Best 10 Italian Desserts: Discover Traditional Sweets and Pastries

There’s something particularly comforting about Italian desserts, simple yet indulgent. To be enjoyed in the morning alongside an aromatic espresso or after a leisurely dinner, these sweet treats are emblematic of that dolce vita we all know and love. 

Every one of these iconic Italian dolce has a rich history rooted in a region’s culinary, economic, or cultural past. With every bite, its story is revealed to you as the flavors dance frivolously on your tongue. 

Let’s plunge our spoons into 10 delectable Italian sweets and desserts!

1. Tiramisu

With its mysterious origins, moka-dipped cookies, and rich cream, tiramisu is among the most famous Italian desserts. Traditionally made from layered lady finger cookies dipped in cold espresso, mascarpone cream, eggs, and unsweetened cacao powder, it strikes the perfect balance between richness and sweetness without overpowering the coffee and chocolate’s bitterness. Its strong coffee flavor is what gives it its name, meaning ‘pick me up’ due to its caffeinated properties. 

Check out our authentic tiramisu recipe to learn how to make this classic sweet treat at home in a few simple steps.  

2. Panna cotta

Literally meaning ‘cooked cream,’ panna cotta is a smooth cream-based treat served cold often with fruit or a syrupy sauce after a meal. Originating from Piedmont with possible roots dating back to the 1870s, this lovely bite is the epitome of Italian simplicity as it’s made from only a few everyday ingredients: heavy cream, sugar, gelatine, and vanilla. Heated and then cooled, panna cotta has a soft, jelly-like texture and can be molded into different shapes, making it a festive addition to any dinner table! 

3. Gelato 

Refreshing, sweet, and iconic, gelato is at the top of everyone’s minds planning a getaway to Italy. Unlike icecream which is made from cream, gelato is made from milk, lending it that light and airy texture. With countless flavors to choose from, there’s a scoop for everyone in the bel paese. During the warm months, you’ll find gelaterias dotted around Italy, each one boasting their own unique flavors and specialties, sprinkling your trip with sweetness. 

4. Caprese cake  

Did you know that contrary to popular belief, Italy is actually a haven for those with a gluten-intolerance. Originally from the Island of Capri, this cake is gluten-free as it uses finely-milled almond flour instead of traditional white flour. The almonds are combined with dark chocolate, butter, sugar, and eggs to create a decadent chocolate cake that is both rich and light thanks to the whisked egg whites. Often enjoyed in restaurants after a meal, this cake is easy to whip up at home and is perfect alongside vanilla gelato or whipped cream!

5. Sfogliatella

Originating from vibrant Naples, ‘sfogliatella’ literally translates to ‘thin layers.’ This crispy pastry, usually enjoyed for breakfast alongside coffee, is made of thin, layered pastry dough and is often filled with vanilla, chocolate, or pistachio cream. Crunchy, buttery, and creamy, the sfogliatella is the perfect welcome to Naples and offers a glimpse into the many more delicious bites to come!

6. Amaretti 

The idea of ‘bitter cookies’ may leave a sour taste in your mouth, but these bitter-sweet bites are a national favorite. Made from combining almonds, egg whites, and sugar, these aromatic cookies are often served alongside coffee in cafes. Myth has it that amaretti were first concocted in Saronno as a welcome gift to a Milanese bishop from newlyweds. Whatever their history, they are ever present in Italian culture and are often provided as a complimentary sweet treat.

7. Cannoli

What’s more Italian than an indulgent cannoli? Its delicious roots can be traced back nearly 1000 years to Sicily which was under Arab rule at the time. The Arabs introduced to the southern island to a variety of exotic treats, including candied fruits and pistachios – both of which are commonly found in cannoli. This exceptionally rich dessert’s name literally means ‘cane’ and is best described as a dough tube (often fried in lard) filled with ricotta cream. Cannoli are usually enjoyed as an on-the-go snack, but between us, are delicious any time of day.

8. Panettone and Pandoro

Stroll through the streets of Italy come Christmastime and you’ll notice that every Italian has magically acquired a new accessory tucked beneath their arms: a jovial panettone or pandoro. These festive cakes make an appearance at Italian holiday parties and are often given as gifts to friends and family. Panettone is a yeast-risen cake traditionally filled with dried fruits and nuts while pandoro (which literally translates to ‘golden bread’) is a soft star-shaped cake. Strictly seasonal, these yeasty delights will be nearly impossible to find outside the festive month but are a must-have if you’re planning to experience an Italian Christmas.

9. Cantucci (Biscotti) 

Often referred to as ‘biscotti’ (simply meaning cookies), cantucci are the perfect accompaniment for coffee or tea. Biscotti are made from a dry dough with almonds or pine nuts that’s twice-baked, lending it its name which means ‘twice-cooked.’ Dating back to the ancient Roman Empire, these not-too-sweet baked goods are now considered a Tuscan dessert, although they can be found at the end of meals and beside espresso all throughout the country.

10. Chocolate Salami 

Don’t let the name fool you – this chocolatey confection has nothing to do with savory sausage! Chocolate salami is a popular Italian dessert made of melted chocolate and butter, chopped cookies, unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, and sometimes rum or another spirit. Rolled into a log and sliced, this no-bake dessert derives its name from its striking appearance to salami, with the chocolate mimicking the meat and the biscuits bearing a resemblance to the specks of fat. Delicious, easy to make, and memorable, chocolate salami is the perfect Italian dessert to make the next time your sweet tooth is awakened. 

Enjoy the Dolce Vita

Italian desserts are as diverse as they are delectable, with their flavors, ingredients, and presentation varying widely from city to city. Northern-Italian desserts tend to be a bit milder while Southern-Italian treats are extra-sweet and are packed with bold flavors thanks to the region’s Arab influence. Whether these desserts are easy to make, like chocolate salami, or require a lifetime of training, like gelato, they’re all equally mouthwatering.  

Learn how to make two of these classic Italian desserts in our Gelato & Italian Biscotti Masterclass, where you’ll whip up a custom flavor of gelato and a batch of cantucci cookies. We’ll even send you the recipes to take home with you afterward so you can have fresh gelato and biscotti anytime you want! 

What’s your favourite Italian dessert? 

Let us know in the comments below!