Giada De Laurentiis' Top Italian Christmas Desserts

Posted by Mardi Michels on November 23, 2017

Sweeten up the holiday season with a selection of decadent Italian desserts from Giada De Laurentiis. From traditional treats like crunchy biscotti to an unexpected take on tiramisu, there are countless options to start baking up today – including a few new Italian ideas for your holiday cookie exchange.

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Raspberry Tiramisu

If you're a fan of the traditional Italian tiramisu, you're going to love this fruity version featuring fresh raspberries and rich mascarpone whipped cream. It’s lovely twist on the popular original. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/raspberry-tiramisu/15455/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Raspberry Tiramisu</a>
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Hot Chocolate Affogato

Like an ice cream float, only your mug is filled with sweet and decadent hot chocolate, topped with a scoop of your favourite ice cream. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hot-chocolate-affogato/17639/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Hot Chocolate Affogato</a>
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Chocolate Amaretti Cookies

Light and airy, these chocolatey almond cookies contain no flour, meaning as long as you check your cocoa powder, these cookies are perfect for your friends with gluten allergies. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-amaretti-cookies/20880/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Chocolate Amaretti Cookies</a>
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Mascarpone Cannoli Cheesecake

Embrace this new take on the classic Italian dessert that starts with a crunchy almond-biscotti base topped with a cheesy, baked filling, studded with chocolate chips. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/giadas-holiday-handbook/recipe/mascarpone-cannoli-cheesecake/20945/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Mascarpone Cannoli Cheesecake</a>
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Dreamy Orange Mousse

Vibrant blood oranges are in season over the holidays, and they’re a stunning base for a sweet and creamy mousse. This dessert is a light way to end a holiday meal, and offers just a hint of crunch from the gingersnap cookies crumbled over top. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/dreamy-orange-mousse-/17601/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Dreamy Orange Mousse</a>
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Tiramisu Icebox Torta

Just because it is chilly outside, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a flavourful icebox dessert. Make this coffee-flavoured torte ahead of Christmas and store in the fridge until after Christmas dinner for a lovely light, layered dessert. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tiramisu-icebox-torta/20942/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Tiramisu Icebox Torta </a>
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Holiday Biscotti

Biscotti are the ultimate addition to any holiday cookie exchange or seasonal snack session. Do the right thing and encourage your fellow exchangers to dunk these Italian cookies into their morning coffee or evening Irish cream. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/holiday-biscotti/17444/" target="_blank">Giada de Laurentiis' Holiday Biscotti</a>
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Pound Cake with Limoncello Zabaglione

Add a little zip to your dessert table with this plated number that combines an Italian citrus sauce with rich pound cake. The fresh topping of berries infused with a little limoncello takes this dessert to a whole new level for holiday entertaining. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pound-cake-with-limoncello-zabaglione/17050/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Pound Cake with Limoncello Zabaglione</a>
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Honey Ricotta Cheesecake

This mouth-watering cheesecake is made with whole milk, ricotta and clover honey. Top with fresh, juicy fruit for a delicious treat. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/honey-ricotta-cheesecake/15454/" target="_blank"> Giada De Laurentiis' Honey Ricotta Cheesecake</a>
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Berry Ricotta Tartlets

Impress your guests with these individual tarts bursting with sweet ricotta cheese and an array of sugar-coated berries. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/berry-ricotta-tartlets/16446/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Berry Ricotta Tartlets</a>
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Chocolate Caramel Crunch Pie

This creamy, crunchy and altogether delicious dessert looks more difficult to make than it actually is. Using store-bought dulce de leche as the base, the pie gets its crunch from toasted walnuts, while chocolate adds depth. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-caramel-crunch-pie/20133/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Chocolate Caramel Crunch Pie</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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Chocolate-Ricotta Pie

This silky chocolate pie gets an Italian twist from rich ricotta and pine nuts. Set it out before you start your meal, because this decadent dessert is best enjoyed at room temperature. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-ricotta-pie/16788/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Chocolate-Ricotta Pie</a>
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Mascarpone Cheesecake with Almond Crust

Cheesecake is always a hit for dessert, but this combination is show-stopping. The nutty graham cracker bottom is topped with a luscious mascarpone and cream cheese filling and finished with a drizzle of chocolate-hazelnut sauce. A slice (or two) will surely garner the admiration of all those around your holiday table. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mascarpone-cheesecake-with-almond-crust/15482/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Mascarpone Cheesecake with Almond Crust</a>
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Raspberry Prosecco Tulip

Call it a cocktail or dessert, either way, don’t call us late for dessert if you are serving this bubbly-filled jelly. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/giadas-holiday-handbook/recipe/raspberry-prosecco-tulip/20119/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Raspberry Prosecco Tulip</a>
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Chocolate Pistachio Fudge Tart

Even those who plan on skipping dessert will be tempted by the sheer sight of this rich and indulgent tart. This is the kind of treat that will disappear in no time as you go back to sneak bite after bite. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/giada-in-italy/recipe/chocolate-pistachio-fudge-tart/17049/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Chocolate Candy Cane Tower</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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Chocolate-Almond Cheesecake

Topped with a brown sugar almond crumble, Greek yogurt takes the place of cream cheese in this chocolate graham cracker and almond-coated cheesecake. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-almond-cheesecake/17594/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Chocolate-Almond Cheesecake</a>
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