Decadent Italian dessert recipes for a taste of something different

Italian cuisine is so much than pizza and pasta. The Italians are also renowned for their rich and decadent dolci. Here’s 20 of their best dessert recipes.

Save yourself the long-haul flight to Italy and spend an afternoon indulging in this must-try list of ultimate Italian desserts.

We’ve got twists on tiramisu that you’ve only ever dared dream of, including a delectable tiramisu slice, panna cotta in every imaginable flavour, fluffy bomboloni, eye-popping gelato, a beautiful lemon tart and an Italian-style ricotta cheesecake.

Tiramisu slice.

Tiramisu slice

All the best parts of a tiramisu in a sweet slice? Yes, please.

Raspberry bombolini (cream-filled doughnuts)

These jammy and cream-filled bites are the bomb!

Gelato brioche sandwiches.

A trio of gelato for gelato brioche sandwiches

Tracey shares a simple gelato recipe that can be flavoured three ways. Best enjoyed, of course, in between two moreish slices of brioche.

Chocolate and coffee panna cotta

“I love the fact that you can prepare this dessert up to four days ahead. You can also make it in small individual pots if you’re worried you won’t able to stop at one serve!” – Lucy Nunes

Pavlova tiramisu.

Three-tier pavlova tiramisu

Italy heads down under with this decadent dessert.

Chocolate and pistachio gelato cake

“Nothing says ‘Italy’ more than a layered, brightly coloured frozen dessert that’s packed with flavour; and chocolate, pistachio and hazelnut liqueur are a timeless combination.” – Tracey Pattison

Coconut panna cotta.

Coconut panna cotta with riesling syrup and passionfruit

For the riesling in this recipe, Merrick Watts advises, “Never cook with a bottle of wine you’re not prepared to drink.”

Peach crostata

This Italian-style peach pie comes with an irresistible lemon and almond pastry.

Lemon curd tiramisu.

Lemon curd tiramisu

When life gives you lemons, make this lemon curd tiramisu. Begin this recipe 1 day ahead. You’ll need a 2.7L 24 cm x 10 cm x 11cm terrine mould. Alternatively, use a 3L serving dish of your choice and serve straight from the bowl.

Walnut and prune torta caprese (flourless cake)

This age-old Italian dessert has no flour, but plenty of flavour.

Cannoli with pandan custard.

Cannoli with pandan custard

Sashi Cheliah is no stranger to standout flavours, and this month, the MasterChef winner is putting an Asian twist to a much-loved Italian dessert.

No-churn tiramisu ice cream

You can never enjoy too many versions of tiramisu, and this no-churn ice cream can be ready for the freezer in minutes!

Figs with zabaglione.

Figs with Aperol zabaglione (custard)

This zesty adults-only treat is an Italian summer in a cup.

Black forest tiramisu

“My wife Julie came up with this tiramisu, and we served it at Saint Peter. You could dress it up with beautiful cherries on top.” – Josh Niland

Vanilla panna cotta.

Vanilla panna cotta with strawberry granita

This panna cotta from Alessandro Pavoni is the definition of a perfect warm weather dessert. You’ll need to begin this recipe at least 6 hours ahead.

Easy strawberry and macadamia crostata

Enjoy a taste of Italy in springtime with this rustic crostata dessert from Danielle Alvarez.

Lemon ricotta cannoli.

Lemon ricotta cannoli

These classic Sicilian treats are hard to resist. Creamy ricotta and zesty lemon curd cuts through the richness of the cannoli pastry beautifully.

Italian-style ricotta cheesecake

It’s a big call, but this is quite possibly the greatest cheesecake you’ll ever eat.

Vanilla yoghurt panna cotta.

Vanilla yoghurt panna cotta with sumac strawberries and arak strawberry granita recipe

“After a long winter of heavy desserts, in spring I love nothing more than a little freshness to finish my meal. This recipe is super simple, and any leftover granita is great in a smoothie, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sliced stone fruit, or added to a small glass of arak as an aperitif. We need to celebrate the seasons, when produce is at its best! When strawberries are in season, you can really tell – they’re a deep red, they’re full of flavour and they have this beautiful perfume.” – Shane Delia

Lemon tart.

Tart al limone (lemon tart)

Citrus and dessert – a match made in Italy. For a taste of European summer in winter, it has to be this tart al limone.

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Originally published as Decadent Italian dessert recipes for a taste of something different