Quick Answer: What Desserts go With Italian Food?
Some of the best desserts that go with Italian food are— delectable cookies like Biscotti, Italian Lemon Drop Cookies, Italian Ricotta Cookies, and others; beautiful cakes like Tiramisu Cheesecake, Chocolate and Hazelnut Meringue Cake, Ricotta Cake, and others; frozen desserts like Semifreddo, Granita, and others; Tarts like Fruit Tart and Peach Tart; and Italian delights like Panna Cotta, Tiramisu, Italian Hot Chocolate, Cornetti and others. Read to know more!
Here are the 30 most phenomenal desserts that fit well with Italian food and deliver a flavorful knockout effect!
I love everything about Italy, especially its food and wine.
And if there is one thing this fan has learned from Italian culture, it is how to pair food with the perfect drink and dessert. Therefore I bring to you this list of the best desserts that go with Italian food.
So, let’s get to it. Shall we?
Desserts that go with Italian Food: Quick Table
| Recipe | Calories (per 100 gm) | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Panna Cotta | 257 | 255 min |
| Semifreddo | 322.3 | 390 min |
| Granita | 45 | 10 min |
| Biscotti | 453 | 40 min |
| Tiramisu | 283 | 10 min |
| Gelato | 128 | 180 min |
| Fruit Tart | 350 | 55 min |
| Italian Hot Chocolate | 76 | 15 min |
| Zabaglione | 255 | 80 min |
| Cannolis | 254 | 90 min |
| Tiramisu Cheesecake | 300 | 300 min |
| Bomboloni | 360 | 441 min |
| Italian Lemon Drop Cookies | 272 | 22 min |
| Lemon Bars | 430 | 255 min |
| Affogato | 47 | 5 min |
| Sorbet | 124 | 15 min |
| Italian Ricotta Cookies | NA | 80 min |
| Chocolate Cake | 371 | 45 min |
| Italian Hazelnut Cookies | NA | 95 min |
| Amaretti | 483.3 | 40 min |
| Chocolate and Hazelnut Meringue Cake | 430 | 240 min |
| Cheesecake Brownie | 378 | 60 min |
| Chocolate Olive Oil Cake | 342 | 55 min |
| Crostata | 241.5 | 50 min |
| Cornetti | 356 | 28 hrs 15 min |
| Ricotta Cake | 282 | 67 min |
| Lemon Cake | 297 | 60 min |
| Panettone French Toast | NA | 15 min |
| Italian Trifle | NA | 145 min |
| Peach Tart | 250 | 55 min |
1. Panna Cotta
Total Calories (per 100g): 257
Total Preparation Time: 255 minutes
Panna Cotta translates to ‘cooked cream’ and is made from sweetened cream that has been moulded after the addition of gelatin.
It can be made in simple flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit flavors; or extraordinary flavors like chamomile, double coffee, or Negroni.
It will suit the flavor scheme of an Italian meal.
Here is an incredible recipe by The Cooking Foodie
2. Semifreddo
Total Calories (per 100g): 322.3
Total Preparation Time: 390 minutes
Another cold dessert that will tango well after a delectable Italian dinner.
Semifreddo means ‘half frozen’ and can be said to be a cross between a mousse and ice cream. However, unlike the two, semifreddo is moulded and sliced like a bread loaf.
It can be prepared in several flavors.
Check out this quick recipe by Home Cooking Adventure
3. Granita
Total Calories (per 100g): 45
Total Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Do not confuse it with a sorbet— Granita is a semi-frozen dessert with a delightful crystalline and smooth texture.
Prepared from flavored sugar water, it is simpler to create as it requires no extra machine and can have a wide range of flavors.
It’s perfect for a cranky hot day!
Here is an easy recipe by Food Wishes
4. Biscotti
Total Calories (per 100g): 453
Total Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Biscotti are exceptionally crunchy cookies flavored from almonds. It is a common dessert served after an Italian meal, on the side of any drink.
Deriving a lip-smacking taste from brown sugar and toasted almonds, it is dipped in chocolate to create a mesmerizing sweet bite!
Twice-baked, it’s a wholesome dessert.
Check out this quick recipe by Babish Culinary Universe
5. Tiramisu
Total Calories (per 100g): 283
Total Preparation Time: 10 minutes
There has been a recent surge in the appearance of Tiramisu on meal tables due to its elegant presence!
