21 Italian Desserts You Need to Try Before You Die

Updated by Food Network Canada Editors on August 20, 2018

From dulce de leche panna cotta to classic coffee-filled tiramisu, dig into our collection of new and classic recipes for the most mouth-watering Italian desserts. Buon appetito!

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Sfogliatelle

These unique, Italian ricotta-filled pastries are made with layers of a very thinly rolled, flaky pasta dough instead of puff pastry. Unlike a fluffy croissant, the shell is delightfully crunchy and sturdy enough to hold all of that delicious filling. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/bake-with-anna-olson/recipe/sfogliatelle/21758/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Sfogliatelle</a>
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Cannoli

What could possibly be better than heavenly whipped ricotta with chocolate and candied fruit, all wrapped in crispy pastry shells. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ricardos-cannoli/10554/" target="_blank">Ricardo's Cannoli</a>
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Italian Pizelle

 “Pizze” means flat in Italian, and these flat, crisp waffle cookies make for great ice cream sandwiches. Alternatively, you can dip these treats in hot chocolate or coffee to satisfy your sweet tooth mid-day. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/bake-with-anna-olson/recipe/italian-pizzelle/19140/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anna Olson's Italian Pizelle</a>
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Siena Panforte

Originating in Siena, this traditional chewy Italian dessert, chock-full of dried fruit and nuts, keeps well and serves as a great gift for dinner party hosts during the holidays or any time of year. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/siena-panforte/10059/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Siena Panforte</a>
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Torrone Italian Nougat

Soft, chewy nougat is sweetened with honey and sugar, bound together by fluffy egg whites. A small slice of this Italian treat dotted with nuts is a healthier way to yield to your Halloween candy craving. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/torrone-italian-nougat/16605/">Anna Olson's Torrone Italian Nougat</a>
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Dulce De Leche Panna Cotta

Rich dulce de leche and sweet raspberry jam star in this mouth-watering spin on classic panna cotta. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/dulce-de-leche-panna-cotta/19240/" target="_blank">Ricardo's Dulce De Leche Panna Cotta</a>
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Classic Tiramisu

Layers of ladyfingers drenched in a rum-infused <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/coffee-flavoured-desserts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">coffee syrup</a>, mascarpone cream and grated chocolate, this classic recipe for tiramisu is rich and fluffy, and simply irresistible. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/classic-tiramisu/12699/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anna Olson's Classic Tiramisu</a>
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Classic Cranberry Almond Biscotti

Packed with almonds and dried cranberries, these nutty flavoured biscotti are crisp, tender and ideal for dipping in tea or coffee. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/classic-cranberry-almond-biscotti/16543/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Classic Cranberry Almond Biscotti</a>
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Chocolate-Hazelnut Gelato

Packed with Nutella flavour and garnished with toasted hazelnuts for a bit of crunch, this incredibly rich and creamy gelato is the perfect way for any grown-up to enjoy the classic chocolate spread. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-hazelnut-gelato/16269/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Chocolate-Hazelnut Gelato</a>
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Grapefruit Zabaglione over Mixed Berries

Zabaglione is an Italian dessert typically made with eggs, sugar and sweet wine, but Giada went kid-friendly with this version by using grapefruit juice, adding a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet fruit and sugary egg mixture. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grapefruit-zabaglione-over-mixed-berries/16450/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Grapefruit Zabaglione over Mixed Berries</a>
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Classic Florentine Cookies

These gorgeous cookies are actually quite easy to make and are sure to wow your guests. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/classic-florentine-cookies/16652/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Classic Florentine Cookies</a>
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Pineapple Semifreddo

This classic Italian dessert features fluffy whipped cream mixed with crushed pineapple for some added sweetness and topped with crumbled amaretti cookies for texture. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pineapple-semifreddo/16271/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Pineapple Semifreddo</a>
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Mini Zeppole with Caramel Marsala Dipping Sauce

These irresistible mini Italian doughnuts are dusted with powdered sugar and served with a Marsala-infused caramel dipping sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mini-zeppole-with-caramel-marsala-dipping-sauce/19540/" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Mini Zeppole with Caramel Marsala Dipping Sauce</a>
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Mascarpone Sorbetto with Rosemary Honey

The Italian version of French sorbet, this mascarpone, rosemary and honey-flavoured sorbetto is the perfect combination of sweet, tart and creamy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mascarpone-sorbetto-with-rosemary-honey/17045/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Mascarpone Sorbetto with Rosemary Honey</a>
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David Rocco's Italian Nutella-Filled-Bomboloni

This classic Italian doughnut has a creamy, chocolaty surprise inside. Pair with your favourite hot drink for the ultimate indulgent experience. Get the recipe for <a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/david-roccos-italian-nutella-filled-bomboloni/14704/">David Rocco's Italian Nutella-Filled-Bomboloni</a>.
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Chocolate Genoise

This Italian-style dessert gets its light, spongy texture by whipping egg whites into fluffy peaks before the flour is lightly folded in. You can use this recipe to make light and tall layer cake or a jelly-roll style. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-genoise/9384/" target="_blank">Ricardo’s Chocolate Genoise</a>
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Italian Pine Nut Cake

This cake is dense, sweet and moist, almost like a blondie, but far more elegant and rich due to the pine nuts.Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/italian-pine-nut-cake/12659" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Italian Pine Nut Cake</a>
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Mascarpone with Raspberry and Pineapple

This dessert features delicate pastry cups filled with a raspberry yogurt, mascarpone-pineapple blend and garnished with chocolate shavings. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mascarpone-with-raspberry-and-pineapple/18321/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Mascarpone with Raspberry and Pineapple</a>
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Lemon Granita

Zippy lemons make for a perked-up taste of summer sunshine. You’ll be thrilled to see how easy this elegant dessert is to make. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lemon-granita/13104/" target="_blank">Lemon Granita</a>
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Chocolate Gelato and Homemade Crêpes

No need to go out for ice cream when you have an amazing Italian dessert right at your fingertips. Take your gelato up a notch by serving it in your own crispy, homemade cones. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/bake-with-anna-olson/recipe/chocolate-gelato-and-homemade-ice-cream-cones/19163/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anna Olson’s Chocolate Gelato and Homemade Crêpes</a>
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Affogato with Chuck's Coffee Cigars

This classic Italian way of serving coffee and ice cream is made even more decadent with Chuck’s crispy coffee cigars. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/affogato-with-chucks-coffee-cigars/11601/" target="_blank">Affogato with Chuck's Coffee Cigars</a>
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