Top 31 Best Italian Desserts

My guide to the best Italian desserts is made up of a wide range of craveable Italian sweets, both modern and traditional. Italian food is celebrated across the world, and it’s also important that Italian dessert recipes get their chance to shine. I chose these Italy desserts because of their straightforward recipes, step-by-step instructions, and their cultural authenticity. 

Jump to:

• Best Italian Dessert Recipes
• 1. Authentic Italian Tiramisu
• 2. Mini Tiramisu Cups
• 3. Coconut Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit
• 4. Homemade Ladyfingers
• 5. Tiramisu Choux au Craquelin
• 6. Creamy Sicilian Ricotta Pie
• 7. Orange Aperol Spritz Cake
• 8. Tiramisu Cupcakes
• 9. Homemade Nutella
• 10. Homemade Ferrero Rocher Bonbons
• 11. Tiramisu Cake Roll
• 12. Bombolini
• 13. Limoncello Tiramisu
• 14. Raspberry Chocolate Semifreddo
• 15. Zabaglione
• 16. Chocolate Salami
• 17. Ricotta Cheesecake
• 18. Pistachio Gelato
• 19. Cannoli
• 20. Pizzelle
• 21. Classic Almond Biscotti
• 22. Affogato
• 23. Zeppole
• 24. Panettone 
• 25. Italian Hot Chocolate 
• 26. Chocolate Spice Cookies 
• 27. Torta Caprese
• 28. Pistachio Ricotta Crostata
• 29. Blood Orange Granita
• 30. Italian Chocolate Sponge Cake
• 31. Stuffed Hazelnut Ameretti Cookies
• Italian Desserts FAQs
• Related Italian Dessert recipes
• Top 31 Best Italian Desserts

This list of popular Italian desserts features rich and easy Italian desserts everone will appreciate, as well as light Italian fruit desserts for those less indulgent days. This Italian desserts list with pictures has something for everyone, no matter what flavor profile your sweet tooth prefers.  

Best Italian Dessert Recipes

1. Authentic Italian Tiramisu

Tiramisu is not only the most famous Italian dessert but also high on the best European dessert list! Making authentic Italian Tiramisu from scratch is a surprisingly straightforward process that makes this recipe one of the easiest coffee desserts. Homemade coffee-soaked ladyfingers are layered with sweetened mascarpone cheese in this traditional Italian dessert. You'll love the smooth cream and coffee taste throughout the entire dish. 

2. Mini Tiramisu Cups

Mini tiramisu cups are a great option when you want to opt for quicker, less involved Italian treats. The recipe is very similar to my authentic tiramisu recipe; however, a few key changes add convenience and save you time. This dessert comes together in just 15 minutes for an all-around delicious and creamy treat.

3. Coconut Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit

Panna Cotta is a molded dessert Italian diners find very popular. It’s traditionally made with cream and gelatin; however, this unique dairy-free recipe uses coconut milk rather than heavy cream, imparting a wonderful coconut flavor. A layer of fresh passion fruit breaks up the creamy layers for a visually stunning presentation worthy of any special occasion.

4. Homemade Ladyfingers

Leave the premade ladyfingers at the store and whip up a fresh batch with this recipe. Using only six ingredients, these homemade ladyfingers come out fluffy and delicious, with the perfect amount of golden crust. Although ladyfingers are said to be rather French, they made it to the list due to their popularity in Italian desserts such as tiramisu.

Put these homemade ladyfingers to good use right away with my list of the best ladyfinger desserts! 

5. Tiramisu Choux au Craquelin

Elevate your dessert game with these stunning tiramisu Choux au craquelin, a mashup Italian & French dessert. These light and airy, crispy pastry puffs are filled with decadent mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder. The craquelin topping adds a delightful crunch and a beautiful golden color. Additionally, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or any day you want to treat yourself!

6. Creamy Sicilian Ricotta Pie

There's nothing better for Spring and Summer than lemon desserts! Made with a buttery pie crust and a silky ricotta filling, this dessert is a true Italian classic. Additionally, the lemon zest in the filling as well as the garnish helps to deepen the flavor and brighten the entire dish. This is one of the desserts from Italy typically enjoyed for Easter, but any day is a great time to enjoy a slice of this delicious dessert.