Tiramisu is prepared from layering sponge fingers soaked in espresso under a creamy sheet of sweet mascarpone and is finished with a dusting of cocoa powder.
It perfectly fits in an Italian menu.
Here is a simple recipe by Preppy Kitchen
6. Gelato
Total calories (per 100g): 128
Total preparation time: 180 minutes
Ditch your basic ice cream and go for a nice bowl of Gelato for dessert after an authentic Italian meal.
Gelato is healthier than the average American ice cream and is way more dense and creamy.
With a satisfying smoothness, it can be prepared in a wide variety of flavors.
Check out this easy recipe by Bigger Bolder Baking
7. Fruit Tart
Total Calories (per 100g): 350
Total Preparation Time: 55 minutes
Fruit Tart is a popular dessert because of its wholesome flavor profile and aesthetic visuals.
It consists of a crisp sweet pastry shell that is filled with creamy delectable custard and is topped with various beautiful sliced fruits.
All of this makes it a gorgeous pairing for Italian cuisine.
Here is an easy recipe by Preppy Kitchen
8. Italian Hot Chocolate
Total Calories (per 100g): 76
Total Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Nothing feels more gratifying than finishing a tummy-pleasing Italian dinner with a cup of hot Italian coco.
Italian Hot Chocolate is immensely thick and creamy; its dense characteristic gives it a thick chocolate soup-like texture.
You’d be addicted to this indulgence and keep on serving it throughout the winters.
Check out this simple recipe by The Cooking Foodie
9. Zabaglione
Total calories (per 100g): 255
Total preparation time: 80 minutes
Are you looking for an ecstatic booze-based dessert for an all-adult Italian feast? Then this will be an excellent choice.
Zabaglione is yet another Italian dessert. It is created from egg yolk, caster sugar, and sweet wine.
It is indeed an ‘elegante’ delicacy that tangos well with Italian cuisine.
Here is a quick recipe by Food Wishes
10. Cannolis
Total Calories (per 100g): 254
Total Preparation Time: 90 minutes
Cannolis would be perfection!
These are tubular-shaped crispy pastry shells that contain a creamy ricotta filling. The filling is often dotted with chocolate chips or pistachios.
As a dessert, it adds a delectable sweet crunch to the meal and goes well with the simple flavors of Italian food.
Check out this easy recipe by Preppy Kitchen
11. Tiramisu Cheesecake
Total Calories (per 100g): 300
Total Preparation Time: 300 minutes
This one is a miraculous combination of classic cheesecake and iconic tiramisu.
It is creamy, coffee-flavored, and has white chocolate whipped topping. It’s finished with a dusting of cocoa powder.
DIY recipe—
12. Bomboloni
Total Calories (per 100g): 360
Total Preparation Time: 441 minutes
Bomboloni is a famous Italian doughnut that’s just wayyy too irresistible.
The soft, round buns are fried till golden brown, and then the creamy pastry filling is piped into them.
DIY recipe—
13. Italian Lemon Drop Cookies
Total Calories (per 100g): 272
Total Preparation Time: 22 minutes
Lemony desserts act as a palate cleanser after a meal and therefore must be preferred.
These cookies burst with bright citrusy flavor and are coated with sweet lemon glaze.
DIY recipe—
14. Lemon Bars
Total Calories (per 100g): 430
Total Preparation Time: 255 minutes
Another lemon-based delicacy to give your Italian feast a perfect ending!
Lemon bars consist of a lemon curd filling, which is thick and creamy and sits gracefully over a buttery shortbread.
DIY recipe—
15. Affogato
Total Calories (per 100g): 47
Total Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Affogato is made from combining two beloved items— coffee and ice cream.
It is created by drowning a scoop of vanilla gelato/ice cream in a shot (or two) of hot espresso.
DIY recipe—
16. Sorbet
Total Calories (per 100g): 124
Total Preparation Time: 15 minutes
A dairy-free dessert alternative— Sorbets taste refreshing after a flavorful Italian meal.
This cold dessert is fashioned out of sweetened water that is flavored with fruit juice or puree.
DIY recipe—
17. Italian Ricotta Cookies
Total Preparation Time: 80 minutes
Planning a holiday meal? Add these festive cookies to the menu!
