I loved trying Italian cuisine when I visited Rome; the flavors were incredibly rich and fresh. But I especially loved their Italian desserts and I think I found myself at a gelato shop a little too often.
And if you want a simple way to make life feel a bit more romanticized and pretty, then Italian dessert recipes are the perfect place to start.
You get to try regional specialties and learn about the history behind certain traditional Italian desserts. The second part is optional, but I highly recommend it. It makes it so much easier to enjoy the recipes below when you learn about their past.
So if you want to make your weekends feel a bit more special or you’re hosting a dinner party, then here are a few Italian sweets you can try.
1. Pangiallo Romano
Pangiallo Romano is a traditional Italian Christmas dessert that really does sound incredible. And whether it’s Christmas or not, I think it’s worth trying.
It’s filled with nuts, dried fruits, and honey, and it’s a great classic Italian dessert for when you’re celebrating. Or you can just make it if you want a late night dessert with coffee.
GET THE RECIPE2. Tiramisu
It’s a classic and one of the most popular Italian desserts, so I’d feel a bit weird if I didn’t include tiramisu on in this list. And especially if you’re looking for a good tiramisu recipe, not something store bought.
Being layered with delicate espresso-dipped ladyfingers, put into a velvety mascarpone cream, and lastly, dusted with cocoa powder, I kind of get hungry just thinking about it.
Also, if you’re hosting a dinner party or you just wanna treat yourself, I think tiramisu is the perfect dessert to satisfy that coffee and chocolate craving.
GET THE RECIPE3. Italian Almond Cake
This Italian almond cake looks perfect for a brunch table or a Sunday lunch.
It looks so moist and it’s a subtly sweet cake, which makes it great for people who don’t like overly sugary desserts. Also, the golden crust and sprinkled powdered sugar makes it look so nice.
GET THE RECIPE4. Torta di Susine
If you want a summer dessert, then Torta Di Susine might just be one of the best Italian desserts to try.
I mean just imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of this sponge cake that’s been infused with ingredients like plums, vanilla, and lemon zest. It honestly looks like an amazing rustic dessert that’s great for outdoor gatherings, picnics, or lazy weekends.
GET THE RECIPE5. Torta Caprese
If you love chocolate, then Torta Caprese might be a good one to make if you’re in the mood for trying Italian dessert recipes.
This chocolate almond cake, originating from the island of Capri, looks like it has a nice, creamy chocolate flavor paired with a subtle nuttiness from the ground almonds.
And whether it’s for your dinner party guests or you spontaneously wanna make something for yourself, this is a great option.
GET THE RECIPE6. Gelato
Again, another one of those authentic Italian desserts that feels like it’d be a bit strange not to include on this list.
And I think that if you’re not going to Italy any time soon, then finding a good homemade gelato recipe is the way to go. Yes, store bought gelato is pretty good, but I’m gonna assume it’s so much better when you make it yourself.
Also, the recipe down below includes vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio, so you can have fun testing out different flavors at home. Or if you want something fun to bring to your friend’s house, then that’s a great option too!
GET THE RECIPE7. Graffe
Eaten at Carnival, this looks like an amazing Italian dessert to try!
Being fluffy, deep-fried doughnuts, dusted with powdered sugar, graffe is a fun recipe to add to a dessert table. I mean how fun would it be to have some friends over and make them, or just smell these cooking?
GET THE RECIPE8. Zeppole
Zeppole are fried dough balls that are typically from Naples and they look like they have this amazingly golden puffy dough. And being dusted with powdered sugar and filled with a tasty looking custard or jam, I can’t wait to try this Italian recipe!
I’m gonna say that this would go great on a Sunday morning and pair well with some tea or coffee. ☕️
GET THE RECIPE
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.