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    The 40 BEST Italian Desserts

    Italian cuisine is one of the most famous in the world, but are you familiar with their amazing desserts?

    This collection of Italian Desserts has all the best recipes to finish off your pasta night.

    From famous recipes like tiramisu and cannoli, to little known regional dessert recipes that will wow your family, this list has it all.

    Go through all of these amazing Italian desserts, they’re all sure to be hits!

    the best italian desserts

    The Best Italian Desserts:

    1. Tiramisu

    We are starting this list of world-famous Italian Desserts with the most loved Tiramisu recipe!

    This luxurious dessert is super easy to make, and the flavors and textures are just outstanding. So impress your family with this amazing tiramisu.

    Get the Recipe @ cookingclassy


    2. Panna Cotta

    Pana Cotta is one elegant dessert that is excellent to serve at your next get-together or party!

    This easy peasy recipe is perfectly sweet, and it just melts in your mouth deliciously. So enjoy this amazing Italian dessert.

    Get the Recipe @ natashaskitchen


    3. Boccone Dolce Cake

    Have you ever had Boccone Dolce Cake? If not, then this recipe is especially for you!

    This exceptional cake is made out of pavlova stacked in layers of whipped cream frosting and your favorite toppings. This cake will be stunning for your special occasions.

    Get the Recipe @ tatyanaseverydayfood


    4. Cannolis

    You can create a masterpiece at home with this Homemade Cannolis recipe!

    This classic Italian dessert is just too delicious, and it gets ready with only 5 simple ingredients. So what are you waiting for? Make these cannolis today…

    Get the Recipe @ bakerbynature


    5. Coffee Affogato With Vanilla Ice Cream

    All coffee lovers, this Coffee Affogato with Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is one you will totally relish!

    This classy Italian dessert is super simple to put together, and is also a lovely dessert that is great for any occasion.

    Get the Recipe @ reluctantentertainer


    6. Olive Oil Cake

    Make the most unusual cake at home but don’t worry, it’s an Italian dessert delicacy. This Olive Cake recipe is super easy to make using a few simple pantry ingredients.

    Serve this moist and delicious cake with assorted berries or ice cream, or anything you like, the options are endless.

    Get the Recipe @ jocooks


    7. Baci di Dama (Italian Almond Shortbread Cookies)

    Make these magical Italian cookies that will simply melt in your mouth. Baci di Dama Italian shortbread cookies are ultimately delicious and addictive.

    This holiday season, makes these gifts for your family and friends, they will surely love them.

    Get the Recipe @ sugarsaltmagic


    8. Zeppole  

    Give your favorite donuts an Italian makeover with this Zeppole recipe!

    These small balls of donuts are mouth-watering, fluffy, and just perfect while serving. Simply dust powdered sugar and you are good to go. Perfect crowd pleaser.

    Get the Recipe @ natashaskitchen


    9. Italian Ricotta Cookies

    Guys, this holiday season give your family this Italian Ricotta Cookies treat! These swanky cookies are perfectly moist and soft.

    You can make the cookie dough well in advance so you can enjoy the holiday season.

    Get the Recipe @ cookingclassy


    10. Garibaldi Biscuits

    Planning a tea party at home and looking for some delicious biscuits recipe? You have found the best one with this Garibaldi Biscuits recipe!

    This Italian biscuit is a breeze to make, it’s like sandwiching currants squashed in between two layers of dough, then it is baked to golden perfection.

    Your guests will definitely relish these fruity biscuits.

    Get the Recipe @ sugarsaltmagic


    11. Limoncello Cake

    Cake and coffee go hand in hand, and this Limoncello Cake tastes just heavenly with a sip of coffee.

    This ravishing cake is full of zesty and lemony flavors, and it’s super easy to make. A perfect treat for all lemon lovers.

    Get the Recipe @ jocooks


    12. Almond Biscotti

    Do you like to dunk your biscuit in coffee or tea? If yes, we have this amazing Italian Almond Biscotti recipe for you!

    These doubled-baked biscuits are coated in chocolate and rich nutty flavors that make them the best. You will love these perfectly crunchy and flavorful biscuits for an after-dinner treat.

    Get the Recipe @ thealmondeater


    13. Italian Ricotta Cheesecake

    Make this Italian version of the cheesecake, which is more light and airy.

    It’s made with half ricotta cheese and half cream cheese, and you can also jazz it up with your favorite toppings. A great cheesecake to make for your special occasions.