Italian Ricotta cookies are moist and soft like cake and are enveloped in a simple and sweet glaze.
These are finished with a topping of colorful sprinkles.
DIY recipe—
18. Chocolate Cake
Total Calories (per 100g): 371
Total Preparation Time: 45 minutes
If experimenting with dessert isn’t your thing, then you can always go with a classic chocolate cake.
Rich in chocolate flavor with a lovely moist texture— it’ll go well with Italian food.
DIY recipe—
19. Italian Hazelnut Cookies
Total Preparation Time: 95 minutes
Everyone finds small things cute and enticing. Hence my contention— these will steal the show.
Italian Hazelnut Cookies have a melt-in-mouth texture and are fashioned by sandwiching a bit of dark chocolate between two hazelnut cookies.
DIY recipe—
20. Amaretti
Total Calories (per 100g): 483.3
Total Preparation Time: 40 minutes
With a perfect mix of crisp outside and soft, chewy inside texture— these cookies are quite remarkable.
Its almond flavor is mesmerizing and will beautifully blend with Italian cuisine.
DIY recipe—
21. Chocolate and Hazelnut Meringue Cake
Total Calories (per 100g): 430
Total Preparation Time: 240 minutes
Often called ‘the Beast’ by the pastry chefs because of its larger-than-life presence— Chocolate and Hazelnut Meringue Cake is a dreamy dessert.
It’s created from chocolate-hazelnut meringue and whipped cream.
DIY recipe link by food and wine
22. Cheesecake Brownie
Total Calories (per 100g): 378
Total Preparation Time: 60 minutes
A delicious combination of rich, fudgy chocolate brownie with a smooth, creamy cheesecake— Cheesecake Brownie is an epic treat.
The flavors of the cheese cream and chocolate balance each other.
DIY recipe—
23. Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
Total Calories (per 100g): 342
Total Preparation Time: 55 minutes
Olive Oil Cake is an Italian delicacy that will amuse your sweet tooth.
The dark chocolate in the recipe ensures a deep chocolate taste while maintaining a perfect ‘sweet-savory’ balance.
DIY recipe—
24. Crostata
Total Calories (per 100g): 241.5
Total Preparation Time: 50 minutes
Crostata is a classic Italian pie made with homemade dough.
It has an iconic lattice top crust and the filling can be of any favorite jam flavor of your choice.
DIY recipe—
25. Cornetti
Total Calories (per 100g): 356
Total Preparation Time: 28 hrs 15 minutes
This one is the fun cousin of the French Croissant.
Cornetti has a similar shiny appearance as the aforementioned but is sweeter with a more dense texture and a heavenly aroma.
DIY recipe—
26. Ricotta Cake
Total Calories (per 100g): 282
Total Preparation Time: 67 minutes
Crafted from ricotta cheese and flavored with lemon— Ricotta Cake is enticingly light and fluffy.
This dense dessert is full of flavors and is well-appreciated after a hearty Italian meal.
DIY recipe—
27. Lemon Cake
Total Calories (per 100g): 297
Total Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Lemon flavor dances on your tongue gracefully after a heavy meal and cleanses the palate.
Indulge in it with this supremely moist cake which is even topped with a lemony glaze.
DIY recipe—
28. Panettone French Toast
Total Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Prepared by using a mix of custardy liquid with flavorful panettone, this dessert is insanely mouth-watering.
The secret behind its flavors is the use of panettone— a sweet Italian bread with a cake-like texture.
DIY recipe—
29. Italian Trifle
Total Preparation Time: 145 minutes
Why not switch the basic English trifle with the Italian one for your next Italian dinner plan?
It is made from sponge cake, pastry cream, and liquor and can be topped with sliced-up fruits.
DIY recipe link –> Italian Trifle
30. Peach Tart
Total Calories (per 100g): 250
Total Preparation Time: 55 minutes
Peach Tart is a magnificent dessert!
The sweetness of the peach blends beautifully with the buttery crust; plus the skin of the peach isn’t removed which adds a rustic texture.
DIY recipe—
The Bottom Line
We hope this wholesome guide gave you an idea as to what desserts tango well with the magical Italian delicacies.
If you have any tips or suggestions, please let us know below!
Do share this guide with your famiglia e amici.