If you love Italian food, you'll love these classic Italian desserts. From strawberry pannacotta to lemon cheese polenta cakes. These simple Italian dessert recipes are perfect for special occasions or weekend treats and are quick and easy to make. So if you fancy trying something new and delicious, you've come to the right place.
Italian cooking isn't all about pizza, pasta and rich sauces. You probably already count a handful of these Italian desserts as some of your favourites but if you fancy trying something different or giving one of your usual dessert recipes a luxurious twist, take a look at these easy Italian dessert recipes.
Perfect for special occasions or weekend treats, these indulgent desserts are the ultimate family treat and are a great way to finish off a home-cooked meal. We also some have speedy ideas to keep the family happy during the week - who doesn't love a mid-week pud?
Tiramisu, pannacotta, panettone, granita and zabaglione are traditional sweet dishes associated with Italian cooking. Strong rich flavours like Amaretto, Masala wine and saffron give Italian desserts a distinctive flavour while ricotta, cream and milk are common ingredients used to get that much-loved smooth finish. And if you fancy an adult treat there are some lovely boozy recipes like a refreshing red wine crush.
We have recipes for all the classics including desserts with an Italian twist from celebrity chefs Gino D'Acampo and Gennaro Contaldo.
So, if you fancy trying something new for the family, you've come to the right place. goodtoknow's collection of Italian recipes is sure to add some favourites to your recipe book in no time.
Ricotta tiramisu
Tiramisu is the ulitmate Italian dessert and this is extra creamy thanks to the added ricotta. Packed with whipped double
cream, mascarpone cheese and of course the distinctive coffee flavour,
this delicious tiramisu only takes 40 mins to make.
Get the recipe: Ricotta tiramisu
Strawberry pannacotta
Creamy and thick, a classic pannacotta is easy to whip up at home with our simple recipe - you'll be a pro in no time. A delicate combination of cream,
milk and sugar, this fruity version takes just 20 mins to make and is
full of sweet strawberry flavour. It's even topped with fresh fruit -
delicious!
Get the recipe: Strawberry pannacotta
Panettone classico
This traditional Italian recipe tastes as good as it looks. This Panettone by Gino D'Acampo is a delicious combination of raisins and a
melt-in-the-mouth sponge making it a wonderfully light alternative to
stodgy fruit cake or Christmas cake.
Get the recipe: Panettone classico
Champagne berry zabaglione
Zabaglione is a light, custard-like dessert made with egg yolks, sugar and wine. This treat
is bursting with sweet fruity flavours of fresh strawberries and
raspberries. It may seem a little indulgent to open a bottle of
Champagne to make a dessert but if you and your guests drink the rest
when you serve the pudding, nothing goes to waste! Perfect for when you
want to impress.
Get the recipe: Champagne berry zabaglione
Saffron risotto
Did you know that risotto can also be sweet? Well it can with this tasty sweet risotto recipe which is like the Italian version of rice pudding. Ready in just
30 mins, make sure you go easy on the saffron as it's a powerful
flavour.
Get the recipe: Saffron risotto
Chocolate crust mascarpone pudding
This delicious rich chocolate pudding topped with thick mascarpone and finished with fresh fruits is perfect for sharing. This impressive dessert is an Italian-style treat combining lots of delicious flavours together to make one mouth-watering pud.
Get the recipe: Chocolate crust mascarpone pudding
Gennaro Contaldo's warm mini chocolate puddings
Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo's chocolate puddings are the perfect end to an Italian feast. With a gooey, chocolate centre,
these desserts are sure to go down a treat. They're ready in just 21
mins, need just 6 ingredients and are perfect if you're craving a
naughty chocolate bite in the evening.
Get the recipe: Warm mini chocolate puddings
Gino D'Acampo's mini almond apple pies
Celebrity chef Gino D'Acampo has created this quick and easy recipe. Packed with tangy apples and topped with crisp almonds, this Italian
dessert is perfect if you fancy something light but warming. Serve with
fresh cream or homemade warm custard.
Get the recipe: Mini almond and apple pies
Coffee granita
Similar to sorbet but with a chunky more grainy texture, granita is a lighter choice for an Italian dessert. Combine your after dinner drink with dessert with this coffee granita recipe. All you need is hot espresso coffee and caster sugar and this simple dessert is ready to be enjoyed.
Get the recipe: Coffee granita
Marsala roasted figs
These quick and easy roasted figs recipe from Gordon Ramsay can be ready in 45 mins so put them on just as dinner
is ready to get the timings right. Get the best flavour out of your
figs by using this sweet recipe. Italian Marsala wine and orange juice
add a sharp kick to this dessert making it irresistible.
Get the recipe: Marsala roasted figs
Neapolitan slice
Turn this classic Italian ice cream into a fancy dessert with this ice cream slice.
It doesn't take long to make this treat, and each layer is made with
fresh ingredients including strawberries and milk chocolate.
Get the recipe: Neapolitan slice recipe
Fruity Italian sundaes
Get the kids to help you make these sundaes. They only take 15 mins to rustle up and are bursting with fresh
berries like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. Topped with
low-fat custard and half-fat crème fraîche, this recipe is only 220
calories per serving.
Get the recipe: Fruity Italian sundaes
Cappucini chocolate mousses
These mousses are perfect if you're in the mood for a chocolate treat. Rich and full
of strong black coffee, the double cream makes this dish extra thick and
delicious. Top with chocolate shavings and cocoa powder to decorate and
enjoy with your friends.
Get the recipe: Cappucini chocolate mousses
Apple and cinnamon tiramisu
Give your tiramisu a fruity twist to keep things interesting. This apple and cinnamon tiramisu is quicker to make than the traditional recipe is is great for a
mid-week pud. Tangy apples, ground cinnamon and mascarpone cheese add a
great flavour to this dessert.
Get the recipe: Apple and cinnamon tiramisu
Italian summer pudding
How impressive does this summer pudding look? Perfect for sharing, this creamy pudding is made with dessert wine, mixed berries, yogurt and sponge fingers and is well worth the wait whilst it's chilling in the fridge.
Get the recipe: Italian summer pudding
Amaretti treacle tart
Crushed Amaretti biscuits and a shot of almond liqueur give this wickedly delicious tart an added twist. It may take some time to cook, but is definitely worth
the wait. It's jnothing short of delicious when served with homemade
custard.
Get the recipe: Amaretti treacle tart
Coffee liqueur zabaglione
If you love coffee, you're going to love this adult-only dessert made with creamy coffee liqueur. Zabaglione is an Italian custard dessert made by whisking egg yolks, sugar and liqueur and is the perfect treat when catering for friends or hosting a dinner party.
Get the recipe: Coffee liqueur zabaglione
Lemon cheese polenta cakes
These easy-to-make cheesecakes are made with polenta and ground almonds, filled with cream cheese and
flavoured with lemon - delicious! These Italian cheesecakes only take 40
mins to prepare and cook and are a nice twist to a classic dish.
Get the recipe: Lemon cheesecakes
Tiramisu cake
If you've got a lot of people coming over for dinner and you're not sure what to make, then this tiramisu cake could be the answer. Serving up to 12 people, this classic coffee-infused Italian bake is simple and delicious. Serve with fresh cream and enjoy!