7. Orange Aperol Spritz Cake

The flavors of an Aperol Spritz shine throughout this moist and irresistible yogurt-based cake. This is one of the many Italian desserts recipes that combines traditional baking with complex cocktail flavors for a refreshing boozy treat. Moreover, this cake makes the perfect recipe to serve at an outdoor Spring or Summer gathering.

8. Tiramisu Cupcakes

To make these handheld treats, strong coffee is added to the cupcake batter and also poured on top after baking. This mimics the coffee-soaked ladyfingers of the traditional recipe and ensures the same flavors come through in cupcake form. These treats are, of course, topped with a mascarpone frosting and dusted with cocoa powder. 

Finally, a coffee bean garnishes each cupcake for the perfect finishing touch.

9. Homemade Nutella

Skip that trip to the grocery store because it’s so easy to make a luscious chocolate hazelnut spread right in your own kitchen! This smooth and creamy confection, which originated from the Ferrero Rocher company in Italy, can serve as the base of several recipes e.g., Nutella Puff Pastry Twists and Nutella Babka. 

You can also enjoy it by the spoonful if your day is in need of a quick dose of indulgence.

10. Homemade Ferrero Rocher Bonbons

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a decadent batch of homemade Ferrero Rocher truffles.  With its bold roasted hazelnut in the center and creamy Nutella filling, each candy is full of chocolate hazelnut bliss. This easy dessert also makes an excellent, thoughtful gift that is guaranteed to satisfy and impress the recipient. 

11. Tiramisu Cake Roll

Making tiramisu can be as creative as it is delightful. This elegant spin on the classic recipe offers all of the traditional flavors in a light and fluffy rolled sponge cake. The mascarpone is spread on the cake before rolling and frosted on the outside afterward. The stunning presentation is complete with a generous dusting of cocoa powder, piping of the cream, and decorative coffee beans.

12. Bombolini

If you're a fan of donuts, then you'll love Bombolini. These delightfully fluffy Italian donuts are filled with your choice of sweet filling, then rolled in granulated sugar. The result is a warm and gooey dessert that's perfect for whenever your sweet tooth strikes. 

13. Limoncello Tiramisu

Add a citrus twist to your classic tiramisu with this Limoncello Tiramisu recipe. The creamy mascarpone filling is infused with lemon curd and Limoncello liqueur, creating a dessert that's both bright and indulgent. Layered with ladyfingers and finished with fluffy dollops of lemon whipped cream, this dessert is perfect for any occasion.

14. Raspberry Chocolate Semifreddo

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and tart with this Raspberry Chocolate Semifreddo. This Italian dessert, which translates to “half-frozen,” is lighter than ice cream but richer than sorbet. You make this smooth and creamy dessert with egg yolks and flavored with fresh raspberries. 

From that point, chunks of chocolate are scattered throughout this refreshing dessert. In addition, you can top this dessert with fresh cherries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful final presentation.

15. Zabaglione

Whip up a rich Italian classic dessert in just minutes with this easy Zabaglione recipe. This is a versatile treat that you can enjoy as a custard or even as a drink. You can also choose to enjoy it frozen. 

This easy dessert is made with just three ingredients - egg yolks, sugar, and a dessert wine e.g., marsala. You can enjoy zabaglione with fresh fruit, alongside biscotti, or you can also top it with whipped cream.

16. Chocolate Salami

Chocolate Salami is a scrumptious and hassle-free treat that requires no baking. Don't let the name fool you - there's no actual meat in this dessert! It's called "salami" because it looks like a log with speckles of chopped nuts and biscuit pieces. 

17. Ricotta Cheesecake

The velvety texture of this Italian Ricotta cheesecake is irresistible. Moreover, a mixture of ricotta cheese and cream cheese make up the smooth base, while a graham cracker crust adds a crunchy contrast. To complement the flavors of the cheesecake, you can serve it with a fresh fruit compote.

18. Pistachio Gelato

Made with pureed pistachios, this classic Italian treat boasts a natural green color that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds. Each scoop is smooth and indulgent, with a hint of nuttiness that perfectly complements its sweet flavor. In addition, for a satisfying crunch, you can top this dessert with chopped pistachios or enjoy it in a waffle cone or bowl. Pistachio gelatin is one of my favorite pistachio desserts, for sure!

