Italian Cakes and Desserts Every Foodie Should Try!

Famous Italian Sweets

Let's not forget the sweet stuff! As well as carb-loaded savoury foods, Italians also appreciate the comfort of a delicious sweet treat.

From the snowy peaks of cream-filled profiteroles to the sun-drenched, citrus-infused delizia al limone, Italian cakes and desserts are a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage and unwavering passion for dolce. Each bite offers a journey through vibrant flavours and exquisite textures, whether it's the ethereal lightness of a tiramisù, where mascarpone and coffee dance in perfect harmony, or the comforting embrace of a panettone, studded with candied fruits.

Beyond these globally recognised icons, a deeper dive reveals regional marvels like the crisp, honeyed cannoli from Sicily, the delicate, almond-laced amaretti, or the intricate, liqueur-soaked cassata. These aren't merely sweet treats; they are edible works of art, crafted with generations of skill and an innate understanding of how to transform simple ingredients into moments of pure, unadulterated joy.

Carluccio's loves a dessert. Let us show you some of their best offerings...

1. Cannoli siciliana

These are delectable Italian pastries which originally came from Sicily. They’re tubes of fried dough filled with sweet, creamy goodness and are often made with ricotta.

2. Pastiera Napoletana

This is a traditional, Neapolitan tart made by families at Easter time. It’s usually made of ricotta cheese, eggs, wheat and orange flower water, but each Italian family has their own specific way of making it.

3. Panettone (Italian Christmas Cake)

This delightfully sweet bread from Milan is usually made over the Christmas period. It usually contains raisins, candied fruit, citrus and vanilla. Yum!

4. Cantucci/Biscotti

These are traditional sweet biscuits made with almonds that are often served up with a sweet wine after a big meal. They’re dry, crunchy and oblong-shaped and are perfect for dipping in coffee.

5. Gelato!

How could we talk about Italian treasures without mentioning ice cream? All over Italy, you’ll find gelato shops with the most mouth-watering ice cream you’ve ever laid eyes on. Rich, creamy and undeniably good, you simply can’t go to Italy without treating yourself to a cone or two.

6. Panna Cotta

An Italian dessert of sweetened cream thickened with gelatin and moulded. This dessert is luxurious with a moreish and delightful mouth-feel. The cream may be flavoured with vanilla, or other flavourings. 

7. Tiramisu

And finally, we have a classic Italian dessert enjoyed all around the world, the infamous coffee-infused Tiramisu. Take some ladyfingers, dip them in coffee and marsala and combine with thick, whipped cream and you’ve got a basic tiramisu.