditionally made using a pizzelle iron.

This simple recipe results in the lightest, most aromatic pizzelle.

Their anise and citrus notes transport me straight to the streets of Rome. Enjoy them freshly made or store them with afternoon coffee or gelato.

If you want delicious Italian cookies like Italian butter cookies, rainbow cookies, anise cookies, or wedding cookies, check this article with 22 of the best  Italian cookie recipes.

• 15 Of The Best Italian Breakfast Recipes You Need To Try
• Authentic Italian Pasta Recipes: 34 Delicious Recipes
• Pasta With Potatoes & Bacon: Quick Italian Recipe
• Italian Pear And Almond Chocolate Cake – from theworldisanoyster.com

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Tuesday 27th of February 2024

These are the best Italian dessert recipes that I have ever come across! I want to make them all!!!!

Tuesday 20th of February 2024

There are so many delicious recipes I can't wait to make them!

Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/

Monday 6th of December 2021

Oh, my world! I'm craving so badly right now, and I would give anything to have at least a few cannoli ready for my cappuccino! Thank you for including the link to my Pear And Almond Chocolate Cake which I often bake because I can never have enough. Now I have to work through the rest of your goodies list!

The Bella Vita

Friday 10th of December 2021

Hi Mihaela, your recipe is fantastic, I tried it and couldn't not include it in the list :)

Amanda Marie Boyle

Thursday 1st of October 2020

These almond cookies are the best!

You out did yourself; wow, what a great round-up! Love these recipes... yummo!

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5-Ingredient Cannolis

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April 3, 2019 by Ashley Manila 109 Comments

An easy and delicious recipe for 5-Ingredient Cannolis! This classic Italian dessert is always a crowd-pleaser. So if you’ve been searching for a foolproof recipe for cannoli filling, this one’s for you!

I woke up the other day and realized something terrible… I’ve never shared with you my mega simple recipe for 5-Ingredient Cannolis with you! So many recipes… so little time! But I really wanted to squeeze this one in before the holidays. So I dropped everything, walked to the store (I don’t drive… did you know that?), grabbed my ingredients, and got busy. Lucky for us, this impressive recipe is sneaky simple. I’m talking 15 minutes of active work simple.

So, shall we cannoli? I promise making homemade cannoli is so much easier than you think 🙂

What is a Cannoli?

A Cannoli is a form of pastry that originated on the Island of Sicily. Most cannoli consist of tube-shaped shells of deep fried pastry dough that are then filled with a slightly sweet and creamy filling, that’s usually made from ricotta cheese .

Every time I make this recipe I get a little nostalgic. My grandmother taught me how to make cannoli many moons ago and the memory is one of my favorites. I must confess my gran made her cannoli shells from scratch (and man were they good), but most days I just don’t have time for that so I buy them from our local pastry shop or the grocery store. One day I’ll get it together and post her cannoli shell recipe too, but for now, feel free to use store bought shells or make your own using your favorite recipe.

Cannoli Recipe

Ingredients:

• cannoli shells, homemade or store bought will work
• ricotta cheese
• confectioners’ sugar
• mini chocolate chips
• vanilla extract

Tips and Tricks for Recipe Success:

• The most important part of this cannoli recipe is draining your ricotta cheese. It MUST drain. At least 12 hours, preferably overnight. If you use it as is, your cannoli cream filling will be wet and grainy and make your shells soggy. To drain, you’ll want to place the cheese in a fine mesh strainer and cover it with a piece of saran wrap. Place some pie weights (or just dry beans) on top of the saran wrap and place the strainer over a bowl. Pop the bowl in the fridge until needed. You’ll be surprised to see how much liquid comes out!
• As mentioned earlier, I used store bought cannoli shells. Bellino cannoli shells are very good and what I use if my local pastry shop is out of fresh ones. You can also make and use your favorite homemade cannoli shell recipe.
• Although I prefer a simple cannoli with just a dash of vanilla extract, feel free to make these your own! Add in orange zest, chopped pistachios, or even sprinkles! Just be sure not to make the filling too chunky if you plan on piping it into the shells.
• If you can’t find mini chocolate chips at your local grocery store, you can click here to buy them online . Or use the filling as a cannoli dip and serve with broken up waffle cones or graham crackers.
• Don’t forget the powdered sugar! I also set aside a 1/2 cup for dusting the cannoli shells. It adds a subtle sweetness and gives the dessert a stunning presentation.

If you try this Easy Cannoli Recipe, let me know! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it #bakerbynature on instagram! Seeing your kitchen creations makes my day. ♥

More Italian Ricotta Dessert Recipes:

• Mini Ricotta Cheesecakes
• Ricotta Chocolate Layer Cake
• One-Bowl Lemon Ricotta Cupcakes

Ingredients  

• 8 cannoli shells, homemade or store bought will work
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar, plus extra for dusting
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest

Instructions  

• Place the ricotta cheese into a fine mesh strainer and place it in the fridge to drain for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours.

When you're ready to make the filling:

• In a large bowl combine the drained ricotta cheese, confectioners' sugar, 1/4 cup of the mini chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using); mix well. Using a spatula, carefully scrape the mixture into pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch open tip. Use at once, or refrigerate until needed; filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
• When ready to serve, pipe the filling into one end of cannoli shell, filling shell halfway, then pipe into other end. If you don't have a piping bag, you may spoon the filling into the shells. Repeat with remaining shells.
• Place remaining mini chocolate chips on a small plate. Dip each end of the cannoli into the chocolate chips, then lightly dust with confectioner's sugar. Serve at once.

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February 21, 2024 at 5:51 am

The only bad thing about a recipe turning out great is that everyone wants a dozen, yesterday!

Thank you for a fabulous and easy recipe: made my own shells as wells because I have a large family. Thanks!

July 30, 2023 at 12:51 pm

Made these for a dinner and tasted great! We used sugar wafer ice cream cones, drizzled inside with “magic shell” for extra flavor. Great success. Thx for sharing the recipe.

August 1, 2023 at 12:50 pm

I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Cindy! And love the idea of using “magic shell” for extra flavor.

July 12, 2023 at 4:11 pm

Cannolis is creamy inside and crispy outside, exactly the right thing I needed as a treat to lift my mood. My kids loved this treat and I also felt elated at every bite. After experiencing the gloomy blue for awhile I knew this one made me feel so cheerful.

January 7, 2023 at 5:20 pm

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22 Italian Desserts – Easy & Authentic Treats For a Crowd

Check out this delicious list of 22 Italian desserts and indulge in the delectable world of Italian cuisine ! From creamy gelato and delicate panna cotta to crispy cannoli and fluffy tiramisu, these authentic Italian desserts are sure to transport your taste buds to the charming streets of Italy.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these Italian desserts will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

1. Tiramisu

A timeless classic.

Tiramisu is an iconic Italian dessert that has earned international acclaim for its delicate balance of flavors. Espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with rich mascarpone cream and a generous dusting of cocoa powder make this dessert a timeless classic. The bittersweet coffee, creamy cheese, and slight hint of chocolate create a symphony of flavors in your mouth.

The Perfect End to Your Meal

Tiramisu is an ideal way to conclude a heavy Italian meal. Its light, airy texture and refreshing taste cleanse your palate, leaving you satisfied yet craving for more. Its strong coffee flavor can also serve as an excellent substitute for your post-dinner espresso.

Tweak to Your Taste

You can add your personal touch to this traditional recipe by incorporating your favorite flavors like orange zest, dark chocolate chunks, or a dash of your preferred liquor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment.

Check this recipe .

A Sicilian Sensation

Hailing from Sicily, Cannoli are one of Italy’s most famous desserts. These crunchy, tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough filled with sweet, creamy ricotta are a true delight. Each bite gives you a fantastic crunch followed by a luscious creamy filling, leaving you with a memorable taste.

A Treat for All Occasions

Cannoli are an absolute crowd-pleaser. They are perfect for special occasions or just as a special treat for yourself. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a truly indulgent experience.

Personalize Your Cannoli

Feel free to customize your cannoli filling by adding in chocolate chips, pistachios, or even a hint of orange zest. You can also experiment with different liqueurs in the shell dough for an extra kick.

3. Panna Cotta

A smooth and creamy delight.

Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert made from cream, milk, sugar, and gelatin. This chilled dessert’s name translates to ‘cooked cream,’ and it is renowned for its silky smooth texture and delicate flavors. The perfect panna cotta gently wobbles and melts in your mouth, delivering a creamy and soothing taste.

Versatility at Its Best

Panna cotta’s mild flavor makes it the perfect canvas for a variety of toppings. Pair it with fresh fruit, a tangy berry coulis, or a rich chocolate sauce. The contrast between the smooth panna cotta and the vibrant toppings can create an exceptional dessert experience.

Customize Your Panna Cotta

Although traditionally made with vanilla, you can experiment with different flavors like coconut milk, espresso, or even matcha. Feel free to adjust the sweetness level to suit your preferences.

A Quintessential Italian Experience

Gelato, Italy’s famous ice cream, is one of the things that Italy is most famous for. Made with milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings, gelato is churned at a slower speed than traditional ice cream, resulting in a denser and more flavorful treat. The intense flavors and creamy texture make it a favorite amongst dessert lovers worldwide.

Anytime, Anywhere

Whether you’re strolling through the streets of Italy or finishing up a dinner at home, gelato is the perfect treat for any time or place. Pair it with a warm pastry or enjoy it on its own – you can’t go wrong with a scoop of gelato.

Make Your Own Gelato

Creating your own gelato at home allows you to experiment with flavors. From traditional stracciatella to adventurous flavors like lavender or honey, you can cater the gelato to your liking.

5. Torta Caprese

A Flourless Delight

Torta Caprese is a traditional Italian chocolate and almond or walnut cake named for the island of Capri from which it originates. This flourless cake’s rich, chocolatey flavor combined with the nutty undertones creates a taste that’s truly unforgettable. It’s moist, decadently chocolatey, and surprisingly light.

Ideal for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, Torta Caprese is an ideal choice. This elegant dessert is also gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for those with dietary restrictions.

Add Your Own Twist

For an extra flavor boost, try serving Torta Caprese with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla gelato.

6. Sfogliatelle

A crispy, creamy treat.

Sfogliatelle is a delightful pastry that hails from the Campania region. These crispy, multi-layered pastries resemble seashells and are filled with a delicious citrus-infused ricotta filling. Each bite promises a satisfying crunch, followed by a creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy filling.

Read also:  22 Pancake Recipes 

Perfect for Breakfast

Sfogliatelle make an indulgent breakfast treat or a delightful dessert. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee, and you’ve got yourself a perfect Italian breakfast or a satisfying after-dinner treat.

Create Your Own

Though traditionally filled with ricotta, you can also experiment with different fillings such as pastry cream, almond paste, or even Nutella. The process of making the shell can be quite complex, but the result is well worth it.

7. Zabaglione

An airy and creamy custard.

Zabaglione is a classic Italian dessert custard made with egg yolks, sugar, and a sweet wine. The custard is whisked over a water bath until it becomes airy and light, almost like a frothy cream. This dessert is commonly served with fresh fruit or sweet biscuits, making it an elegant finish to any meal.

A Versatile Dessert

The beauty of zabaglione lies in its versatility. It can be served warm or cold, over fruits, alongside cookies, or even on its own. Its light and airy nature make it an excellent choice after a heavy meal.

