10 Best Italian Desserts More Popular Than Tiramisu: a blog around Italy’s most popular desserts.

Introduction

Tiramisu may be the poster child for Italian desserts, but there are plenty of other sweet treats to try. From cannoli to panna cotta, here are the 10 most popular Italian desserts that you should put on your must-eat list.

Cannoli

Cannoli are a traditional Italian dessert that consists of a tube-shaped shell made from fried pastry dough, and filled with sweetened ricotta cheese. The most popular version is fried, but there are also baked versions. The cannolo originated in Sicily, where it can be found at festivals and celebrations throughout the year, especially on Easter Sunday.

The word «cannoli» comes from the Sicilian word «cannula», which means small tube or pipe (for example pipes leading to irrigation systems). A similar pastry called ‘torta di ricotta’ was mentioned by Bartolomeo Scappi in 1570 in his book Opera dell’Arte del Cucinare (Book about Kitchen Arts), however this may have been another torte or cake rather than an actual cannolo.

Panettone

Panettone is a sweet Italian bread that’s popular at Christmas time. It’s made from a batter of eggs, butter, yeast, milk and flour. Raisins and candied fruit are often added to the dough too. Panettone is usually served with coffee or tea in the morning, but it can also be eaten as dessert after lunch or dinner.

Some people like to eat Panettone on its own as a snack or breakfast food; others prefer it sliced into pieces and served alongside cheese and meat at parties on Christmas Eve (known in Italy as Festa della Befana). It makes a great gift during this festive season because it keeps fresh for up to three months if stored correctly: wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil paper then placed into an airtight container away from direct sunlight so that mold doesn’t grow on top! You can also freeze them if you want them back sooner – just make sure they’re completely thawed before eating again!

Panna cotta

Panna cotta is a dessert made of cream, sugar and gelatin. It is smooth and creamy, with a consistency similar to pudding. The name means “cooked cream” in Italian and it is often served as an alternative to tiramisu.

Panna cotta originated in the Piedmont region of Italy, where it was cooked over the embers of an open fire. Today, panna cotta can be served hot or chilled – although most people prefer their panna cotta cold!

It’s easy to make at home; all you need are some basic ingredients like heavy cream, milk or half-and-half (for richness), sugar and unflavored gelatin (which helps thicken). If you’re not sure how much gelatin to use for your recipe just follow one tablespoon per cup of liquid (so if you have 4 cups total then use 8 tablespoons). Heat gently until dissolved then add vanilla extract if desired before chilling overnight in individual dishes or glasses with plastic wrap covering tops so that no air gets into them while cooling down – this prevents bubbles forming inside when refrigerating later on.»

Affogato

Affogato

Affogato is a dessert made with espresso and ice cream. The name of the dish means «drowned» in Italian, which speaks to its simple nature: you pour hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy! Affogato can be made with any flavor of ice cream, although it’s most popular as a combination of chocolate and vanilla (creme). You can also add liqueur or rum on the side for an added kick!

Torta Caprese

Torta Caprese is a classic Italian dessert that features layers of sponge cake, custard and ricotta cream. The cake was first created in the late 1800s on the island of Capri by chef Luigi Corvo. This dessert has become so popular that it’s now known as torta di ricotta (custard cake) or torta caprese (Capri’s cake).

Torta caprese can be served as an individual cake or as an impressive dessert for an entertaining crowd. It’s easy to make and requires just a few ingredients—eggs, flour, sugar and milk—that you likely already have in your kitchen! If you do end up making torta caprese at home, we recommend serving it with sliced strawberries and whipped cream on top for garnish garnish garnish garnish!

Gelato

Gelato is a popular Italian dessert, made from milk, sugar and flavorings such as vanilla or fruit. Gelato has more air incorporated into it than ice cream does; this makes gelato less rich than ice cream.

The process of making gelato involves mixing the ingredients together and freezing them in a refrigerated bowl machine. The mixture can be churned by hand or with an electric machine. Gelato is served at temperatures between -5 to -10 degrees Celsius (22 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit).

Biscotti

Biscotti are a rather new invention in Italian history, appearing roughly around the 15th century. They originated as hard, crunchy biscuits baked twice to make sure they keep their shape and texture over time (though there is some debate as to whether they were initially created by nuns who baked them at home). Biscotti are usually made from almonds or hazelnuts, but you may also find versions that use other nuts or even chocolate chips!

Biscotti pairs perfectly with your favorite coffee or tea—so much so that it’s often served as a snack between meals. You can also dunk it in milk for an extra-special treat!

Pizzelle

Pizzelle:

• What is a Pizzelle?

A pizzelle (pronounced as «peets-sell») is an Italian waffle cookie. It’s traditionally made with just three ingredients: egg whites, sugar and flour. The batter is cooked in waffle iron to make the distinctive grid pattern on the surface of the cookies. Pizzelles are either eaten warm out of the oven or stored in an airtight container until ready to eat which makes them ideal for breakfast or snacks on the go. You can make these at home but if you don’t have time, then consider buying some from your local bakery!

Crostata di frutta

Crostata di frutta is a custard-like pastry made with a fruit filling. It’s traditionally served as dessert in southern Italy, usually with a dollop of custard or whipped cream on top. Crostata di frutta can be made with any type of fruit and is usually served warm or cold.

This dessert is particularly popular during the summer months when fresh fruit starts to come into season. In fact, crostatas are so ubiquitous that they often make appearances at many restaurants’ pasta dishes—their light taste pairs perfectly with heavier meals like carbonara or spaghetti bolognese!

Sfogliatelle

Sfogliatella is an Italian pastry that has been popular for centuries. It is made with puff pastry and filled with a sweet ricotta and egg filling. The word sfogliatella means «small leaf,» which makes sense because it looks very similar to one.

The best part about this dessert is that it’s versatile; you can eat it at any time of day, whether you’re having breakfast at home or going out to get your favorite cappuccino after work.

Italian desserts are the best desserts.

Italian desserts are the best desserts in the world, and there’s a reason for that. Italian desserts are known for their simplicity and authenticity. The fact that they’re not overly sweet and tend to be made with fresh ingredients makes them a perfect way to end a meal—and it’s no surprise that Italians love their sweets!

If you’re interested in learning more about Italian cuisine, check out this article on how to make your own tiramisu at home.

Conclusion

And now, you know what the Italians are eating when they’re not busy making your favorite pizza and pasta dishes. From cannoli and gelato to sfogliatelle and biscotti, there are so many delicious Italian desserts to try. The only question is: which one will you try first?