164 italian dessert recipes

Authentic biscotti di Prato (cantucci): the traditional Tuscan twice-baked almond cookies, made with no butter for a hard, crunchy bite built for dunking in coffee or vin santo.

Crostata di ricotta is the classic Italian lattice-topped tart filled with sweetened ricotta, grappa-soaked raisins, bittersweet chocolate, and orange zest. Pasta frolla crust, dusted with powdered sugar.

Traditional Italian fig cookies (cucidati) with a sweet filling of dried figs, raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon wrapped in a buttery dough. A classic holiday cookie from Italian-American bakeries.

Crisp biscotti soaked in flavored simple syrup until soft, then topped with fresh whipped cream and fruit. A quick Italian-inspired dessert with endless variations.

Authentic Italian tiramisu with zabaglione, mascarpone, and espresso. Marsala-based custard layered with rum-soaked sponge cake in wine glasses. Serves 8, chill 3 hours.

Hazelnut and eggs - also called Brutti Ma Buoni, these cookies have tons of sweet nutty flavor.

Shortcut Italian sheet pan biscotti baked in a 9x13, sliced, and broiled golden. Six ingredients, 30 minutes, and you've got a tray of crispy-edged cookies with zero fuss.

Italian apple tart (crostata di mele) with lattice top and minimal sugar. Thinly sliced apples in homemade tart dough bake until golden. Simple, rustic, and authentically Italian.

Homemade cannoli from scratch with Marsala wine shells and sweet ricotta filling studded with chocolate chips and candied citron. Crispy, creamy, and worth every minute of effort.

Traditional Italian egg cookies made with just three ingredients: eggs, sugar, and flour. Light, airy, and gently sweet with golden edges. A nonna-approved classic.

Grilled angel food cake with skewered nectarines basted in lemon-sugar glaze and topped with fresh blueberries. A light, summery grilled dessert.

Gelo di Mellone, a traditional Sicilian watermelon pudding thickened with cornstarch, studded with pistachios, chocolate, and candied citron, finished with cinnamon.

Classic Italian tiramisu with mascarpone, marsala wine, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and grated bittersweet chocolate. A cooked egg custard base makes this version rich and silky.

Sfogliatelle Napoletane are flaky Neapolitan pastries filled with creamy ricotta custard, candied orange peel, and vanilla. Homemade Italian pastry dough baked golden and dusted with powdered sugar.

Authentic biscotti di Prato from Tuscany. Twice-baked Italian almond cookies with toasted almonds, a pinch of saffron, and the traditional pasta-board well method. Crisp, dunkable, and built to keep.

Fresh peaches macerated in white wine, port, sweet vermouth, citrus juice, and sugar. An elegant Italian-style no-cook fruit dessert served chilled in glass cups.