Customizable to Your Liking

Feel free to get creative and add your own twist to this traditional recipe. Try different liqueurs or flavorings, such as citrus zest, vanilla, or even a dash of espresso.

8. Biscotti

A crunchy companion to your coffee.

Biscotti are twice-baked cookies that originated in the Italian city of Prato. They are crunchy, often studded with almonds or other nuts, and are perfect for dunking in coffee or a dessert wine. Their robust structure holds up to the dunking, soaking up the liquid while maintaining their crunch.

Ideal for Any Time of the Day

Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as an after-dinner treat, biscotti are versatile enough to fit into any part of your day. Their balanced sweetness and satisfying crunch make them a favorite among many.

Experiment with Flavors

Biscotti are infinitely adaptable, and you can experiment with various flavors. Try adding dried fruits, different types of nuts, or dipping them in chocolate for an extra decadent touch.

9. Pizzelle

Italy’s oldest cookie.

Pizzelle are traditional Italian waffle cookies made from flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and flavoring. These thin, crispy cookies are often embossed with a distinctive floral or snowflake pattern that makes them visually appealing as well as delicious.

Perfect for Celebrations

Pizzelle are often associated with Easter and Christmas celebrations but are enjoyable any time of the year. They can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar or can be rolled into cannoli shells and filled with cream.

Get Creative with Your Pizzelle

Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding citrus zest, cocoa powder, or even anise if you prefer a more traditional taste. You can also play around with the shape to create bowls, cones, or cannoli shells.

10. Semifreddo

A chilled delight.

Semifreddo, which means ‘half cold’ in Italian, is a frozen dessert that’s similar to ice cream but has a lighter, more velvety texture. It’s often made with eggs, cream, and sugar and can be flavored with a variety of ingredients like chocolate, nuts, and fruits.

An Elegant Dessert

Semifreddo makes an elegant dessert that can impress at dinner parties or special occasions. It’s served sliced, showcasing the various inclusions and layers that make this dessert a visual delight.

Customize Your Semifreddo

Feel free to adapt this versatile dessert to your tastes. Whether you prefer the tanginess of lemon, the richness of chocolate, or the freshness of strawberries, semifreddo can be your canvas to create a delicious chilled dessert.

11. Torta Della Nonna

A classic tuscan treat.

Torta Della Nonna is an old but very loved Tuscan custard pie, translating to ‘Grandmother’s Cake’. It’s essentially a vanilla custard pie, flavored with lemon zest. The whole appeal lies in the simple ingredients coming together to form a comfort dessert. 

Italian Comfort Food

This creamy yet crispy tart is perfect whenever you need to remember your grandma’s sweet smile, or nostalgia hits and you’d like to feel like you’re 10 all over again. 

Customize Your Torta

Feel free to experiment with your torta flavorings and toppings. You can add a touch of cinnamon, or swap out the traditional lemon for lime or orange if you want a slightly different flavor. 

12. Affogato

Coffee and dessert combined.

Affogato, meaning “drowned” in Italian, is a dessert that also doubles as a coffee beverage. It’s typically a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream drowned with a shot of hot espresso. The combination of hot coffee and cold ice cream not only offers a delightful contrast in temperatures but also a blend of bitter and sweet flavors.

Perfect for a Quick Dessert

Affogato is a great choice when you want a quick, easy, but still impressive dessert. You can whip it up in no time and it’s perfect for rounding off a dinner party or a special meal.

Customize Your Affogato

While the classic version is made with vanilla gelato and espresso, you can modify this dessert to your liking. Try different ice cream flavors or add a splash of amaretto or other liqueurs for an adult version.

13. Panettone

A traditional holiday bread.

Panettone is a type of sweet bread loaf originally from Milan, typically prepared and enjoyed for Christmas and New Year in Italy. It’s a tall, dome-shaped bread that has a soft and airy interior laced with candied fruits and raisins.

Ideal for Festive Celebrations

With its festive flavor and impressive presentation, panettone is perfect for holiday celebrations. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season.

Customize Your Panettone

While panettone is delicious on its own, it can be elevated with a touch of creativity. Toast slices and spread them with butter or mascarpone, or use them as a base for luscious bread pudding. Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, panettone is sure to add a touch of Italian warmth and tradition to your holiday festivities.

14. Torrone

A traditional nougat confection.

Torrone is a traditional Italian nougat typically made from honey, sugar, egg whites, and toasted nuts. This sweet confectionery, typically enjoyed during Christmas, can be found in a variety of textures from soft and chewy to hard and crunchy, depending on regional variations.

A Perfect Festive Treat

With its sweet, nutty flavor and satisfying texture, torrone makes a perfect treat for festive celebrations. It also makes a wonderful gift during the holiday season, as it’s easy to package and transport.

Customize Your Torrone

Although traditional torrone is made with almonds, you can experiment with other types of nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts. You can also add a personal touch by incorporating dried fruits or chocolate.

15. Italian Rainbow Cookies

A colorful almond treat.

Italian Rainbow Cookies are a colorful three-layer almond-based dessert, separated by raspberry or apricot jam, and topped with a layer of chocolate. Each layer is colored differently, usually green, white, and red to represent the Italian flag.

These vibrant cookies are perfect for celebrations and festive occasions. Not only do they look striking, but they also offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, from the almond-flavored cake to the fruity jam and the rich chocolate.

Customize Your Rainbow Cookies

While traditional Italian Rainbow Cookies are colored like the Italian flag, you can customize them with any color you like. You can also experiment with different fillings or chocolate types for the coating.

16. Zeppole

A deep-fried pastry delight.

Zeppole are deep-fried dough balls that are usually topped with powdered sugar and may be filled with custard, jelly, cannoli-style cheese, or a butter-and-honey mixture. Often eaten to celebrate Saint Joseph’s Day, they are a delightful combination of a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

Read also:  19 Mint Recipes 

A Treat for Festive Occasions

While Zeppole are traditionally enjoyed on Saint Joseph’s Day, they’re also a delightful treat for any festive occasion. The sweet, pillowy pastries are sure to be a hit at any celebration.

Experiment with Your Zeppole

Feel free to experiment with different fillings for your zeppole. Try filling them with Nutella, whipped cream, or your favorite fruit preserves.

Check this recipe.

17. Bomboloni

Italy’s gourmet doughnut.

Bomboloni are Italian stuffed doughnuts, typically filled with cream or jam. They are similar to the Berliner or jelly doughnut, but they differ by having the filling piped in after the doughnut is fried.

A Delicious Snack or Dessert

Bomboloni are the perfect sweet snack or dessert, especially when freshly made and still slightly warm. The soft, fluffy doughnut contrasted with the creamy or fruity filling makes for a truly indulgent treat.

Customize Your Bomboloni

While traditionally filled with pastry cream or jam, you can get creative with your bomboloni fillings. Try Nutella, lemon curd, or even a sweet mascarpone mixture. A dusting of powdered sugar on top is the perfect finishing touch.

18. Struffoli

Honeyed dough balls for the holidays.

Struffoli are tiny balls of dough, fried until golden then covered in honey and sprinkles. They are often served around Christmas and are typically formed into a wreath shape or piled into a mound before being decorated.

Perfect for Festive Celebrations

With their sweet, sticky flavor and festive appearance, struffoli are perfect for holiday celebrations. They’re a fun and playful dessert that both kids and adults will love.

Get Creative with Your Struffoli

While traditional struffoli are covered with honey and rainbow nonpareils, you can customize them to suit your tastes. Try using different kinds of syrup, like maple or agave, or decorate with your favorite types of sprinkles or nuts.

19. Italian Anise Cookies

A Traditional Anise-flavored Treat

Italian Anise Cookies are traditional cookies that have a lovely anise flavor. The cookies are soft and cake-like, usually topped with a simple glaze and colored sprinkles.

Ideal for Cookie Swaps and Holidays

These cookies are perfect for cookie swaps, holidays, or any time you want a uniquely flavored sweet treat. Their lovely licorice flavor from the anise is a refreshing change from more common cookie flavors.

Customize Your Anise Cookies

While anise is the traditional flavoring in these cookies, you could experiment with other flavors if anise isn’t to your liking. Lemon or almond would both make delicious substitutions.

A Creamy Italian Pudding

Budino is a rich and creamy Italian pudding that is usually made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. It’s typically served chilled and can be flavored in a variety of ways, from chocolate and vanilla to lemon and caramel.

Perfect for a Sophisticated Dessert

With its smooth, creamy texture and delicate flavor, Budino makes a sophisticated dessert that is perfect for finishing a special meal. It’s a luxurious treat that is sure to impress your guests.

Personalize Your Budino

Feel free to experiment with different flavors in your Budino. Try adding espresso for a coffee Budino, or a dash of liqueur for an adult version. You can also top your Budino with fresh fruits or a dollop of whipped cream.

21. Italian Cream Cake

A rich and nutty layer cake.

Italian Cream Cake is a traditional Southern Italian dessert. It’s a rich and moist layer cake made with a generous amount of pecans and coconut, and it’s frosted with a tangy cream cheese icing.

With its delicious combination of flavors and textures, Italian Cream Cake is perfect for celebrations. Whether for a birthday party, a family gathering, or a festive holiday meal, it’s a cake that’s sure to impress.

Customize Your Italian Cream Cake

Feel free to experiment with your Italian Cream Cake. You could add different types of nuts, include some fruits like chopped pineapple, or even flavor your frosting with some citrus zest or extracts.

22. Crostata

A rustic italian tart.

Crostata is a rustic Italian tart made with a shortbread-like crust and typically filled with fruit jam or fresh fruit. It’s like Italy’s answer to a pie and makes a delightful dessert or afternoon snack.

Perfect for Any Season

The beauty of a Crostata is that you can adapt it to any season by using different types of fruit fillings. Whether it’s a tangy lemon curd in spring, a sweet berry jam in summer, a spiced apple filling in fall, or a rich chocolate filling in winter, it’s a dessert for all seasons.

Customize Your Crostata

While a fruit filling is traditional for Crostata, you can get creative with your fillings. Try a creamy ricotta filling, a rich chocolate ganache, or even a savory filling like spinach and cheese.

In conclusion, this curated list of 22 Italian desserts presents a tantalizing array of flavors and textures that embody the essence of Italian cuisine. From the beloved classics like gelato, tiramisu, and cannoli to lesser-known gems like sfogliatelle and torrone, these desserts showcase the diversity and creativity of Italian culinary traditions. Whether you have a sweet tooth or seek to impress your guests, these delightful desserts offer something for everyone. So, bring a taste of Italy into your home and savor the irresistible delights of these Italian treats.

I’m the main writer of foodiosity.com. and I like to write about food curiosities. I have a lot of questions myself and I love finding out the answer. You can find me on Twitter , Facebook , or Pinterest .

Easy Tiramisu

This Easy Tiramisu Recipe is a classic Italian dessert I learned in Italy. Made with lady fingers, mascarpone and fresh cream, it is made in 15 minutes and ready to eat in 2-3 hours. So good!

In my house there is nothing that goes faster than a Tiramisu. The first time I tried this dessert was when my sister-in-law made it, she always made it as a Layer Cake , also very delicious but this is so much easier and every bit as good.