19. Cannoli

These tube-shaped pastries are filled with a sweet and luscious mixture of ricotta cheese and chocolate chips, then dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. With a crispy shell that crumbles delightfully with each bite and a smooth, creamy filling that simply melts in your mouth, cannoli is the perfect dessert or sweet snack for any time of day.

20. Pizzelle

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Pizzelle, which also goes by the name of Italian waffle cookies, is a delicate sweet treat that will bring a touch of elegance to your dessert time. Pizzelle pairs perfectly with coffee or tea, and you can flavor them with delicious ingredients such as vanilla, anise, or lemon zest. In just 20 minutes, you can create a batch of these gorgeous, buttery cookies that are sure to impress.

21. Classic Almond Biscotti

These twice-baked cookies are loaded with the irresistible aroma and nutty flavor of toasted almonds, creating a delicious treat that's hard to resist. But why stop there? Get creative and add in chopped pistachios, dried fruit, or even chocolate chunks for a personalized twist.

Also perfect for dipping into your morning coffee, these biscotti are the ultimate indulgence to get your day started right.

22. Affogato

Treat yourself to an evening of effortless and sophisticated indulgence with a luscious Italian affogato. With only two ingredients, this dessert makes the perfect match for those who crave a simple and sweet caffeinated treat. Moreover, drenching a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or gelato in a shot of piping-hot espresso creates a delicious contrast of flavors that will please your senses and your tastebuds.

23. Zeppole

Zeppole are delightful Italian pastries that feature small balls of deep-fried dough topped with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar. In the United States, you might call them donut holes. However, the Italian version is incredibly light and fluffy, with a warm, pillowy interior and a lightly crunchy outside.

24. Panettone 

Panettone is a traditional Christmas dessert in Italy. Candied fruits and raisins typically fill this sweet bread loaf, which boasts a light and airy texture similar to brioche. While perfecting the technique for Panettone requires some patience, the end result is well worth the effort for every soft and rich bite you enjoy from this deliciously sweet bread.

25. Italian Hot Chocolate 

Italian hot chocolate, also called Cioccolato Caldo, is a luscious and velvety treat that stands out from traditional hot chocolates. The recipe calls for both chopped dark chocolate and cocoa powder, resulting in an indulgent drink bursting with rich chocolate flavor.

As a result, the thickness of this hot chocolate is almost pudding-like and should be savored in small portions due to its intense richness.

26. Chocolate Spice Cookies 

These cookies are loaded with layers of warm aromatic spices and delicious chocolate flavor. Additionally, they’re soft and chewy, making them the ideal treat for any time of the day. At the end of the cooking process, each cookie enjoys a roll in powdered sugar before baking to deliver its signature crackled look. 

One of the best things about these cookies is that they’re so easy to customize by adding nuts, orange zest, or a simple glaze.

27. Torta Caprese

Torta Caprese is an indulgent flourless chocolate cake that's filled with rich and fudgy flavor in every bite. This Italian classic is made with almond flour, giving it a unique nutty flavor and a moist, dense texture that perfectly complements the intense chocolate flavor. Whether you're gluten-free or just looking for a delicious chocolate treat, Torta Caprese is an absolute must-try.

28. Pistachio Ricotta Crostata

This delectable dessert perfectly combines the nutty taste of pistachios with the creamy texture of ricotta cheese. Additionally, the wonderfully flaky Italian pie crust base makes the perfect partner for the flavorful filling. Crostata is a versatile dessert that fits any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it at a family dinner or serving it up for a crowd.

29. Blood Orange Granita

This summertime dessert is both refreshing and delicious. Granita is an easy-to-make treat that delivers a perfect slushy texture, with only two ingredients in the mix. The best part is that you don't need any special equipment to make it -- just a baking dish and a freezer.

30. Italian Chocolate Sponge Cake

This chocolate sponge cake is layered with rich and creamy chocolate mousse and stabilized whipped cream. The result is a light and airy cake paired with a decadent and indulgent cream. The addition of fresh berries not only adds a pop of color but also provides a delicious fruity contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.

31. Stuffed Hazelnut Ameretti Cookies

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/853572935643913345/

These small cookies pack a big taste! Hazelnut flour stars as the main ingredient in their batter, giving them a soft and chewy texture. It also makes them gluten-free. 

As an added bonus, each cookie hides a delightful surprise of chocolate hazelnut spread!

Italian Desserts FAQs

Related Italian Dessert recipes