    Get the Recipe @ dinnetthendessert


    14. Italian Wedding Cookies

    Cookie fans have you tried these Italian Wedding Cookies yet? Coz they’re a must-try cookie at home!

    These cookies are simply divine. They just melt in your mouth, and the best part is they take only 30 minutes to bake and needs 6 easy ingredients. You will surely thank us later.

    Get the Recipe @ littlesunnykitchen


    15.  Pizzelle Cookies

    Pizzelle cookies are traditional Italian cookies made especially on holidays and Christmas!

    The recipe is super simple to make, and you end up with light and crispy vanilla waffle cookie that everyone will enjoy. You can easily customize this recipe and make it your own.

    Get the Recipe @ unsophisticook


    16. Italian Wedding Cake

    You all are going to absolutely love everything about this dazzling Italian Wedding Cake!

    This Italian cream cake recipe has coconut in every component, so enjoy this fluffy and delicious cake with your family and friends.

    Get the Recipe @ tatyanasevrydayfood


    17. Strawberry Tiramisu Trifle

    Strawberry tiramisu Trifle is an amazing combination of Italian and English fusion dessert!

    This Gorgeous trifle is full of coffee and strawberry flavors that marry each other amazingly. So do try this fantastic dessert for your future special occasions.

    Get the Recipe @ jocooks


    18. Amaretti Cookies

    Make the most popular Italian Amaretti Cookies at home with this effortless recipe!

    These gluten-free cookies are soft, chewy, and a little crispy, and have an amazingly unique texture that makes them more popular. Perfect holiday cookie delight for your loved ones.

    Get the Recipe @ simplyhomecooked


    19. Panettone Bread

    Panettone Bread is a must-try classic Italian sweet bread that is made mostly during the holiday seasons.

    It’s full of raisins and candied orange chunks, and flavors that will make it super satisfying.

    Get the Recipe @ theseamanmom


    20. Italian Butter Cookies

    Butter cookies are everyone’s favorite, but these Italian Butter Cookies are something special.

    You can make different shapes of cookies, but you will always get the same crunchy and melt-in-our-mouth texture in every bite. So just relish these yummy cookies.

    Get the Recipe @ themondaybox


    21. Chocolate Gelato

    This Chocolate Gelato recipe is dedicated to all chocolate lovers!

    It’s a fabulous recipe that is super easy to make, and it has the perfect ratio of all ingredients. Best gelato ever!

    Get the Recipe @ savingdessert


    22. Cucidati (Italian Fig Cookies)

    Italians love their figs, and this Cucidati is proof that they can use it in anything and everything.

    This easy fig cookie recipe is super simple to make, and it’s filled with spiced fig and date filling. A great cookie to celebrate your festivals.

    Get the Recipe @ mysequinedlife


    23. Italian Torta Barozzi

    This Italian Torta Barozzi recipe is the ultimate Italian cake that you can make at home!

    Just follow this easy recipe and the tips and tricks to create a showstopper dessert that you all will get obsessed with.

    Get the Recipe @ ultimafetta


    24. Italian Pear Almond Cake

    Have you ever made pear cake? If not, this is the best Italian Pear Almond Cake recipe to try!

    An amazing cake that is light, moist, perfectly sweet, with sliced almonds it tastes just too good. You can relish it as it is, or topped with whipped cream and enjoy it any time of the day.

    Get the Recipe @ seasonsandsuppers


    25. Semifreddo 

    Guys, this summer cool yourself with this Italian Semifreddo dessert and impress everyone!

    This Italian dessert is half frozen, close to ice cream but much lighter in texture, and it does not require an ice cream maker.

    You just need 5 ingredients to make this super hit dessert.

    Get the Recipe @ proportionalplate


    26. Cassata Cake

    Cassata Cake is a classic Italian dessert that is loved by everyone! This layered cake is filled with amazing flavors and textures that you will get addicted to.

    Just follow this simple recipe and create a superhit dessert for your special events.

    Get the Recipe @ aromaticessence


    27. Pastiera

    This Pastiera is the most adored Italian pie recipe you can make in the comfort of your home.

    This pie has many versions, but this one is the best. It’s made with ricotta, wheat berries, and candied fruits. You all will really enjoy this Pastiera, for sure.

    Get the Recipe @ marcellinaincucina


    28. Tartufo

    Make a gourmet dessert at home with this Tartufo recipe!

    This Italian delight is made with a cherry center, chocolate and vanilla ice cream, and then coated with chocolate cookie crumbs.