Table of Contents

Recipe Ingredients

• Lady fingers – also known as savoiardi
• Coffee – strong coffee or even decafinated coffee
• Egg – the egg can be left out if desired
• Sugar – granulated sugar
• Mascarpone cheese- room temperature
• Cream – whole, whipping or heavy cream, at least 30% fat
• Cocoa – unsweetened dutch processed used for dusting the tiramisu before serving

For room temperature remove from the fridge 45-60 minutes before using.

Why use whole cream?

Whole/heavy/whipping cream should have at least 30% fat. Don’t use anything less or it won’t thicken properly and won’t taste the same. 

This Easy Tiramisu takes no time at all to put together and even less time to eat. Living in Italy, I can’t tell you how many times and how many ways I have eaten Tiramisu. From the classic Lady Fingers to an Italian sponge cake as a gelato , in a restaurant, at friends or family gatherings.

How to make Tiramisu

In a large bowl with a hand mixer or using the whisk attachment on a stand mixer beat together the sugar and the egg (if using) until frothy, then add the mascarpone and cream, beat until thickened.

In the baking dish place a coffee dipped ladyfinger on the bottom, top with 1/3 of the mascarpone mixture and continue for another two layers , finish with the remaining mascarpone mixture.

Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or even better overnight. Just before serving sprinkle with unsweetened cocoa powder. 

Where did it originate?

The origins of Tiramisu are actually unknown as pretty well every region in Italy claims it as their invention! In fact a small dispute started between Tuscany, Piedmont, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto.

There are many stories that started on how this dessert came about, but the official version places the origin of tiramisu in the seventeenth century in Siena. Some pastry chefs, decided to prepare a dessert to celebrate the arrival of the Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo de Medici.

They wanted it to reflect his personality. It had to be stunning and very tasty, but they wanted simple ingredients. But most importantly it had to be rich and decadent. And that is how Tiramisu came about. And rightly named Pick me Up.

Why use an egg?

This is the Italian recipe that I have eaten and eat in Italy. Using a pasteurized egg in this recipe is safe, if you still do not wish to use an egg, then you can just leave it out, I would advise using powdered sugar instead of granulated sure though.

What if I don’t like Cocoa?

If you don’t like cocoa you can always sprinkle the top with chocolate chips or even grated chocolate. Or just leave it plain.

Can I add alcohol to the dessert?

Yes you can add a little, I would suggest a tablespoon or two, such as marsala wine, brandy, dark rum or even a coffee liqueur or even a teaspoon of vanilla if you prefer will work. I would suggest adding it with the mascarpone.

How to store it?

The Italian dessert should be kept in the fridge in an airtight container or well covered with plastic wrap, it will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge. If you prefer you can freeze it in a freezer safe container, it will keep for up to two weeks in the freezer. Let it thaw overnight in fridge before serving.

So if you are looking for a delicious No-Bake dessert, then why not give this Easy Tiramisu Recipe a try and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

More Tiramisu Recipes

• Strawberry Tiramisu
• No Bake Tiramisu Cheesecake
• Easy Tiramisu Recipe for Kids
• Easter Egg Tiramisu

Easy Tiramisu Recipe

Ingredients   us customary metric   1x 2x 3x.

• 16-20 lady finger cookies (Savoiardi)
• ¾-1 cup strong cold coffee (espresso)

FOR THE FILLING

• 1 large egg* room temperature
• 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar*
• 1 cup mascarpone (room temperature)
• 1 cup cream (whole/heavy or whipping cream with at least 30% fat content)

*For the replacement of raw eggs, you can try using a product called Egg Replacer or there are now pasteurized eggs available. Or you can leave it out completely, if you do then substitute powdered/icing sugar for granulated sugar.

Instructions  .

• In a large bowl beat together the sugar and egg until frothy, then add the mascarpone and cream, beat until thickened, make it as thick as you desire, some like it thicker and some creamier.
• Place the cold coffee in a large enough dish so that you can easily turn the cookies, be sure to just turn the cookies once in the coffee and do not let them sit in it or they will become too soggy.
• In an 8×6 inch (20x14cm)* baking dish place a dipped cookie (one at a time) on the bottom (1st layer) top with 1/3 of the filling and continue for another two layers. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or even better overnight. Just before serving sprinkle with unsweetened cocoa powder or even chocolate shavings. Enjoy!

*If you want to use a bigger pan then you will probably need to double the recipe. Unless of course you only make 2 layers.

Updated from November 23, 2014.

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37 Comments

Hi Anna, I make this all the time with these measurements, I think you might add a lot more filling between the layers then stated in the recipe. If you want to double it then sure that’s fine. Take care!

I see some of the comments and your responses reference a recipe made with sponge cake and not the cookies, but this recipe uses the cookies. I’d like to try it with a sponge cake, where do I find that recipe on your site? Thanks!

Hi Amber, here is the recipe with the sponge cake, https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/tiramisu-layer-cake/ . I hope you enjoy it. Take care!

Hi Deb, thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it. Take care!

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39 Italian desserts

Try our sweet Italian entertaining ideas, from a show-stopping Amalfi lemon cake to twists on panna cottas and the best tiramisu recipe

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Looking for Italian desserts to serve at your next dinner party? Want an easy Italian cake for an afternoon tea event? Try our dessert ideas including Italian biscuits to serve with coffee, chocolate tortes and, of course, plenty of panna cotta and tiramisu recipes. Plan a full dinner party with our healthy Italian recipes , Italian starter recipes and more Italian recipes . Check out more Italian desserts with our Italian baking recipes .

Learn about Italian coffee culture with our expert barista Celeste Wong's guide, including traditional rituals, how to order it and the perfect recipe for at-home brewing. Now learn about Polish sweet baking .

Easy Italian dessert recipes

Classic tiramisu.

Whip up our smart, authentic version of this classic Italian dessert, made with mascarpone, marsala and savoiardi biscuits soaked in coffee and Tia Maria.

Italian Easter cake

Give this traditional Italian Easter cake a go this spring – it’s a yeasty bake that's similar to a panettone.

White chocolate panna cotta with stewed rhubarb

White chocolate provides a perfect contrast to the sharpness of the rhubarb in this classic, creamy dessert.

More like this

Rhubarb frangipane cake

This recipe from Italian restaurant Manteca pairs tangy rhubarb with ground almonds in this nutty sponge. Serve with crème fraîche for an easy dessert.

Blood orange polenta drizzle cake

Change up the classic lemon drizzle with juicy blood oranges. Our polenta cake is easy to make and the ideal sweet treat to accompany your morning coffee.

Matcha tiramisu

Sweet mascarpone cream and bitter matcha are a match made in heaven in this vibrant dessert. You'll only need five ingredients for this no-cook recipe.

Espresso panna cotta

Try our recipe for silky-smooth espresso panna cotta. This dessert is an ideal way to end any dinner party, it's gluten-free and looks impressive served in martini glasses.

Limoncello baba

Limoncello offers a boozy kick with zingy lemon in this smart Italian dessert. This recipe serves up to eight, perfect for a dinner party.

Affogato chocolate mousse

Check out this quick and easy chocolate mousse recipe with espresso for an Italian twist. If you're hosting a dinner party and looking for an indulgent yet easy dessert that can easily be made ahead, try these gluten-free creamy puds – ready in 15 minutes.

Italian lemon cake

Give our Italian almond and Amalfi lemon cake a go. The Amalfi lemons have a strong intense lemony aroma, and are slightly sweeter than normal lemons. This light cake is seriously moreish and a real crowd pleaser.

Pandoro semifreddo

Recreate our easy yet standout semifreddo, where chocolate and amaretto semifreddo is encased in an Italian pandoro bread and topped with crunchy pistachios.

If you’re into Italian sweet treats, you’ll love these homemade cannoli – you’ll need cannoli moulds but it’s worth investing in them.

Butterscotch budino

Budino – an Italian custard dish – is here flavoured with butterscotch, a kick of whisky and a salted caramel topping to make a stylish sweet dessert.

Perfect for entertaining, try our version of a classic Italian chocolate cake with sponge, chocolate and a splash of booze.

Boozy tiramisu bombe

Everyone loves a boozy, coffee-flavoured Italian tiramisu and this is a great easy version, made with shop-bought sponge cake and without raw eggs and shaped like an ice cream bombe.

Warm molten chocolate and salted caramel tarts

Molten chocolate and salted caramel tarts take a little bit of effort to make, but are sure to impress guests. The recipe comes from Italian restaurant Luca, where it's served with milk ice cream – but vanilla would work well, too.

Chocolate and hazelnut meringue semifreddo

The Italian dessert, semifreddo, is an ice cream with a mousse-like texture. This recipe not only looks impressive, but can be made in advance for easy dinner party entertaining. Plus, there's no churning required.

Italian hazelnut and chocolate torte

This rich decadent chocolate torte may look tricky but it's so easy to put together for a dinner party. The secret is coating the outside with a layer of crunchy hazelnut and biscuit.

Cherry and pistachio Neapolitan

Showcase Italy’s best flavours – cherry, vanilla and pistachio – coloured like the Italian flag to impress guests with this effortless dessert.

Sicilian ricotta cake

Wow your dinner party guests with this creamy baked ricotta cake, studded with chocolate chunks.

Panna cotta with cherry and ginger sauce

Learn how to make the best version of this Italian dessert. The perfect panna cotta (‘cooked cream’ in Italian) should be just set enough to hold together, but soft and creamy enough to melt in the mouth. Gelatine is the secret to this texture and it can be a tricky ingredient to handle – but follow these simple rules and you’ll have it mastered in no time.

Raspberry granita with balsamic caramel

Mix up your caramels and try this raspberry granita with balsamic caramel to get your taste buds tingling. The natural sweetness of the sharp Italian vinegar works brilliantly with the zing of the soft fruit. It totally works so go on, give it a go!

Nougat and pistachio ice cream

Elevate your dinner party effortlessly with this no-churn ice cream. Amp up the fancy factor with chocolate-dipped ice cream cones.

Amalfi lemon syllabub

Try this refreshing lemon dessert from Italian restaurant Bancone in Covent Garden. Bancone's easy recipe makes more lemony granita than you’ll need – store any leftovers in the freezer.

Coffee cake with cappuccino buttercream

Try our super easy coffee slab cake – an American favourite with an Italian twist. This recipe is nut-free and comes with an indulgent cappuccino buttercream, a simple yet moreish cake, perfect for parties, birthdays or just family gatherings. More tray bake recipes here...

Strawberry zabaglione

Marsala, the key flavour in this, is a perfect match for strawberries in this fresh twist on the Italian dessert zabaglione. Don’t over-beat the cream, otherwise combining it with the zabaglione will be difficult. Whisk until it is barely in soft peaks and then gently fold together.

Coconut panna cotta with mango salsa

This classic Italian dessert gets a tropical twist by infusing the cream with coconut and topping with a zingy mango and passionfruit salsa.

Italian tiramisu

Layers of coffee-soaked sponge fingers and whipped mascarpone make for an authentic Italian tiramisu, finished with dark chocolate shavings.

Passion fruit panna cotta

This fruity and super creamy twist on panna cotta is quick and easy to make, plus it can be made easily in advance.

Vegan tiramisu

Vegans needn’t miss out thanks to this knockout plant-based tiramisu. The sponge is made with soy milk and apple cider vinegar.

Vanilla panna cotta

Try this super-simple, super-creamy, classic Italian dessert – it's the ideal way to impress guests at your next dinner party.

