A regular day in Italy begins with a good cup of coffee and pastry, and every other meal throughout the day ends with a dolce or dessert. Even the afternoon snacks for kids in Italy consist of something sweet. A place where deserts make up for an integral part of the daily lives of the people, it is safe to say that Italians truly know how to lead the sweet life. Italian cuisine is largely regional in nature, and as a result, the desserts vary significantly depending on the seasons. With specific regional differences in every sweet treat, each Italian dessert has its own distinctiveness. Whether it's the traditional or the easy Italian desserts, they are surely some of the best in the world! From creamy, chocolaty to espresso-blended delights, Italians are known to love their desserts. If you are someone with a sweet tooth, here’s a curated Italian desserts list just for you to experience the goodness of Italy through its desserts.
Tiramisu
The most popular and among the classic Italian desserts, Tiramisu is a layered sponge cake that is soaked in coffee and topped with cream along with bitter dark cocoa powder. Prepared from ladyfingers, which are crunchy British biscuits that are soaked in liquid to give it the spongy texture, Tiramisu is the kind of Italian dessert the taste of which continues to linger with you long after you are done eating. Perhaps among the best Italian desserts, Tiramisu stands iconic.
Gelato
An Italian dessert that stands synonymous with the country is the Italian gelato. Wandering through Italy, gelato is something that you are going to come across every now and then. With numerous tempting flavours and variations, gelato is the go-to dessert for Italians. A frozen dairy-based dessert that is prepared out of milk, cream, sugar and air, Italian gelatos are quite simple to make. With flavours and textures that will make you fall in love with it, there’s surely nothing better than having Italian gelato on a hot summer day.
Cannoli
A dish that has originated in Sicily, cannoli is among the best-known Italian desserts and is found in abundance throughout the country. Resembling the shape of a tube. Cannoli is a fried pastry which is filled with whipped ricotta cheese that is sweetened with sugar and candied orange. With a few variations available through the addition of fruits, nuts and chocolate, cannolis are thin, crispy and absolutely to die for!
Panna Cotta
A global sensation, panna cotta is surprisingly among the easy Italian desserts to prepare. Panna cotta, which literally translates to ‘cooked cream’, is prepared from cream and sugar that are blended and heated, along with the use of gelatin that helps it set. An Italian dessert that resembles a pudding, panna cotta is something that is available throughout Italy. With extensive flavours available, panna cotta is a dish which can be customised as per one's preference.
Tartufo
A dish that is perhaps the legend among Italian desserts, Tartufo is an ice cream bombe with a number of layers, wrapped in hazelnut gelato and with molten chocolate sauce in its core. With a hard shell made out of chocolate, as you indulge in this dessert it almost melts in your mouth. A dessert that is not only pretty but equally delicious, Tartufo is absolutely worth the indulgence.
Affogato
Affogato, fully known as Affogato al cafe literally translates to ‘drowned in coffee’. Affogato is a simple Italian dessert that just involves a two-step recipe, which is prepared from a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and fior di latte, over which a shot of hot espresso is poured over. A dessert that is widely served and perfect to fix a quick craving, Affogatos are a win-win.
Ricotta cheesecake
Rich and decadent, ricotta cheesecake is a kind of Italian cheesecake primarily prepared with cream cheese and ricotta cheese, which are blended together to make a smooth base. With a velvety texture, this is an authentic Italian cheesecake that is just the perfect dessert for any special occasion. An instant favourite for anyone who tries it, this Italian cheesecake can also be customised with ingredients and flavours to suit one’s taste.
Granita
An Italian dessert that serves best as a cooler other than gelato is granita. Prepared from water, sugar, fresh fruits and nuts, the texture of a granita stands somewhere between a gelato and a sorbet. With a consistency and texture that is quite distinct, granitas also come in a number of flavours. A fun fact about this dessert is that Sicilians often begin their day by dunking a brioche into granita for breakfast.
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