Italy is famous for its delicious and diverse range of sweet desserts, from easy, everyday sweets to decadent holiday treats.
Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or rich and indulgent, these Italian desserts will transport you straight to the heart of Italy.
Perfect for any occasion, these Italian dessert ideas include classic favorites like tiramisu and cannoli, as well as authentic Italian desserts that have been passed down through generations.
Whether you’re planning a festive holiday spread or looking for quick Italian treats to enjoy with family and friends, this collection of Italian dessert recipes has something for everyone.
From elegant Italian sweets perfect for a dinner party to festive Italian Christmas desserts to wow your guests, you’ll be amazed how easy it is to create these mouth watering desserts in your own kitchen!
For more delicious Italian themed dessert ideas, see these Tiramisu variations or these mouth watering Nutella recipes
Affogato
Experience the ultimate Italian ice cream recipe with an affogato. Velvety espresso and sweet liqueur poured over creamy vanilla gelato creates a blissful, quick dessert to savor.
Coffee Granita
Cool off with this classic Sicilian coffee granita. Light, refreshing, and icy cold, it’s the perfect Summer treat for coffee lovers, offering a bold and sweet flavor that can be enjoyed on it’s own or with cream or brioche.
Chocolate Panettone Cupcakes
Take a bite of holiday joy with these rich and moist chocolate panettone cupcakes. Perfectly spiced and enjoyed plain or with a rich chocolate cream, these are a festive Italian Christmas dessert loved by all.
Coffee Panna Cotta
Enjoy the smooth, creamy texture of panna cotta, combined with the rich, deep flavors of espresso coffee in this Italian panna cotta dessert recipe. This rich dessert is elegant and easy to prepare for any dinner party or holiday get together.
Italian Bomboloni
Fluffy, soft, and stuffed with pastry cream or jam, these Italian doughnuts will melt in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they are a sweet Italian treat to enjoy any time of day.
Torta Paradiso
Light, fluffy, and delicately sweet, this Torta Paradiso is an Italian slice of heaven. Enjoy the soft crumb and lemony flavor for a truly authentic Italian dessert cake.
Air Fryer Cannoli
Try these air fryer cannoli for a quick take on a classic Italian dessert pastry. Crispy shells filled with sweet ricotta make for a delightful and easy Italian dessert idea.
Italian Ricotta Cookies
These soft and delicate ricotta cookies are a must-try for any occasion. Lightly sweetened and topped with a glaze, they’re perfect for your next Italian dinner party or holiday celebration.
Limoncello Panna Cotta
Zesty and creamy, this Limoncello panna cotta is the perfect blend of citrus and smooth textures. A refreshing dessert to end any Italian inspired meal.
Lemon Ricotta Cake
Fluffy and moist with a tangy lemon flavor, this ricotta cake is one of the best authentic Italian desserts. Perfect for brunch or a light dessert after dinner.
Italian Rainbow Cookies
Layered with vibrant almond sponge cake, jam, and chocolate, these classic Italian rainbow cookies are an American-Italian creation that’s a delight for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Chocolate Biscotti
Rich chocolate and aromatic coffee come together in this crunchy Italian biscotti recipe. Perfect for dipping into coffee or enjoying on their own as a sweet afternoon treat.
Authentic Tiramisu
Dive into layers of creamy mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers in this traditional tiramisu. A truly timeless Italian dessert, Tiramisu is perfect for any occasion and loved by all.
Italian Olive Oil Cake
This light and flavorful olive oil cake has a hint of citrus and a lovely moist crumb. It’s an elegant yet easy Italian dessert idea that’s delicious to eat for brunch or to serve on your party dessert bar.
Baci Di Dama
These delightful Italian dessert cookies combine the rich flavors of chocolate and hazelnut. Small, sweet, and utterly irresistible, they make for the perfect bite-sized treat.
Vanilla Panna Cotta With Passionfruit
Creamy vanilla panna cotta paired with the tartness of fresh passion fruit makes for a delightful contrast in this easy and elegant Italian dessert recipe.
Chocolate Amaretti Cookies
These soft and chewy chocolate amaretti Italian cookies are a delicious blend of chocolate and almond flavors. They’re perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea or gifting as part of an Italian themed food gift.
Cannoli Cake
Enjoy all the flavors of traditional cannoli in this delightful cake. With layers of ricotta filling, moist cake and chocolate ganache, this is a show stopping Italian themed cake recipe.
Maple Walnut Biscotti
Savor the nutty sweetness of these maple walnut biscotti. With a perfect crunch, they’re ideal for dipping into coffee, gifting in a food hamper or as a delightful snack on their own.
Chocolate Budino
Indulge in this rich and silky Italian chocolate budino, a luxurious Italian dessert pudding that’s perfect for chocolate lovers. Serve chilled for an unforgettable dessert at your next Italian dinner party.
Pignoli Cookies
Pignoli cookies are a beloved Italian sweet, combining the nuttiness of pine nuts and the soft texture of almond paste. Perfect for holiday platters or anytime snacking.
Zeppole
These light, fluffy Italian doughnuts are a classic treat at festivals and holidays. Sprinkle them with powdered sugar and enjoy this easy-to-make Italian delight.
Neopolitan Dessert Pie
This traditional Neapolitan pie combines creamy ricotta, cooked pasta, and citrus flavors. Traditionally served at Easter it’s a dessert that’s rich, fragrant, and perfect for your celebration table.
More Delicious Dessert Recipes
If you loved these recipes for Italian desserts, you may also like to try:
- These coffee dessert ideas are all delicious!
- Or one of these dessert cup recipes which are perfect for your dessert bar.
- Or my Nutella coffee ice cream – a mocha sensation!
Or browse all my dessert recipes here.
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