Italian Christmas cake

Torta alla nocciola, an Italian chocolate hazelnut cake, celebrates a classic combination and is deliciously indulgent. It makes for a great dinner party dessert.

This Italian dessert is popular for its chewy texture, with pistachios, almonds and dried fruits offering a nutty and sweet flavour.

Classic panettone

Panettone is a classic Italian Christmas bake, traditionally slow-proved for 72 hours. We've used fast-action yeast to create an easy, make-at-home version.

Christmas pavlova

In this dessert by Covent Garden restaurant Ave Mario, individual pavlovas are filled with caramelised pineapple, topped with vanilla-infused cream and finished with a passionfruit coulis.

Pistachio and cherry nougat pandoro

Stuff pandoro with a decadent ricotta, almond and amaretto filling and cover in meringue. It's easy to assemble with shop-bought shortcuts.

Chocolate biscotti

These chocolaty almond biscotti make great edible gifts for the festive season, but are delicious all year round. Make them as a little treat to have with your coffee.

Espresso martini tiramisu

Need a show-stopping Italian dessert? Make our creamy tiramisu with espresso, kahlúa and vodka. This indulgent recipe is easy to make and will be a hit with all your friends.

Florentines

These crunchy biscuits would make a great dessert alternative to serve with coffee. Otherwise, hang them from ribbons as an edible Christmas tree decoration or stack them on a plate and enjoy them with a comforting cup of tea.

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23 Italian Desserts (+ Easy Recipes)

They say life’s short, so why not eat dessert first?

I’m here to guide you through the sweetness of Italy with 23 Italian desserts.

You’ll savor each bite as I share easy-to-follow recipes for these authentic treats.

So, let’s whisk ourselves away on a culinary journey – no passport required!

1. Italian Pear Almond Cake

You’re gonna love this easy recipe for Italian Pear Almond Cake, especially with the unique flavor that brown butter adds to it.

The process of browning the butter requires some patience and attention, but trust me, the result is worth it!

Imagine a cake that has an aromatic hint of caramel from the brown butter, contrasting with sweet pears and almonds.

2. Chocolate-Vanilla Tartufo

It’s a real crowd-pleaser, this Chocolate-Vanilla Tartufo dessert, and it’s not as complex to make as you might think. With layers of creamy vanilla and rich chocolate ice cream encased in a hard outer shell, every bite is a delight.

It’s become my go-to when I want to impress dinner guests with something traditionally Italian. Don’t be daunted – you too can master this dessert!

Switching gears, let’s dive into the world of Zeppole, a light and fluffy treat that’ll have you addicted at first bite.

Imagine biting into these Italian donut holes, coated in powdered sugar or cinnamon for a twist. They’re classic, timeless treats that melt in your mouth.

Plus, they’re quick to prepare – ready in 30 minutes – and disappear just as fast!

4. Chocolate Vanilla Berry Panna Cotta Tart

Let’s delve into the decadent realm of the Chocolate Vanilla Berry Panna Cotta Tart, a truly unique fusion that’ll entice your taste buds with its silky smoothness and rich flavors.

This sweet dreamy tart stands out with an unusual chocolate-flavored pie dough, providing color contrast to the creamy panna cotta. It’s a refreshing change from regular tart shells, making it an elegant dessert choice.

5. Italian Christmas Cookies

You’re gonna love these soft, cake-like Italian Christmas cookies with a sweet glaze that can be shaped to your heart’s content! They’ve got the crispy edges of traditional cookies with a fluffy middle.

You can customize their shape for any occasion. And if anise isn’t your thing, just substitute it with warm cinnamon or nutmeg.

It’s the perfect way to add a personal touch to your holiday baking!

6. Traditional Italian Breakfast Cookies

They’re similar to Lady Fingers with a crisp shell and tender middle. These traditional breakfast cookies are perfect when you’re on the go.

I love how their airy texture is achieved by beating eggs with sugar until light and frothy.

Each bite into this Italian delight reminds me of sunny mornings in Rome. I savor every morsel as I start my day.

7. Tiramisu – Authentic Recipe

It’s fascinating to learn that the authentic Tiramisu recipe involves raw eggs for lightness and stability, with Lady Fingers providing a perfect base.

The tender sponge soaks up rich coffee and optional Tia Maria, creating an indulgent flavor.

Creamy sweet filling and a dusting of chocolate finish off this easy-to-make dessert.

Even for those with dietary restrictions, there’s an egg-free version.

Now that’s Italian versatility!

8. Almond Biscotti Recipe with Cranberries

Let’s dive into the world of almond biscotti, a twice-baked delight that can be customized with cranberries for a tart counterpoint to its inherent sweetness.

I love the process of shaping the dough into logs, then slicing and baking again to achieve that perfect crunch.

You can even dip them in dark chocolate for an extra touch of decadence.

It’s an easy recipe full of flavor!

9. Easy Classic Pizzelle Recipe (Italian Waffle Cookies)

We’re moving on to the classic pizzelle, a waffle-like cookie that’s light, crisp, and can be flavored with vanilla or even chocolate.

The unique design is created using a Pizzelle Iron.

It’s essential to whisk sugar and eggs thoroughly for a delicate texture. But beware! Overmixing with flour can make it heavy.

Try anise, almond, or lemon for a twist!

10. Easy Panettone Recipe

After sharing my simple take on Pizzelle, I’m now turning to another Italian delight – Panettone.

Traditionally enjoyed during Christmas, this sweet bread is delectable with plain, chocolate or dried fruit variations. However, it’s often daunting due to its lengthy preparation time.

Don’t worry! I’ve got an easy recipe that requires just two resting periods and bakes perfectly in a lined dish.

11. Italian-Style Candied Chestnuts

You’re going to adore the unique texture and sweetness of candied chestnuts, a beloved treat that’s not as widely known as some other goodies.

It’s more than just roasting; they’re carefully peeled, boiled, and coated in sugar and vanilla syrup.

The result? A soft, moist chestnut with a chewy bite, reminding me of dried apricots but with an Italian twist!

12. Italian Butter Cookies

Moving on from the sweet delight of Italian-style Candied Chestnuts, let’s explore another gem – Italian Butter Cookies. These aren’t just holiday treats; their rich, buttery goodness makes them suitable for any occasion.

Without any added glaze or frosting, they’re a simple pleasure. You’d love the beautiful swirl created by piping this egg-enriched dough onto your baking sheet.

13. 5-Ingredient Cannolis

Switching gears now, let’s dive into the world of cannolis, a treat that’s not just delicious but also quite an adventure to prepare at home.

I’ve found the secret to mastering this Italian dessert: buying ready-made shells from local bakeries. Then it’s all about crafting the filling – a heavenly blend of ricotta cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and mini chocolate chips.

Remember: draining the ricotta is crucial!

14. Northern Italian Apple Strudel

Leaving the lovely cannolis behind, we’re journeying northward in Italy to meet a sophisticated dessert – the apple strudel. Imagine biting into warm puff pastry, its flaky layers filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, sweet raisins, and crunchy nuts.

A hint of Calvados liquor enhances these flavors beautifully. Paired with a dessert wine, it’s a taste of Italian cuisine that’s simply unmissable.

15. Easy Tiramisu Cake

You’re going to adore this tiramisu cake. It’s a treat that takes any vanilla cake, even a quick boxed mix, and transforms it into something truly special with the generous use of coffee syrup.

Just imagine biting into the luscious layers soaked in rich espresso or instant coffee flavor.

And for a kick? Try adding rum or Bailey’s-infused whipped cream and mascarpone frosting!

16. Lemon Ricotta Cake with Almonds

Next up is a tangy, creamy Lemon Ricotta Cake with Almonds that you’ll find absolutely irresistible. Enveloped in the zesty embrace of lemon, this cake has a special twist – ricotta. It’s akin to sour cream, lending moisture and an extra hint of sweetness.

But it’s the balance it brings against the lemon’s zestiness that truly makes this cake stand out. The toasted almonds add a delightful crunch. Perfection!

17. Canestrelli (Italian Egg Yolk Cookies)

Canestrelli is a cookie that’s got a delightful crunch yet remains tender.

These Italian sugar cookies have a mild lemony kick, making them irresistibly tasty. What’s unique? Grated hard-boiled egg yolks in the dough!

It may seem unusual but trust me, it keeps the gluten at bay and gifts these cookies their light texture.

A true Italian gem!

18. Affogato

Let’s dive into the world of Affogato, a delightful coffee-based treat that’s both simple and indulgent.

It’s an Italian dessert made with just two ingredients: vanilla ice cream and coffee. For an authentic experience, I use gelato, espresso and a shot of liqueur.

This classic combo can be customized with caramel sauce, chocolate shavings or cocoa powder – pure decadence!

19. Thick Italian Hot Chocolate

You’re in for a treat as we explore the world of thick hot chocolate, a specialty that will make your regular instant mix seem like watered-down cocoa.

Imagine sipping on a cup of rich, velvety Italian delight that’s akin to a warm chocolate ganache.

It’s not merely hot chocolate – it’s an indulgence, a decadent experience that elevates your taste buds to pure bliss.

20. Torta Barozzi

Next on your culinary journey is Torta Barozzi, a classic dessert with a secret recipe that’s been tantalizing taste buds since 1886.

Imagine sinking your teeth into its decadent layers of almonds, peanuts, and dark chocolate. An unexpected hint of coffee adds complexity to the flavor profile.

Every bite is a delightful surprise, an Italian treasure reinterpreted by master chefs over the years.

21. Strawberry Gelato

Switching gears a bit, it’s time to cool down with homemade strawberry gelato that could potentially be your new favorite over store-bought ice cream. Imagine fresh strawberries blending into a creamy, dreamy treat without needing an ice cream machine!

Gelato is denser than ice cream, its flavors more intense due to lower air incorporation. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back!

22. Italian Berry Mascarpone Cake

Leaving our delectable Strawberry Gelato behind, let’s now delve into the world of cakes.

Specifically, an Italian Berry Mascarpone Cake – a masterpiece with a pistachio spongecake base, layered with velvety mascarpone and berry filling, topped off by whipped cream.

The richness of mascarpone cheese paired with tart berries makes it light enough to enjoy after a hearty Italian meal.

23. Chocolate Gelato

Chocolate gelato is known for its intense flavor and silky texture.

Unlike ice cream, gelato has a denser feel due to its milk-based ingredients. Its lower fat content allows for the rich cocoa flavors to shine through beautifully.

Every spoonful is pure decadence, a heavenly treat that’s worth every bite!

Meet Katherine, the nutrition expert at American Folk Magazine! With a Master's degree in Nutritional Sciences and certified as a nutritionist, she shares practical tips and evidence-based insights to help you lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

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24 Easy Italian Desserts

By: Jamie Garcia, Editor, RecipeLion

If you love Italian food , you have to check out these Italian dessert recipes! This collection of easy Italian desserts includes old-fashioned desserts that have been in Italian families for years, as well as new twists on old classics. From Cannoli Poke Cake to tiramisu, and delightful Italian pastries of all kinds, this list gives you 16 mouthwatering treats that everyone will love. Serve them after family dinner or bring them to a potluck! ---------- If you love these recipes, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get amazing recipes like these delivered to your inbox every day! ---------- The best thing about Italian desserts are the amazing ingredients used in them. Over the years, Italian bakers have perfected the art of making beautiful, simple cake recipes , amazing pastries, and more! The best thing about these recipes is that they take Italian flavors you already love and transform them into easy desserts you can make in your kitchen!

