31 Italian Desserts for Celebrations and Sweet Occasions
Classic Italian desserts never go out of style. It’s always the right time for tiramisu, and we could live on gelato alone. So we combed the Epicurious archives for the best Italian (and Italian-inspired) sweets to gather this list of reader favorites. Below you’ll find easy cookies, luscious semifreddo, refreshing granita, and lots of traditional holiday desserts. Grab an espresso and start scrolling—there’s definitely something here to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Photo by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova1/31Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is of the most popular Italian desserts on Epicurious—it's also our seventh most popular recipe of all time. It's a great make-ahead sweet for your next dinner party—just top with fresh fruit, good maraschino cherries, or simple shaved chocolate curls before serving.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton2/31Pastiera Napoletana
This citrusy, grain-filled pastry isn't a quick dessert, but it's absolutely worth the effort. Read more about Pastiera Napoletana history, then get to work.
Photo by Romulo Yanes3/31Pignoli Cookies
These classic cookies from Italy get their chewy texture from almond paste and egg whites, and their crunch from the buttery pine nuts embedded in their crispy surface. Be sure you're using canned almond paste in this recipe—not marzipan, which is sweeter.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Astrid Chastka, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson4/31Goat Cheese, Honey, and Rye Crust Pie
This cheesecake-like dessert is based on the first-ever recorded pie recipe, written down by ancient Romans.
Photo by Haarala Hamilton5/31Classic Cannoncini
These pastry horns are filled with a simple Chantilly cream—but you could pipe in a richer custard instead. This recipe comes from The Italian Bakery: Step-by-Step Recipes With the Silver Spoon.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne6/31Mousse al Cioccolato (Chocolate Mousse)
This dairy-free chocolate mousse is made with just two ingredients—dark chocolate and eggs—and can easily be transformed into a rich flourless chocolate cake.
Photo by Marcus Nilsson7/31Brandied Almond Biscotti
These crunchy biscotti are perfect as part of a Christmas cookie assortment. Try drizzling with chocolate after they're baked and cooled.
Photo by Mikkel Vang8/31Almond Praline Semifreddo With Grappa-Poached Apricots
Semifreddo is a great way to make a cooling frozen dessert if you don't happen to own an ice cream maker.
Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Heather Greene, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou11/31Old-School Tiramisu
Photo by Alex Lau12/31Chocolate Budino With Candied Walnuts
This silky and deeply chocolaty pudding gets a last-minute topping of candied walnuts. It's a must-try for chocolate dessert lovers.
Photo by Eva Kolenko, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski13/31Dark Chocolate Semifreddo
Lara Ferroni14/31Zeppole
For a true delight, serve these crispy zeppole hot out of the oil. Ice cream makes a nice accompaniment, as does bittersweet chocolate sauce for dipping.
Romulo Yanes17/31Pistachio and Dried-Cherry Biscotti
Serve these crunchy cookies with espresso or a glass of amaro. Dried cherries add tang, while orange zest, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract boost the aroma and flavor.
Romulo Yanes23/31Gianduia Gelato
If you're looking for an intensely flavorful gelato, start here. Hazelnut and chocolate are dreamy together, and the texture of this frozen dessert is silky and luscious. You will need an ice cream maker—but we promise you'll make frequent use of that machine once you taste this stuff.
Romulo Yanes30/31Sfogliatelle Ricce
There are plenty of easy Italian desserts, but these light and crunchy sfogliatelle are more of a commitment. Consider this Italian pastry the perfect baking project for a quiet afternoon.
