23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (2024)

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (1)

If the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Italian recipes is decadent plates of spaghetti and meatballs, thin-crust pizza, or heaping piles of caprese salad, you're probably not alone. Italian appetizers and entree recipes are some of the most beloved in the world. Just think: You can't really go anywhere in the world without there being a pizza and pasta shop around the corner. But Italian desserts deserve some love, too, because they're just as delicious. From classic recipes like coffee-filled tiramisu to slightly lesser-known delicacies like panna cotta and anise cookies, Italian desserts really offer something for everyone.

So next time you're planning a pasta night or a make-your-own-pizza evening, round out the night with one of the below Italian desserts, too. It'll help you explore complementary flavor profiles and give you the excuse to whip up a sweet treat in the kitchen just because. Worried the desserts will be too complicated? Don't be! Most Italian desserts are surprisingly simple to make, and some of these are simply Italian twists on more classic, basic recipes. In other words, no matter what your level of comfort is in the kitchen or baking aisle, these 24 recipes are ones that you can tackle confidently.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

1

Vanilla Panna Cotta with Roasted Rhubarb

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (3)

Panna cotta is a delicious, creamy dessert that is classically Italian. Combining it with toasty, sweet roasted rhubarb gives it a new, modern twist.

Get the Vanilla Panna Cotta with Roasted Rhubarb recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

2

Italian Anise Cookies

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (4)

Put a spin on traditional butter cookies with this Italian favorite that's made with anise extract in the batter as well as in the powdered sugar-based glaze, and topped with crunchy nonpareils.

Get the Italian Anise Cookies recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

3

Tiramisu

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (6)

Tiramisu, the darling of Italian desserts, is always a crowd pleaser. This version speeds things up by alternating layers of premade ladyfingers, coffee liqueur, and ready-made cheesecake filling, which is all finished off with a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder.

Get the Tiramisu recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

Almond-Anise Biscottini

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (8)

These are super simple to make and keep great in the freezer. They taste best dunked in coffee.

Get the Almond-Anise Biscottini recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

5

Neapolitans

There's nothing boring about these brilliant-colored cookies, decked in red, green, and brown stripes (flavored with raspberry, almond, and chocolate-vanilla, respectively) and dipped in white chocolate.

Get the Neapolitans recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

6

Cannoli Cake

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (12)

Hit the kitchen and make this gorgeous four-layer cake inspired by the traditional Italian dessert, cannoli.

Get the Cannoli Cake recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Neapolitan Honey Balls

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (14)

These deep-fried dough balls are drenched in honey and sprinkled with nonpareils and candied orange peel. The golden brown treats pack more flavor than expected, thanks to orange zest in the mix.

Get the Neapolitan Honey Balls recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

8

Tiramisu Cheesecake

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (16)

Two irresistible desserts are combined for one ultimate indulgence.

Get the Tiramisu Cheesecake recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

9

Strawberry Panna Cotta

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (18)

This strawberry and sugar panna cotta is a delicious gelatin-like treat. Top this dish off with strawberry sauce for extra flavor.

Get the Strawberry Panna Cotta recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Strawberry Cannoli

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (20)

Combine a classic dessert with a popular fruit to create this sweet treat. Just fold the berry and almond extract into the ricotta mixture and pipe the filling into the cones before garnishing.

Get the Strawberry Cannoli recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

11

Ginger-Lemon Tiramisu

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (22)

Ginger and lemon are a match made in culinary heaven in this dessert. Garnish the treat with sugared lemon slices to heighten the presentation.

Get the Ginger-Lemon Tiramisu recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

12

Pomegranate Panna Cotta

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (24)

Sprinkle this classic with a fruity favorite.

Get the Pomegranate Panna Cotta recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Raspberry Ricotta Fool

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (26)

Raspberry isn't the only fruity flavor you'll taste here—orange peel and orange juice complete this treat that's ready in just 20 minutes.

Get the Raspberry Ricotta Fool recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

14

Matcha Panna Cotta

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (28)

You've never had a panna cotta quite like this. Combining maple syrup, matcha tea powder, and heavy cream, this dish is as tasty as it is beautiful.

Get the recipe at The Pioneer Woman.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

15

Mocha Cannoli

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (29)

This chocolate-dipped mocha cannoli will truly make you exclaim, "Holy Cannoli!" From presentation to flavor, this dessert would be a hit at any office party or potluck.

Get the recipe at The Pioneer Woman.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

16

Tiramisu

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (30)

Crunchy ladyfingers, rich espresso, and delicious mascarpone cheese comes together in this recipe in perfect harmony.

Get the recipe at The Pioneer Woman.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

17

Italian Cream Cake Balls

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (31)

Have some leftover cupcakes at home? "Cake Balls are kind of the perfect solution for extending the life of slightly dried out cupcakes," says blogger Butterlust. Talk about a dessert hack!

Get the recipe at Butterlust.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

18

Italian Ricotta Cookies

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (33)

If putting cheese in a cookie sounds a bit odd, don't let this cookie scare you. These treats taste more like sugar cookies, making them oh so yummy.

Get the recipe at Love Bakes Good Cakes.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

19

Cannoli Poke Cake

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (35)

Vanilla cake + cannoli cake = INCREDIBLE!

Get the recipe at Life, Love & Sugar.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

20

Limoncello No-Bake Cheesecake

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (37)

The classic Italian drink takes on a new (and extra tasty) life in this pastry. Even better, the recipe has just four steps!

Get the recipe at Bell'alimento.

23 Deliciously Easy Italian Dessert Recipes (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Trent Wehner

Last Updated:

Views: 6136

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Trent Wehner

Birthday: 1993-03-14

Address: 872 Kevin Squares, New Codyville, AK 01785-0416

Phone: +18698800304764

Job: Senior Farming Developer

Hobby: Paintball, Calligraphy, Hunting, Flying disc, Lapidary, Rafting, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.