Table of Contents

Italian cake recipes, our best tiramisu recipes, delicious italian pastries, other easy italian desserts, 2 classic italian dessert recipes from our test kitchen.

Cake is always a favorite around here, but with an Italian twist, you really can't go wrong! Flavor and decadence combine for delicious, Italian-inspired cake recipes that will bring something sweet and unique to the table. Move over chocolate cake, we're serving up a slice of Italian Cream Cake today.

• Cannoli Poke Cake
• Italian Cream Cupcakes
• Italian Cream Cake with Buttercream Frosting
• Just Like Olive Garden's Lemon Cream Cake
• Easy Chocolate Italian Love Cake
• Death by Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

If there's one dessert we think of when we think "Italian," it would have to be tiramisu. And, as fate would have it, the world is full of delicious tiramisu-inspired desserts just waiting to be eaten. Below are some of our very favorites! Tiramisu? Yes, we do!

• Tiramisu Cake
• Mini No-Bake Tiramisu Cheesecake
• Italian Tiramisu Pie
• Raspberry Tiramisu Icebox Cake
• Easy Tiramisu Poke Cake
• Red Velvet Tiramisu Brownies

You guys. The Italians know a thing or two about pastries in case you were wondering. Ever eaten a cannoli or biscotti? You can thank good old Italy for those delicious confections -- and believe us, we do! Pour yourself a strong cup of Italian coffee (because we all have that on hand, right?), and try all of these tasty Italian pastry recipes below.

• Simple Almond Biscotti
• Zeppole Italian Doughnut
• Italian Christmas Cookies (Cuccidati)
• Creamy Homemade Baked Cannoli
• Italian Chocolate Pastry Cream
• Sporcamuss Italian Cream Filled Pastries
• Sweet Italian Nut Rolls

These Italian-inspired stragglers couldn't be categorized, but that's no reason to overlook them! Chocolate salami? We know you're intrigued, so don't stop now. These Italian desserts are more traditional than the rest of this collection, so get cultured -- the most delicious way imaginable!

• Italian Chocolate Salami
• Mango Italian Ice
• Chocolate Torrone
• Cannoli Tart
• Colomba Italian Easter Dove Bread

Easy Tiramisu Recipe Yields:  9 servings Preparation Time:  30 min Chilling Time:  4 hr Cooking Time:  10 min Cooking Vessel Size:  9x9-inch baking dish Ingredients 6 egg yolks 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup sweet Marsala 1 3/4 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature 1 3/4 cup heaving whipping cream 2 ounces packages of Italian ladyfingers 1 cup cold espresso 1 tablespoon rum cocoa powder for dusting 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate for topping Instructions 1.  Whisk the eggs and sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. 2.  Whisk in the marsala and cook mixture for 10 minutes, whisking constantly until thickened. 3.  Remove from heat and whisk a few minutes. 4.   Stir the mascarpone into the yolk mixture. 5.   In a chilled bowl whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. 6.   Blend the espresso and rum in a wide bowl. 7.   Dip each ladyfinger in the espresso mixture quickly, do not soak them or they will fall apart. 8.   Arrange a layer of the ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking dish. 9.   Spoon half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers. 10.   Add another layer of the ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone cream. 11.   Sprinkle the top with cocoa powder and chill for 4 hours or longer. 12.   When ready to serve top with the chopped chocolate. Easy Homemade Cannoli Makes:  24 cannoli Preparation Time: 30 min Chilling Time: 1 hr Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes Cannoli Shells 2 cups flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes 1 egg yolk 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 tablespoon sweet Marsala Filling 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar 2 cups whole milk Ricotta cheese 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 teaspoon grated orange zest 1-quart canola oil (for frying shells) 1 egg beaten 24 whole maraschino cherries, drained of juice 1/2 cup crushed pistachios confectioner's sugar for dusting Instructions 1.   Prepare the cannoli shell dough by whisking the flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. 2.   Using your fingers or a pastry cutter work the butter into the flour until you have a sandy consistency. 3.   Mix in the egg yolk, wine and marsala until the dough comes together and is smooth, do not overwork the dough or it will be tough. 4.   Place the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and gently press down, cover and chill until you are ready for the dough. While the dough is resting prepare the filling. In a medium bowl add the ricotta. Add the confectioners’ sugar and cinnamon. Mix gently to blend well. 5.   In a chilled bowl beat the heavy cream until you have stiff peaks. 6.   Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture. 7.   Stir in the chocolate chips and orange zest. 8.   Cover and chill in the fridge for 1 hour. 9.  While the filling is chilling prepare the cannoli shells. 10.   In a medium heavy sauce pot heat the oil to 360 degrees F. 11.   On a flat surface sprinkle some flour. Divide the dough into thirds. Cover the dough pieces not being rolled out with plastic wrap so they do not dry out. 12.   Roll each piece of dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a bowl that has a 3-4 inch diameter cut around the bowl with a small sharp knife.  13.   Wrap each dough circle around a cannoli mold. Seal the top edge with some egg wash pressing to secure and flare out the edges slightly. 14.   Carefully place the cannoli mold into the hot oil using tongs to submerge. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. 15.   Using the tongs, carefully remove cannoli shell from the oil. Hold the mold in one hand with the tongs and gently hold the shell in your other hand using a clean kitchen towel. Carefully slide the shell off of the mold. Place on a cooling rack over several paper towels to drain and cool. 16.   Repeat until all the shells are fried. 17.  Place the cannoli filling into a pastry bag and pipe each end of the shells with the filling making sure the entire shell is filled. 18.  Place a whole cherry at one end and crushed pistachios on the other end. Dust with confectioner's sugar.  

Read Next Italian-Style Ground Beef Skillet

• Easy Dessert Recipes
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18 Iconic Italian Desserts, From Affogato to Gelato

Rely on these recipes for impressive rainbow cookies, panna cotta, Zabaglione, and more sweets from Italy.

Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Shell Royster

From bombolini to tiramisu, Italian desserts are a sweet and impressive way to end any meal, especially after an Italian main course. We've rounded up some of our favorite Italian dessert recipes, with classic ingredients like espresso, mascarpone, stracciatella, prune plums, and pistachio, for la dolce vita .

Easy Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

Cara Cormack

Panna cotta — literally "cooked cream" in Italian — is a silky, eggless custard thickened with a touch of gelatin. This easy panna cotta recipe is an especially rich version made with all cream instead of a mix of cream and milk.

Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Barrett Washburne

Tangy mascarpone is layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers for an alcohol-free version of the popular creamy Italian dessert.

Pistachio Stracciatella Gelato

Gelato is denser than ice cream, thanks in part to the larger amount of milk versus cream and the slower rate at which it's typically churned. The slower churning pace incorporates less air, yielding a texture that's less fluffy, and the lower percentage of fat makes the flavors taste more intense. Ice cream maker Fany Gerson uses two classic Italian ingredients: stracciatella and pistachio. 

Hot Buttered Rum Biscotti

Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Thom Driver

Sweetened browned butter, rum, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice form the base of blogger Jonathan Melendez’s twice-baked Italian cookies.

Chelsea Kyle / Food Styling by Drew Aichele

“Affogato” means “to drown” in Italian and refers to the melding of espresso and ice cream, two after-dinner classics. Bitter, sweet, hot, cold, black, and white, it's a celebration of contrast.

Italian Rainbow Cookies

Also known as rainbow cookies, Neapolitan cookies, or tricolore cookies, this Italian-American treat has a subtle almond flavor that pairs nicely with the bittersweet chocolate topping and layers of raspberry jam.

Italian Almond Tart

Frederick Hardy II / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Shell Royster

This rustic dessert is from the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, where it's called sbrisolona. It's crumbly, buttery, and nutty; chef Suzanne Goin thinks of it as a cross between biscotti and shortbread. She recommends dipping chunks of it into the Champagne-spiked sabayon, an airy dessert sauce made with whipped egg yolks.

Zabaglione with Strawberries

We love this zabaglione (a sweet custard spiked with marsala wine) served warm right off the stovetop, but it's also a great make-ahead dessert: Just add a bit of whipped cream and chill.

Plum Cake with Hazelnut Brittle and Honey Mascarpone

Peter Hoffman likes using purple plums, a.k.a. Italian prune plums, for this lightly spiced cake because they bake so well; the flavors intensify, but the plums don't become mushy. The garnishes are light and luscious, namely the soft Italian cheese mascarpone.

White Peach Tart

"This crust is not what you'd expect," chef Marco Canora says. "Instead of being crunchy, it's puffy and cakey." The dough is terrific for impromptu baking, because it doesn't need to be chilled before it's rolled out. For the filling, Canora recommends using peaches that are ripe but still firm, as drippy fruit will make the soft crust soggy.

Raspberry Jam Bomboloni

Whenever chef Kate Neumann serves bomboloni (Italian doughnut holes), they disappear immediately. "They are easy to prepare in advance and then fry at the last moment," she explains, "and they are also quite easy to dress up." Neumann fills the doughnut holes with fruit jams or chocolate ganache, then rolls them in sugar and spices like anise and cardamom as soon as they come out of the frying pan.

Concord Grape Granita

This icy dessert gets its sweet, tangy taste from Concord grape juice, which also gives the dessert its vibrant purple color.

Almond Semifreddo with Caramelized Apples

The Craft of Baking co-author Kare DeMasco is known for classically elegant yet approachable recipes, like this super creamy almond semifreddo topped with warm caramelized apples.

Frozen Chocolate-Chip Meringata

Meringata — Italian for "meringue cake" — is an elegant yet homey frozen dessert of whipped cream sandwiched between meringue rounds. Rolando Beramendi slices the meringata and serves it with a warm chocolate-espresso sauce.

Chocolate Panna Cotta with Spiced Pepita Brittle

This light, silky panna cotta tastes a lot like hot cocoa in custard form. The brittle is easy to make; heat sugar and water on the stove, swirl in butter and spiced pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds), then let cool.

Brutti Ma Buoni

Antico Forno Molinari, a bakery in operation in the town of Frascati since the 1800s, makes this delicious and effortless four-ingredient version of the flavored biscuit that translates to "ugly but good."

Stone-Fruit Panzanella with Zabaglione

A classic Italian panzanella (bread salad) combines juicy tomatoes and bread cubes. Here, chef Chris Cosentino swaps in stone fruits like apricots and peaches for the tomatoes. Then he pushes the dessert over the top by dolloping the "salad" with an airy zabaglione, a frothy sauce of egg yolks whipped with sweet dessert wine.

Torta Della Nonna

"Grandmother's cake" is a traditional Tuscan dessert, though everyone's nonna makes it slightly differently. In his version, chef Joe Sponzo combines a delicate pastry crust with a silky pastry cream, which he flavors with vanilla and lemon zest (other Tuscan cooks add ricotta cheese). He tops the tart with pine nuts, another regional staple.

Related Articles

Your Favorite Easy to make Italian Desserts

Who does not like a dessert? Desserts are generally meant to be eaten after the main course of a meal. The desserts could be cake, fruit, pudding, ice cream , or cookies. You will definitely like a dessert that can be prepared as fast as possible. Here is a list of some of the easy to make Italian desserts:

• Classic Tiramisu 

Italian Lemon Cake

Double chocolate italian biscotti, panna cotta with cherry and ginger sauce, affogato chocolate mousse, raspberry granita with balsamic caramel, espresso martini tiramisu, amalfi lemon syllabub, caffe latte panna cotta with espresso syrup, chocolate and hazelnut meringue semifreddo, italian coffee cake with cappuccino buttercream, tiramisu cheesecake, cannoli cupcakes.

