From classics such as tiramisu and vanilla panna cotta to tempting twists and flavour mash-ups, we can all agree that Italian desserts are dreamy to look at – and to eat! And the good news is that we have plenty of bellissimo Italian dessert recipes, whether you’re planning a show-stopping party pud or just fancy a delicious sweet treat. Need more Italian recipes? We have so many sweet and savoury ideas, as well as a make-ahead Italian-style menu.
Let’s start with our all-time favourite Italian dessert – the wonderfully luscious and decadent tiramisu. With layers of coffee-soaked sponge, marsala wine-infused mascarpone cream and a generous dusting of cocoa powder, it’s easy to see why this sweet stunner is so popular and why it has inspired so many variations. If you’re starting out, go for an easy tiramisu recipe.
Then once you’ve mastered the basics, how about a Chocolate orange tiramisu trifle or a fabulously fruity Strawberry tiramisu? And if you’re in a hurry, these cute but speedy tiramisu-style pots featuring chocolate mini rolls are sure to be a hit, whatever the occasion.
Literally translated as ‘cooked cream’, the beauty of this gorgeous dessert is in its simplicity. It’s creamy, of course, but also wonderfully light and as easy Italian desserts go, it’s one of the most popular for good reason. It’s ideal for entertaining as you can prep it in advance, then simply chill for a few hours or overnight. Practise the method with a classic panna cotta recipe, infused with vanilla and served with a berry coulis, then try adding a layer of strawberry jelly to take it up a notch.
Need a gelatine-free veggie version? This tropical twist, made with coconut milk, is vegan too. Or for something a little more advanced but well worth the effort, this panna cotta wreath is truly spectacular.
You may struggle to pronounce it but eating it is easy! One of the most intriguing of the classic Italian desserts, but also the speediest to make, affogato means ‘drowned’ – so what exactly is it? In its purist form, it’s a shot of espresso poured over vanilla gelato (ice cream) – a beautiful balance of hot and cold, bitter and sweet, it’s a taste experience not to be missed. Feeling more adventurous? Try a festive flavour twist with gingerbread or mince pies, or check out this grown-up recipe, inspired by the classic espresso martini. Sip or eat with a spoon – or do both!
Some of the best ice cream parlours in the world are in Italy, but what’s semifreddo? Meaning ‘half frozen’, it’s flavoured cream that’s not churned but simply frozen, then sliced to serve, resulting in a unique soft and creamy texture. Dive straight in with our Eton-mess inspired recipe or opt for this vegan-friendly maple and hazelnut version.
Fancy something a little more refreshing? Step forward granita – it’s like a sorbet but crunchier and lighter. It can be sharp and zingy like our clementine recipe, sweet and fruity as in our watermelon recipe or even inspired by a tropical cocktail. Made with a handful of ingredients, granita is so easy to make yet looks cheffy, making it one of the best Italian desserts for entertaining.
It may have been around for centuries, but the popularity of panettone has risen dramatically (excuse the pun) in recent years. No longer a delicacy found in posh Italian delis, you can now pick one up in your local supermarket or try making your own with this easy Panettone recipe. Yes, it’s essentially a sweet brioche bread rather than a traditional pudding, but its majestic elegance lends itself to being transformed into a dessert. Don’t take our word for it: look at these three stunning ideas, using ready-made panettone, that are the ultimate low-stress option for party hosts. And in the unlikely event of having any left over, you can always whip up a creamy, comforting bread and butter pud or this decadent breakfast of toasted panettone topped with raspberry jam and sticky ginger mascarpone.
While few Italian bakes are as regal as panettone, there are plenty of cakes and tarts that double as decadent desserts and teatime treats. Take the crostata, one of the oldest Italian bakes, which is a charming rustic tart requiring very little baking skills. Feast your eyes on this Blueberry and cream cheese crostata using ready-made pastry that takes just 10 minutes to prep. Polenta is a common ingredient in Italian cakes, creating a moist and luscious texture, and this cherry and lemon version is no exception, or add moisture by using almonds – another favourite Italian ingredient – in this striking Fig and almond loaf cake.
If you’ve visited an Italian coffee shop, you’ve likely been tempted by the array of traditional biscuits, which make delightful sides to many desserts or a sweet treat with an after-dinner coffee. Crunchy, nutty and moreish, biscotti pair beautifully with a creamy semifreddo, while ricciarelli biscuits, softer-style almond cookies, hit the spot with an espresso.
Aside from biscuits, maritozzi are a treat you may have seen a lot recently – a maritozzo is a brioche-style, cream-filled bun, which will round off any meal in style. Try our cheat’s version – a ready-made brioche bun filled with coffee-infused mascarpone cream. With so many Italian dessert ideas, the hardest job now is choosing which one to make!
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