    It will make a great after-dinner dessert, and will definitely dazzle your family and friends.

    Get the Recipe @ theprettybee


    29. Torrone Italian Nut Nougat

    Make the most delicious Christmas candy at home with this super easy Torrone Italian Nut Nougat recipe!

    This flavorful candy is filled with everything you simply love, and also it is super versatile, you can easily add your favorite nuts.

    Get the Recipe @ xoxobella


    30. Neapolitan Sfogliatelle

    This Neapolitan Sfogliatelle is a traditional pastry that is filled with semolina and ricotta filling!

    You will love these crispy buttery flaky layers. This recipe is not easy to make, but your efforts will definitely be fulfilled.

    Get the Recipe @ feelingfoodish


    31. Struffoli

    This Christmas, add this Struffoli to your dessert platter and make it more elegant and satisfying!

    This Italian treat is made with dough puff balls that are fried to golden perfection and then soaked in citrusy honey syrup and drizzled with sprinkles for a festive look. So good!

    Get the Recipe @ shelovesbiscotti


    32. Crostata

    Now, this Crostat is going to become your new family’s favorite summer dessert!

    This hassle-free recipe is loaded with fruits and berries, and is packed inside a flaky pastry. A bright and vibrant dessert that tastes absolutely divine with ice cream.

    Get the Recipe @ tuttidolci


    33. Pignoli Cookies

    Searching for some unique cookies that are easy to make, and healthy too? Search no more, we have got you covered with these traditional Italian Pignoli Cookies!

    This gluten-free and dairy-free cookie are made with almond flour, and then covered with pine cuts. These irresistible cookies will make everyone happy.

    Get the Recipe @ mysquinedlife


    34. Italian Easter Bread

    This Italian Easter Bread recipe will become a new tradition! A perfect festive bread recipe that will be loved by everyone.

    It’s a slightly sweet and soft bread that is best for gifting.

    Get the Recipe @ jessicagavin


    35. Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake

    Another cracking festive cake is this Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake! This phenomenal recipe is super easy, quick, and fun to make.

    This soft and light vanilla-flavored Italian cake will attract everyone. It looks pretty and tastes extremely delicious.

    Get the Recipe @ insidetherustickitchen


    36. Italian Mimosa Cake

    This gorgeous Italian Mimosa Cake is specially made on women’s day to honor women.

    The recipe is very easy to make, but needs a little patience. Don’t worry, the results will be amazing.

    Get the Recipe @ anitalianinmykitchen


    37. Panforte

    You are totally going to love this Italian Christmas Panforte recipe! The amazing combinations of dry fruits, fruits, and chocolate make it unbeatable.

    Don’t miss this Panforte dessert recipe to impress your family.

    Get the Recipe @ thedelightfulcook


    38.  Chocolate & Hazelnut Torrone

    Chocolate and Hazelnut Torrone is the easiest and tastiest Italian dessert you will ever make!

    This rich chocolate treat will become your go-to dessert when you crave something delicious and handy. It’s one of our favorite Italian desserts.

    Get the Recipe @ biggerbolderbaking


    39. Cenci di Carnevale

    Cenci di Carnevale is specially made during festivals or carnivals!

    You are going to enjoy each and every bite of this light, crunchy fried paper-thin pastry dusted with powder sugar, which is very popular in Italy.

    Get the Recipe @ insidetherustickitchen


    40. Savoiardi (Sponge Fingers)

    We are wrapping up this exceptional list of Italian Desserts with classic Savoiardi, also called sponge fingers!

    This easy homemade classy Italian treat pairs amazingly with your favorite coffee. So make yourself this super light and airy cookie treat today!

    Get the Recipe @ marcellinaincucina


    So many different Italian desserts to try! Which one will you make first?

    Save or pin this collection of great recipes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new easy recipes for you!

    Check out these other great recipe collections!
    Italian Recipes
    Dessert Recipes
    Indian Desserts
    French Desserts
    Mexican Desserts
    Japanese Desserts
    Chocolate Desserts
    Thanksgiving Desserts
    Halloween Desserts

    featured image for italian desserts post

    40 BEST Italian Desserts

    This collection of easy traditional Italian Desserts will give you plenty of sweet ways to finish off your pasta night!

    Ingredients

    • ingredients vary by recipe

    Instructions

      1. pick a recipe that looks good
      2. gather ingredients
      3. make your new favorite Italian dessert!

      Did you make this recipe?

      Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

      Picture of Alpana, blogger and recipe developer at GypsyPlate

      Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.

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