• Perfect Biscotti.

Classic Tiramisu

Classic Tiramisu is an Italian dessert that is among the easiest Italian desserts to prepare. It is a creamy dessert made of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, that are surrounded by whipped cream and mascarpone. 

You can buy espresso from a coffee shop if you do not have the equipment to make your own. This applies to soaking the ladyfingers. You will require just about half an hour to prepare Classic Tiramisu.

You can also have an Italian cake as your dessert. The Italian Lemon Cake can be your alternative amongst the other Italian cakes. It can be enjoyed at the end of a meal or as a snack, especially for children. 

You can choose to prepare it soft, fluffy, or crunchy, whichever you desire. You will need less than 50 minutes to prepare it.

Do you need cookies to take your glass of milk or hot chocolate with? Look no further. You can prepare this Italian pastry. 

Double Chocolate Italian Biscotti are made crunchy so that they can be dunked in milk or coffee. They are called double since they have a double dose of chocolate. You will need to bake them for 35 minutes.

Panna Cotta, an Italian dessert, is a dairy-based pudding. In Italian, it means “cooked cream.” When preparing, you need to make sure it holds together but, at the same time, remain creamy and soft. 

It is enjoyable when it melts in your mouth hence the silky texture. The ingredient that will make it this velvety in nature is Gelatine. You should learn how to use Gelatine since it can be challenging to handle. To prepare this dessert, you will need 40 minutes or less.

The Chocolate Mousse with Affogato is another simple Italian dessert that is very easy to make. 

It is an Italian espresso dessert that you can prepare whenever you want, so long as you have the ingredients. It will take you around 4 ½  hours to have it ready.

If you need your taste buds to prickle a bit, then this is the dessert you should go for. It contains the natural sweetness of the Italian vinegar that goes well with the zing of the raspberry. It takes only 30 minutes to prepare.

Espresso Martini Tiramisu is an excellent Italian dessert that can be taken after dinner. It is easy to prepare since you are not required to have specific cooking skills. 

You only need to lay sponge fingers with coffee, and vodka-spiked mascarpone cream, then leave it in the fridge to chill to your preferred temperature.

The Amalfi Lemon Syllabub has the most straightforward recipe compared to other Italian dessert recipes. You will only require 30 minutes, including freezing time, to come up with this dessert. How easy is this to prepare?

Another easy to prepare dessert. If you want to end your dinner party in style, you will love Caffe Latte Panna Cotta with Espresso Syrup. It is an Italian dessert that will only take 25 minutes of your time. It is also quite nutritious since it has sugars at 49.1g, 3.1g of proteins, and 49.2g of carbohydrates.

This Italian dessert is a semi-frozen one that has a texture like that of the mousse. If you want to make the process easier, you can make it in advance early enough, so that you have it at a dinner party to entertain your guests. It will take you 45 minutes to prepare.

Do you need an Italian birthday cake? The Italian Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Buttercream is the way to go. It is a coffee slab cake that is easy to prepare. 

It does not contain any nuts, and it comes with creamy cappuccino buttercream. Apart from just birthday parties, the Italian Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Buttercream can be used during other parties and family gatherings. One hour is needed to prepare and cool the cake.

The Tiramisu Cheesecake is super simple to make. It is a combination of Kahlua, mascarpone, and espresso. You can choose to bake it or not. 

A large number of people love Tiramisu and also cheesecake. So, it can be eaten at any gathering. It is also effortless to transport and can be taken to a celebration that is not being held at your own home. For it to be ready, it will take around five hours of your time to prepare and bake.

Cannoli Cupcakes are a combination of the two best desserts in the world. What you get is a perfect vanilla cupcake that is topped with ricotta cannoli filling and a chocolate whipped cream topping. 

Very delicious, right? You will want to eat every morsel of it without leaving even a crumb. If you wish, you can add cinnamon or orange zest to the cupcakes. They can be eaten on any occasion.

Perfect Biscotti

The Perfect Biscotti is an Italian pastry that is easy to make, just like any other cookie. They are typically baked twice: Once as a log, and then as individual pieces. You will need 40 minutes to prepare them.

In conclusion, if you want to enjoy desserts, you can try the ones mentioned above. They can also serve well as Italian Christmas desserts.

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Sure, we love gelato and tiramisu —but there are so many more irrestistable Italian desserts you should try. From traditional treats with modern twists (you can make these cannolis in an air fryer !) to striking recipes worthy of a magazine cover (these Red Wine–Poached Pears with Cardamom and Vanilla Mascarpone will impress even the most discerning guests), you'll love these delicious Italian desserts. 

Air-Fryer Cannoli

Air-Fryer Cannoli Recipe

The air fryer's strengths span far beyond crisping up frozen French fries. Here, the countertop appliance provides a perfect shortcut to homemade cannoli (a traditionally labor intensive treat to make). In this impressive air fryer dessert, prepared pie dough is used to create the crunchy, buttery richness you'd expect from a deep-fried cannoli shell.

Tiramisu Cake

Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Everything you love about classic Italian tiramisu, layered into an impressive cake. 

Chocolate Tiramisu Poke Cake

Chocolate Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe

The poke cake technique is incredibly easy, but that doesn't mean that poke cakes have a simple flavor. Enjoy the irresistible textures of pudding, cake, and crushed espresso beans in each bite of with this chocoatey take on Tiramisu.

Cannoli Cheesecake

Cannoli Cheesecake Recipe

Our Cannoli Cheesecake has that classic cannoli flavor you love, but with a creamier, more palatable texture. It's super smooth, and easier to make than full-on cream cheese-based cheesecake. The secret to the unbeatable texture is adding a dish of water to the oven—the steam helps set the cheesecake without overcooking it.

Chewy Ambrosia Biscotti

Chewy Ambrosia Biscotti Recipe

Make someone's Christmas extra merry by treating them to a batch of these biscotti with their favorite coffee or tea.

Coconut Milk Panna Cotta

Coconut Milk Panna Cotta Recipe

Sublimely creamy and easy to whip up, this is the perfect make-ahead dessert. This panna cotta is topped with cubed mango, but you can use whatever fresh fruit you have on hand.

Macadamia-Rum Panna Cotta

Macadamia-Rum Panna Cotta Recipe

Need dessert inspiration? Look no further than this luscious Macadamia-Rum Panna Cotta topped with a caramel sauce made with Hawaiian agricole rum.

Italian Christmas Cookies

Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

No need to buy a tray of Italian Christmas cookies this year—they're easy to make and all the ingredients are readily available. The cookie itself is not overly sweet and has a cakey texture, so the sweetness really banks on the icing. We used almond extract in our recipe, but you can also use anise.

Nutella Tiramisu in Jars

Nutella Tiramisu in Jars Recipe

In this updated version of the classic Italian dessert, richly flavored Nutella adds to the decadence of creamy mascarpone, and the single-serving jars mean you don't even have to share. You'll need six 1/5-liter jars such as Weck, or you can use tall 1-cup canning jars.

Meyer Lemon Panna Cotta

Meyer Lemon Panna Cotta Recipe

Meyer lemon--a lemon/orange ­hybrid--is sweeter than conventional lemon. If you don't have access to Meyer lemons, you can use a regular lemon and enjoy a dessert that's a bit more tart.

Strawberry-Lime Panna Cottas

Strawberry-Lime Panna Cottas Recipe

The key to making these easy desserts is to soften the unflavored gelatin in cold water before dissolving in a hot liquid.

Perfect Italian Meringue

Perfect Italian Meringue Recipe

Whether you're topping a pie or coating cake, follow this foolproof technique to produce stunningly fluffy swoops of Italian Meringue every time. 

Herbed Goat Cheese and Ricotta Mini Pies

Herbed Goat Cheese and Ricotta Mini Pies Recipe

Why settle for a piece when you can have the whole pie? Filled with fresh herbs and cheesy goodness, these savory mini pies are the perfect dish for any brunch gathering. Using store-bought pie dough keeps this recipe super simple to make, but feel free to use your favorite homemade pie dough if you prefer. 

Italian Cream Cake

Italian Cream Cake Recipe

This layered Italian Cream Cake is the perfect dessert for a birthday or dinner party because it is moist and full of flavor from the chopped pecans and cream cheese frosting. The stunning 5-star dessert continues to get rave reviews every time!

Italian Plum Ice Cream

Italian Plum Ice Cream Recipe

Plums give these stacked scoops their bright hue and tart taste. Looker for a sweeter scoop? Try Nectarine Ice Cream. Substitute 1 lb. nectarines for the Italian prune plums. In Step 1, decrease cooking time to 3 to 5 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest to blender in Step 2.

Homemade Strawberry Gelato

Homemade Strawberry Gelato Recipe

This smooth and creamy homemade strawberry gelato recipe, from Virginia's Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards' executive chef Ian Rynecki, will delight any strawberry lover. The gelato can be made with a standard ice cream maker. You'll want to make an extra batch of the buttery cookies just to have on hand for snacking.

Blackberry Gelato

Blackberry Gelato Recipe

This recipe makes 12 cups of lusciously smooth gelato--perfect for summer parties. The berry puree can be made several days in advance and refrigerated. One key step: Be sure to strain the seeds.

Peach-Ricotta Cheesecake with Pecan Crust

Peach-Ricotta Cheesecake with Pecan Crust Recipe

This silky peach-topped cheesecake is made with another Georgia staple: pecans. For the smoothest texture, make this gluten-free dessert a day in advance and store in the refrigerator before serving.

Toaster Oven Pear Crostata With Orange-Honey Glaze

Toaster Oven Pear Crostata With Orange-Honey Glaze Recipe

Have you hopped on the toaster oven dessert train yet? If not, now is the time and crostatas are the reason. Tapping into the power of your toaster oven (for more than just reheating pizza) is a real pro move—especially on occasions when you're regularly oven is fully occupied or temporarily out of commission.

Neapolitan Doughnuts

Neapolitan Doughnuts Recipe

If you really want to get fancy, make one of our homemade doughnut recipes, let them cool while you prepare the frostings, and then dip them.

Easy Mixed-Berry Crostatas

Easy Mixed-Berry Crostatas Recipe

Grandmother's fried pies inspired these individual tarts, filled with fresh, in-season summer berries. This riff on our classic Rustic Berry Crostata  uses store-bought pie crust to save time, but guests will never know the difference.

Watermelon Granita with Hibiscus Syrup and Yogurt

Watermelon Granita with Hibiscus Syrup and Yogurt Recipe

Karen Hatfield serves this sophisticated granita at her LA restaurant, Odys + Penelope. Dried hibiscus flowers can be found at specialty markets, Latin markets, and health food stores. You can substitute grenadine syrup to good effect, but Hatfield asserts that hibiscus syrup best complements the fruit in this dish.

Grilled Pineapple with Mascarpone and Pistachio Crumble

Grilled Pineapple with Mascarpone and Pistachio Crumble Recipe

Grilling pineapple is a great way to unleash the sweetness of the fruit. While it's a great addition to a dinner dish, we think it's better at dessert, topped with a cream mascarpone and nutty crumble.

