Classic Italian Desserts

Sweet Italian treats are just what you need with an after-dinner cappuccino.

Save Collection
Related To:
Italian Dessert Recipes Dessert Italian

Photo By: Con Poulos ©2010. Con Poulos Photography

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Antonis Achilleos

Photo By: Antonis Achilleos

Photo By: Anna Williams

Tiramisu

This espresso-spiked treat is the ultimate dessert. It means "pick me up" in Italian.

Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Homemade Cannoli

Alex says, "I love a cup of seriously strong coffee and a cannoli from an Italian bakery on Bleeker Street in Manhattan. When I am making these at home, I am holding them up to the standard of those memories. The dessert really comes together in two parts: make the shell, thin and crispy and then make a filling with serious flavor."

Get the Recipe: Homemade Cannoli

Amaretto Biscotti

Add amaretto liqueur, and almond and vanilla extracts to this biscotti batter. Fold in both raw and chocolate-covered almonds for extra crunch.

Get the Recipe: Amaretto Biscotti

Mascarpone and Dark Chocolate Cream in White Chocolate Cups

Make homemade white-chocolate cups with melted white chocolate and muffin-cup liners, then fill them with a bittersweet chocolate-and-mascarpone mousse.

Get the Recipe: Mascarpone and Dark Chocolate Cream in White Chocolate Cups

Chocolate Amaretti Cake

Giada pulses slivered almonds and baby amaretti cookies and in a food processor until the almonds and cookies are finely ground. Combine the ground mixture with orange peel and melted chocolate for a decadent flourless cake.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Amaretti Cake

Zabaglione With Berries

Make a homemade light custard with egg and sweet wine, then serve it over your favorite berries.

Get the Recipe: Zabaglione With Berries

Mini Zeppoles

This quick-fix dessert uses just three ingredients. Fry store-bought pizza dough and sprinkle it with confectioners' sugar.

Get the Recipe: Mini Zeppoles

Chocolate Gelato Sandwiches

Ice cream sandwiches may not be Italian, but gelato certainly is. Fill a brioche roll with a scoop of homemade chocolate gelato for a hand-held sweet.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Gelato Sandwiches

Lemon Ricotta Granita

Giada's icy lemon dessert is topped with a creamy ricotta and sugar blend.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Granita

Florentines

Make these Tuscan holiday cookies all year round. With a touch of orange zest and almonds, they're delciously crunchy.

Get the Recipe: Florentines (Italy)

More from:

Everything Italian

Next Up

How to Make Pizzoccheri Pasta 5 Photos

How to Cook Italian Pasta 11 Photos

Italian Dinners 30 Photos

7 Ways to Eat Like a True Italian 8 Photos

14 “Italian” Recipes That Aren’t Actually Italian 15 Photos

Savory and Sweet Bruschetta 14 Photos

The Essential Guide to Italian Dishes — And Where to Find Them 15 Photos

7 of America's Most Authentic Neapolitan-Style Pizzerias 8 Photos

Easy Pizzas 9 Photos

Try This at Home: How to Make Jarred Tomatoes 10 Photos

We Recommend

Our Best Sheet Pan Recipes 46 Photos

The Sweeter Side of the Ranch: Ree Drummond's Best Dessert Recipes 35 Photos

Easy Instant Pot Dessert Recipes 11 Photos

Trisha Yearwood's Best Dessert Recipes 50 Photos

Over-the-Top Dessert Recipes You Won't Be Able to Resist 27 Photos

The Best Authentic Recipes from Giada in Italy 42 Photos