This collection of Italian desserts has you covered for all occasions and skill levels- from an intimate Valentine’s dinner through to feeding a crowd, and easy twists on classics through to traditional delights.
Italy is well-known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled artistry. However it boasts something else that elevates its charm to an irresistible level – its desserts.
From the melt-in-your-mouth cannoli to the airy allure of tiramisu, Italian desserts are about smooth textures, sweet tastes and the odd crispy crunch.
Whether you’re a seasoned culinary enthusiast or simply have a sweet tooth, get ready to experience the magic of Italy’s sugary treasures.
(Want to go all out on the Italian theme? Check out these Italian appetizers and Italian dinner recipes).
Italian desserts
Delicate and super dunkable long cookies with the aromatic flavourings of aniseed. These are a staple in Italian households and the perfect treat to accompany your coffee or tea!
This anise pizzelle recipe creates a classic thin crisp waffle cookies. Using anise oil for flavor, this recipe has been passed down for generations.
This Cannoli cake roll is filled with creamy ricotta filling and rolled up in a light and delicious sponge cake. Cut into slices and enjoy.
These chewy Amaretti cookies are one of the easiest recipes you will make. Containing just five ingredients, these delicious, simple cookies will be a welcome addition to your baking repertoire. They have a slightly crispy exterior with a chewy centre. They are naturally gluten and dairy-free.
These chocolate amaretti cookies are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free with their almond flour base. Some cocoa powder and instant espresso gives these classic Italian cookies an extra kick of flavor!
This silk and creamy Zabaglione recipe is made with a few ingredients, like egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine. It’s perfect when served over fruits or enjoyed with biscotti.
Classic Italian tiramisu is a no-bake dessert made with ladyfinger biscuits dipped in espresso and layered between smooth and creamy mascarpone filling.
This tiramisu recipe is as delicious and indulgent as they come! This version is made with homemade lady fingers and no eggs.
This no bake Ferrero Rocher cheesecake with Nutella is show stopping dessert that's decadent and delicious.
Crispy and bubbly deep-fried pastry filled with ricotta and mascarpone cheese subtly flavored with bittersweet campari - the word delicious doesn’t do it justice.
The combination of lady finger cookies dipped in espresso combined with a decadent and creamy meringue filling makes the perfect light and elegant dessert.
This Italian almond cake has a moist, dense almond cake with citrus undertones, topped with toasted almonds. This easy recipe is ready from start to finish in less than 45 minutes.
This Italian gelato recipe is made from scratch using all-natural ingredients, whole milk, heavy cream, egg yolk, vanilla and sugar.
A light and fluffy lemon cake made with olive oil and topped with lemon vanilla cream cheese frosting.
This authentic Italian lemon ricotta pie will quickly become a favorite member of your recipe collection. The lemon zest gives it a bright tang, while tempered with a creamy, custard-like ricotta filling, and set in a buttery, slightly sweet short crust pastry.
Limoncello Tiramisu is a light and creamy Italian dessert that is absolutely delicious, made with refreshing Limoncello and lemon curd.
This Macedonia di frutta (Italian fruit salad) is a perfect light fresh fruit dessert for any time of the year.
Maritozzi are Italian sweet buns that originated from Rome. They’re fluffy brioche-style buns filled with homemade whipped cream!
This mascarpone mousse is for mascarpone lovers. With just a few strokes of a whisk, you'll get a luxurious make-ahead dessert that comes together with only five simple ingredients.
Paste di Mandorla are delicious Italian lemon almond biscuits made from ground almonds. With crispy edges and soft and chewy centers, they are very moreish.
Pizzicati or Italian pinch cookies, are delicious buttery cookies filled with jam, gently pinched in the center, and then finished off with a dusting of powdered sugar.
A twist on the classic tiramisu, this Raspberry tiramisu is full of flavor but contains no coffee, raw eggs or alcohol so the whole family can enjoy it.
For soft Italian ricotta cookies, this classic recipe is just what you are looking for. They have a hint of citrus and a sweet frosting glaze with sprinkles.
This tramisu cheesecake has an Oreo and ladyfinger crust. It's topped with brown sugar espresso cheesecake. Yum!
Tiramisu with a twist! This recipe based on the authentic recipe from Treviso gets a twist with candied hazelnuts and frangelico.
This Torta Caprese is a famous Italian chocolate torte made with ground almonds, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and whipped egg whites.
This crusted ricotta torte aka Torta di Ricotta is super flavorful and would make a great addition to your dessert table.
Torta tenerina is an indulgent thin chocolate Italian cake recipe with a tender, moist heart and crunchy outside. It is extremely easy to make with just a few ingredients and is a perfect gluten-free dessert.
You will love this new deliciously sinful, boozy cannoli. It’s an easy Italian Cannoli with Amaretto custard cream, chocolate, and pistachios. This recipe features air-fried cannoli chips. This alcohol infused pastry does not have to be piped with cannoli filling, no deep fryer, and you don’t have to worry about those crispy cannoli shells getting soggy from sitting too long.
Vanilla panna cotta is a very easy and simple Italian dessert, made with cream, milk and sugar.
Italian desserts are a manifestation of the Italian way of life – think passion, artistry and the art of enjoying simple pleasures.
Why note indulge in La Dolce Vita with these Italian desserts tonight?