Neapolitan Brownies

Neapolitan Brownies Recipe

Tip: If you refrigerate your brownies once they've cooled slightly, cutting clean edges is a breeze.

Pizzelle Cookies

Pizzelle Cookies Recipe

Despite their intricate appearance, pizzelle cookies are surprisingly easy to make. You'll just need a special baker (we like the Cucina Pro Piccolo Pizzelle Baker), or at least a pizzelle iron. They're super crispy and light, much like thin a sugar cone with a hint of vanilla. Pizzelle cookies make a great dessert, but they're also perfect for holiday snacking.

Caprese Ice Cream Sundaes

Caprese Ice Cream Sundaes Recipe

This super-sophisticated, wow-worthy dessert is a great twist on two separate dishes. It takes some time, but it's worth it, especially for a special occasion. Poaching tomatoes in simple syrup brings out their fruitier side. Paired with buttery and salty ice cream, you've got a smart and different winner.

Red Wine–Poached Pears with Cardamom and Vanilla Mascarpone

Red Wine–Poached Pears with Cardamom and Vanilla Mascarpone Recipe

Perfumy cardamom heightens the sweetness of poached winter fruit. We use whole pods here to infuse the poaching liquid with the taste of cardamom. Red wine flavors the liquid, rather than serving entirely as the base, so its bitter tannins are much more subtle.

Chocolate Pasta with Mascarpone-Vanilla Cream and Strawberries 

Chocolate Pasta with Mascarpone-Vanilla Cream and Strawberries  Recipe

While homemade chocolate pasta isn't hard to make, you can substitute 12 ounces of storebought chocolate pasta, which can be found online and in specialty stores. Of course, the recipe's active and total times will vary depending if you choose to make or buy the pasta.

Lemon-Olive Oil Cake with Whipped Mascarpone

Lemon-Olive Oil Cake with Whipped Mascarpone Recipe

This is not a fancy cake, but what it lacks in the looks department, it more than makes up for in flavor. Made with extra-virgin olive oil (instead of butter), it has a moist, tender crumb, similar to a pound cake, and has a slightly toasty flavor and bit of added texture and from cornmeal.

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20 Amazing Italian Desserts You Need to Try (Plus Easy Recipes To Make Them)

Posted: May 12, 2024 | Last updated: May 12, 2024

Italy has some of the best pastries in the world. Luckily, you don't have to jump on a plane and fly to Italy just to have a perfect Italian dessert. You can make all of these 20 amazing Italian desserts in your very own kitchen with almost no effort at all. Our recipes make Italian baking easy and fun. You will feel like a true Italian pastry chef when you bake these flawless desserts.

Tiramisu Cake Roll

This is hands down the Best tiramisu cake roll that you will ever make! My Tiramisu cake roll recipe consists of a super fluffy Japanese-style sponge cake, that is easy to roll without breaking it. The sponge is drizzled with rich espresso, and then rolled up with an airy, light whipped mascarpone cream filling. 

Go to the recipe: Tiramisu Cake Roll

Homemade Ladyfingers

Perfectly baked and ever so slightly crisp on the outside yet soft and airy on the inside, this homemade ladyfingers recipe (Savoiardi) is a game changer for your next tiramisu! It's so much better than buying store-bought cookies! This Savoiardi recipe is so easy to make, and the cookies bake up light and fluffy like perfect little sponges.

Go to the recipe: Homemade Ladyfingers

Authentic Italian Tiramisu

Let´s start with the classic one before moving on to more unique creations. This authentic Italian tiramisu offers a luxurious treat that's easy to make with simple ingredients. It even features soft and golden homemade ladyfingers to help you create the best-tasting classic tiramisu. The sponge-like ladyfingers are soaked in coffee and layered with velvety mascarpone cream in one of the best desserts with ladyfingers you’ll ever make.

Go to the recipe: Authentic Italian Tiramisu

Panna Cotta

Coconut panna cotta with passion fruit is light, refreshing, and a perfect dessert for a BBQ. Bursting with coconut flavor, tropical fruit flavor, and creamy texture, this is a personal favorite. But as fancy as it looks, making Panna cotta is totally doable for beginners.

Go to the recipe: Panna Cotta

Homemade Nutella

This easy homemade Nutella recipe is for you whether your local store runs out of Nutella or perhaps you are looking for a healthier chocolate hazelnut spread alternative (that is also crazy delicious). This is hands down the ultimate Nutella recipe that you can make in 15 minutes using a few simple ingredients.

Go to the recipe: Homemade Nutella

Tiramisu Cookies

These delicious, coffee-flavored  tiramisu cookies  are the perfect after-dinner treat, dessert table addition, or compliment to your morning cup of coffee. A delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, this easy tiramisu cookie recipe combines espresso powder and sweet mascarpone frosting topped with cocoa powder. No matter how or where you eat them, it is sure to be something that everyone will love!

Go to the recipe: Tiramisu Cookies

Homemade Ferrero Rocher

This homemade Ferrero Rocher recipe is seriously the most delicious chocolate bonbon ever: a whole roasted hazelnut in the heart, a delicious creamy hazelnut filling around, all covered with chocolate and crunchy hazelnut pieces. 

Go to the recipe: Homemade Ferrero Rocher

Pignoli Cookies

Italian pignoli or pine nut cookies, are a staple in Italy and Italian American bakeries. This light and airy cookie is made from just four simple ingredients.

go to the recipe: Pignoli Cookies

Apple And Fig Polenta Torta

When you need a little something extraordinary in your everyday life, this apple and fig polenta torta from Romagna fits the bill.

Go to the recipe: Apple And Fig Polenta Torta

Almond Flour Biscotti

These almond flour biscotti, are the perfect gluten-free Italian cookie to pair with a warm cup of coffee or tea in the morning. They are super customizable and bursting with almond flavor.

Go to the recipe: Almond Flour Biscotti

Mascarpone Mousse

This light and creamy mousse is flavored with a hint of vanilla and then topped with a thin coat of cacao powder and fresh berries—gluten-free, sugar-free, and a great low-carb option.

Go to the recipe: Mascarpone Mousee

St Joseph Pastries

St Joseph pastries, also known as Zeppole di San Giuseppe, are traditional Italian pastries that are enjoyed every year on March 19th to celebrate the Feast of San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph). They are a deliciously light Italian cream-filled pastry that is either fried or baked.

Go to the recipe: St Joseph Pastries

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Brighten up your world with a burst of citrusy bliss with these easy-to-make and delectably delicious Italian lemon ricotta cookies ! With their soft melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfect balance of tangy and sweet, these lemon cookies are a true delight! Whether you serve them alongside your favorite hot beverage or take them to your next family gathering, they are sure to be a hit!

Go to the recipe: Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Boozy Orange Aperol Spritz Cake

I found the perfect adult-only, luxurious boozy cake for you. I love Aperol Spritz and cake, so combining both was a lot of fun. This oil-based orange Aperol spritz cake won't harden in the fridge and is super moist and fluffy. The orange Aperol topping makes it taste exactly like the cocktail but in cake form.

Go to the recipe: Orange Aperol Spritz Cake

Ricotta Pie

Whilst classic Italian ricotta pie is traditionally made at Easter, you can certainly enjoy it throughout the whole Spring season! Lemon-infused ricotta gives a rich yet light flavor and an amazing creamy custard texture.

Go to the recipe: Ricotta pie

Tiramisu Cupcake

These easy tiramisu cupcakes are a must-try for coffee and tiramisu lovers! They are coffee-soaked, melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes with creamy mascarpone frosting on top dusted with cocoa powder! If you love tiramisu as much as I do, you must try this easy cupcake version. They are like individual-sized tiramisu mini cakes!

Go to the recipe: Tiramisu Cupcake

Nutella Cupcakes

These Nutella cupcakes are a chocolate lover's dream. Deliciously flavored, perfectly moist, and filled with creamy Nutella spread, this chocolate hazelnut cupcake recipe is an indulgent dessert fit for any occasion.

Go to the recipe: Nutella cupcakes

Nutella Cake

This  Chocolate Nutella cake is a perfect dessert for chocolate and hazelnut lovers! It's a gorgeous combination of moist chocolate sponge cakes, luxurious Nutella mousseline cream as filling and frosting, and chopped hazelnut as decoration! This lovely layered cake is sure to impress your guests at any dinner or birthday celebration!

Go to the recipe: Nutella Cake

Mini Tiramisu Cups

If you’ve been on the hunt for the simplest way to make a tiramisu dessert, look no further. Only 15 minutes stand between you and these delicious no-bake mini tiramisu cups .

Go to the recipe: Mini Tiramisu Cups

Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

This delicious, easy  Italian lemon ricotta cake  is by far one of the best lemon desserts you will ever try. Made with fresh lemons, creamy ricotta cheese, and a hint of vanilla extract. It has a gently sweet, citrusy flavor and an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture that resembles a moist sponge cake. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert with a side of ice cream, it will be hard not to run back for seconds!

Go to the recipe: Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

More from Spatula Desserts

From baklava and other filo pastry-based desserts to loukoumades, here are the best Greek desserts , all in one place. Greece is known as the cradle of Western civilization for a reason, and Greek desserts arguably might be one of them. Check out these recipes for Greek desserts and find your favorite.

Go to the recipes: Greek Desserts

Best Cake Decorating Ideas

These are the best cake decorating ideas  to make you look like a pro. Baking for a special occasion and want to make a cake look as impressive as possible? I've got you covered. This list of cake-decorating ideas will give you all the inspiration you need.

Go to the recipes: Cake Decorating Ideas

No Bake Desserts

When you need to whip up a quick dessert but don’t have access to an oven, this list of the best no-bake desserts   will save the day! The following shares 35 sweet and decadent dessert recipes that are easy to make, use simple ingredients and don’t require you to get anywhere near an oven. Whether you make them to enjoy at home or for a group of friends, these no-bake treats will definitely impress!

Go to the recipes:  No Bake Desserts

This article was originally published as Best Italian Desserts at Spatula Desserts .

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Snappy Gourmet

Fun food that's a snap to make! Easy recipes from cocktails and appetizers to main dishes and desserts!

Cakes & Cupcakes

Cannoli Poke Cake

Published By: Lisa Huff   |   Created On: February 10, 2019   |   Updated: September 21, 2023   |   27 Comments

For your shopping convenience, this post may contain affiliate links

Cannoli Poke Cake, an easy cake with NO sweetened condensed milk, but a delicious cannoli filling topping full of ricotta, mascarpone, orange, cinnamon, and chocolate chips! A fun and easy Italian dessert for potlucks, parties, and other events. Delish!

Another fun cannoli recipe for you today! But don’t worry, I do have some non-cannoli recipes coming up next. This Cannoli Poke Cake is easy to make with either a cake mix or from scratch cake, plus a quick cannoli filling topping. No condensed milk needed either like many other poke cake recipes.

You know how much I love cannoli recipes . My recent Cannoli Cheesecake Bars and Mini Frozen Cannoli Cheesecake Bites have been so popular. Maybe I’m a bit addicted to crazy cannoli recipes, but who’s keeping track…Oh and forgot about these fun Cannoli Pancakes !

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I almost wasn’t going to post this Cannoli Poke Cake recipe because I was a little unsure about it at first. So much in fact, that I gave half the cake away. However, after my family wouldn’t stop eating it, it grew on me and I knew I had to post it. Unfortunately, I only had ONE piece left though to take photos of.

Yep, just one piece of cake. haha!

So the photos you’re seeing of this cake, were indeed the very last piece of the Cannoli Poke Cake. If a poke cake isn’t quite your thing, check out my   Cannoli Cake recipe if you haven’t already. It’s a cannoli layer cake recipe with 3 layers of cake and a delicious cannoli cake filling. Or the cupcake version for these Cannoli Cupcakes .

This poke cake is a great make-ahead dessert for parties or potlucks. A great addition to my Potluck Desserts l ist. Although you can serve this cannoli sheet cake few hours after making, I think it’s much better the next day. Letting the cake get a bit soaked with the filling on top is delicious!

A Cannoli Poke Cake is nothing new, BUT this one is a little different. Other versions I’ve seen, as well as many other poke cake recipes, involve soaking the cake in sweetened condensed milk.

Nothing wrong with that, but thought I’d try something different. So no sweetened condensed milk in this version. Instead, I decided to try a pudding mix, with a little milk, and all the favorite cannoli filling ingredients such as mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, orange, cinnamon, and chocolate chips for a pudding poke cake.

The filling still soaked into the cake enough and wasn’t overly sweet which was nice.

What is a Poke Cake?

If you have no idea what a poke cake is, let’s start with that. It generally involves a cake (either from scratch or a box) made in a deep pan such as a 13×9-inch baking pan or other various sizes.

After the cake is baked, “holes” are poked in the top of the cake with the back of a wood spoon, straw, wood skewer, etc. all over the cake.

Some type of topping(s) is then spread over the cake and fills the holes of the cake. Once the cake is cut, you can see the topping throughout the cake.

The toppign of a poke cake can vary a lot and may include gelatin, pudding, whipped cream/topping, sweetened condensed milk, etc.

How To Make Cannoli Poke Cake

(For the full recipe and printable recipe card, scroll to the bottom of the post.)

To start this Cannoli Poke Cake, you’ll need a 13×9-inch cake. I used a yellow cake mix and prepared the cake according to the directions on the box to make a 13×9-inch cake.

You can use your favorite yellow or white cake mix or even a cake from scratch would be great. A chocolate cake would be great too!

When you take your cake out of the oven, poke holes all over the top of the cake using the back of a wooden spoon, or even a straw or large wooden skewer would work well. Make sure the holes are a good size but not HUGE. I would suggest a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch or so.

While your cake is cooling, prepare the cannoli filling for the top. (If you’d rather frosting, you could skip all of this and just use my popular Cannoli Frosting recipe.)

Start by mixing together the ricotta cheese and mascarpone together in a bowl with an electric mixer. Few notes about the cheeses. PLEASE use full-fat cheeses, make sure the cheeses are thick and are not “runny”, and drain the ricotta if in doubt. Ricotta brands can vary A LOT.

If you have not used your particular brand of ricotta before in a cannoli type filling recipe I STRONGLY recommend you drain it overnight. See my post on how to strain ricotta cheese for directions and tips.

Once you have your cheeses well combined, beat in the dry vanilla pudding mix and powdered sugar. Be sure you are adding the DRY pudding mix right from the package. Do NOT prepare the pudding according to the directions on the box. Then beat in the vanilla, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt to everything in the bowl.

I know some of you are like “oh disgusting, orange…”. You don’t have to add orange zest, but it’s just a little fresh orange zest and it gives just a nice freshness to the topping. You can omit if you really do not like orange, or try using lemon instead.

Slowly, very slowly, beat in the milk until the filling is smooth and well combined.

Spread about 1/3 of the topping over the top of the cake making sure the cannoli filling is going into the holes. Then spread the rest of the filling over the cake.

It may seem like a lot on top of the cake, but the topping will soak into the cake a bit over time and settle into the holes.

Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the cake, cover the cake, and refrigerate the cake for at least a few hours or better yet, overnight.

Chopped nuts such as pistachios or walnuts would be a great addition if you’d like, but I would sprinkle on top of the cake before serving so the nuts don’t get soggy. Or instead of mini chocolate chips, you could also use chopped chocolate, regular size chocolate chips, or any of your favorite baking chips. You could also sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of the cake before serving.

The topping is not exactly like frosting, so the consistency will be a bit different. Just be sure, like I said above to drain your ricotta if you’re at all unsure about it so that the topping won’t be too runny.

Be sure to store this Cannoli Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator. It really does need at least a few hours before serving, but really was much better the next day. Want something with a little more chocolate? Try these delicious Cannoli Brownies !

Quick video so you can see how easy this Cannoli Poke Cake is to put together…

Ingredients   1x 2x 3x

• 15.25 ounce yellow (or white cake mix) plus ingredients on box to make cake as directed
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese drained (see notes below)
• 16 ounce mascarpone cheese (see notes below)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix (do not make pudding according to box directions)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 10 ounces mini chocolate chips

Instructions

• (Before starting this recipe be sure you have drained the ricotta overnight or better yet 1-2 days until it is THICK. See notes below.)
• Prepare and bake cake according to directions on package for a 13x9-inch baking dish. 
• After you remove the cake from the oven, poke holes all over the cake using the back of a wood spoon, straw, large wood skewer, etc. Set cake aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl beat together the ricotta and mascarpone cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined. Beat in the powdered sugar and DRY pudding mix. Then beat in the vanilla, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt. Once well combined, slowly beat in the milk a little at a  time. 
• Spread about 1/3 of the topping over the cake making sure it gets into holes. Then spread the remaining topping over the cake. 
• Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips all over the top of the cake.
• Cover cake and refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight would be better. Cut and serve, and store remaining cake covered in refrigerator.

(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)

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Suzanne Giuliani says

December 28, 2023 at 6:58 pm

This recipe is wonderful.Not to sweet but sweet enough. Easy to make and the tip to drain the ricotta was excellent. My guest raved about this cake and coming from a bunch of Italians that speaks volumes.

Lisa Huff says

December 31, 2023 at 12:39 pm

Thank you so much! :)

Bonnie says

October 19, 2023 at 3:34 pm

This was delicious but very expensive! I followed all the directions but my topping was grainy. Taste was good but didn’t look like your picture

October 19, 2023 at 6:03 pm

Ricotta can be a little grainy if you’re not used to working with it. Not sure what you mean by picture? Or what was expensive? But glad you liked it.

Robbyn says

October 18, 2023 at 12:14 pm

Are the mini chocolate chips, semi-sweet, I cant find milk chocolate, anywhere?

October 18, 2023 at 1:01 pm

Yes semi-sweet mini chocolate chips are fine. If you prefer milk chocolate you can finely chop up some milk chocolate bars.

September 21, 2023 at 3:13 am

Instead of putting it on a side note at the way bottom of the recipe, you should have put in the ingredient area for the ricotta to strain the before making. Also, as I watched your YouTube video on this, I noticed that you used a small amount of milk, instead of 1 1/2 cups listed. I spent over $12 on the ricotta and marscapone Cheeses, for nothing! I added heavy cream and corn starch to try to thicken it, whipped in mixer for over 10 minutes, to no luck. Threw it all away. I would definitely edit your ingredients to include the fact that the the ricotta HAS to be strained, for people not very knowledgeable about ricotta. I was so excited for this cake, and thanks to your horrible instructions, all my time went to waste. Especially when I made a home made white cake, that I also had to throw away, as it was full if holes.

September 21, 2023 at 8:20 am

Hi Anna, sorry this didn’t work out for you. There is a note in the ingredient area to drain the cheese and to see the notes. I’d be happy though to add a little more in the steps so it’s a little more clear. Unfortunately working with these cheeses can be a little tricky. The 1 1/2 cups of milk is correct. A pudding mix generally needs 2 cups so the pudding should be thicker. For future reference if you make something like that that is too thin you can fold in WHIPPED cream (or whipped topping like Cool Whip). Thanks for the feedback!

Meet The Chef, Lisa!

I left the corporate world to raise my 2 children and follow my food passion. My recipes and I have also appeared in many national magazines, local news programs and newspapers, trade publications, various websites, Food Network shows, and even the Rachael Ray Show!

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The 5-Ingredient Martha Stewart Dessert I've Been Making for Over 20 Years

I started baking this Italian cake when I was a private chef and needed a simple but impressive dessert to wow my clients.

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Robin Asbell

In the late '90s, I took a big leap and started a private chef business. Suddenly people were booking me to cater parties, and I needed solid, impressive dishes that didn’t take too long to make.

Martha Stewart was the reigning Queen of upscale, aspirational food, so I combed through The Martha Stewart Cookbook looking for recipes that were simple, but still fancy enough to impress.

Her Italian Cornmeal Cake practically jumped off the page to save the day. Made entirely in the food processor, the cake couldn’t be simpler—no eggs to beat, no folding, no sifting. 

In the headnote, Martha describes the cake as “crumbly,” and it is. In fact, it’s almost like a shortbread. There is no leavening or salt in her recipe, so it doesn’t have an open crumb, just a dense, crunchy texture. Like many traditional Italian desserts, there is just enough sugar in the cake to give it a hint of sweetness.

How To Make Martha Stewart's Italian Cornmeal Cake

To make Martha's cornmeal cake, you'll need:

• 1 cup (125 grams) almond flour or 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1 cup fine yellow cornmeal ( not polenta )
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 stick cold salted butter, cut into pieces, plus 1 tablespoon for greasing the pan

Simply Recipes / Robin Asbell

Use a tablespoon of butter to grease a 10-inch springform pan, going only a half inch up the sides.

Add the almond flour to a food processor or grind the slivered almonds until very, very fine, stopping every once in a while to scrape down the sides of the bowl. 

Add the cornmeal and pulse a few times to combine it with the almond flour. Then add the sugar and all-purpose flour and process again for several seconds to mix the ingredients well. 

Toss in the butter and process, stopping to scrape down the bowl after a few seconds. The dough will start to form clumps. Stop the machine and try squeezing the dough. If it holds together it's ready.

Scrape the dough into the prepared pan and pat it evenly to the edges. It should be an even disk so it bakes uniformly. Chill the dough for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, set an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 400°F.

Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges and top of the cake will be golden brown. Cool the cake on a rack, then loosen the edges with a thin metal spatula and invert the cake onto a cutting board. Use a chef’s knife to cut it into 12 wedges.

Tips for Making Martha's Italian Cornmeal Cake

After making this cake for over 20 years, I've learned a few tweaks. The original recipe called for grinding almonds into almond flour, but I prefer to use store-bought almond flour because it’s tricky to grind almonds as finely as they need to be.

I also pat the dough in the pan and then chill it for 20 minutes to make the butter solid again and place my leaky springform on a sheet pan in case a little butter seeps out during baking.

The simplicity of this cake is a thing of beauty. If you want to add a splash of vanilla, a couple teaspoons of lemon zest, or chopped fresh rosemary you absolutely can. I’ve even made this cake vegan with plant-based butter.

This cake shines when served with scoops of ice cream and spoonfuls of sweetened fruit, with mint sprigs or lemon zest curls as finishing touches. It works in all seasons and is just as compatible with spring raspberries as it is with winter citrus or pears.

Even though this is technically a cake, you can treat it like a cookie as well. For a cookie platter, you might dress up wedges with a drizzle of melted chocolate , or a dead-easy glaze of lemon juice and powdered sugar. 

All hail Martha!