Italy is synonymous all over the world for its rich and varied culinary creations, yet Italian cuisine has much more to offer than pasta and pizza, with sweet creations that are second to none. Italy is home to some of the world’s best loved ‘dolci’ or desserts and pastries, from the iconic cannoli to the sumptuous tiramisu. Italian desserts tell a story of traditions passed down through the generations, each evoking that quintessential Italian passion for delicious food and regional pride that reflect centuries of iconic culinary heritage.

The most iconic Italian desserts and pastries

From Sicilian cannoli to tiramisu and Neapolitan sfogliatelle, join us as we delve into the sweet world of Italy's best desserts and pastries. Many of these desserts are steeped in tradition and history, making each bite a journey through Italian history.

Cannoli

Cannoli have been a favourite for generations and come from the stunning island of Sicily. The delicious Italian dessert consists of cylindrical dried dough that is filled with a tasty mix of creamy ricotta, honey, candied fruits, or nuts. Next time you are on the streets of Sicily be sure to try a few.

Tiramisu

The most iconic of Italian desserts, literally meaning ‘pick me up,’ a tiramisu combines delicious coffee-soaked layers of savoiardi biscuits with a rich mascarpone cream, sometimes a nice liqueur is added for that extra decadent touch. This popular Italian cuisine dessert has its origins in the North of Italy, with both Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia both claiming it as their own.

Sfogliatelle

An Italian pastry consisting of a multi-layered shell of crisp pastry filled with a sweet and creamy filling originating from Naples. The original recipe is called Santarosa in honour of the monastery near Salerno from where a nun is said to have invented it as a way to use up leftover semolina.

Torta di Riso

Created in Tuscany and eaten for breakfast or a snack, these Italian dessert treats are a curious mix between a tart and a custard. Torta di Riso is a very tasty rice cake, flavoured with lemon and vanilla.

Panna cotta

This ‘cooked cream’ from Piedmont, is a light yet sumptuous dessert that combines heavy cream, set with gelatine, and flavoured with vanilla. Chefs these days love to experiment with flavours adding chocolate or fruit compotes to spice things up.

Pizzelle

A wafer like cookie that is considered one of the oldest biscuits in Italy, originating in the Abruzzo region, with both the villages of Cocullo and Salle claiming it as their own. Made from a sugar and butter batter and pressed into thin rounds usually with an intricate design, they are often eaten during celebrations and festivities.

Pane di Pasqua

These colourful creations are made to celebrate the end of the Lenten fast and said to have originated in the Lombardy region. These Easter delights are made using a sweet and citrusy dough that is wrapped around a colourful egg.

Affogato

A beautiful dessert-beverage combo that is popular all over Italy. To make the best Affogato, the quality of the ingredients is paramount, use the best quality espresso poured over a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Torrone

This irresistible Italian nougat, enjoyed at Christmas throughout Italy, is widely credited to the city of Cremona, and said to be modelled after the city’s belltower. However, there are many other theories relating to when this tasty treat was first made including that it has Roman and Arabic origins.

Panforte

Originally created for religious festivities in the city of Siena, Panforte is a dense fruit cake made with dried fruits, nuts, seeds, candied peel, spices, and honey. This chewy dessert is often served at Christmas with coffee or a sweet wine.

Maritozzi

Maritozzi are a Roman sweet brioche bun, often flavoured with citrus, filled with a light and fluffy whipped cream. Over the centuries Maritozzi became a Lenten treat and then a traditional Valentines gift.

Sweet delights at Fiumicino airport

At Fiumicino airport you have the opportunity to take home a wide selection of sweet treats to remind you of your wonderful travels through Italy. You will find a huge selection of Italian sweet foods including an irresistible selection of chocolates and cookies.

Luxury shopping at Fiumicino airport

If your itinerary to discovering the best Italian desserts takes you through Rome Fiumicino airport in area E, make your trip even more special with the Personal Shopper service: dedicated experts will guide you in discovering the best purchases, to bring home a touch of exclusivity.

In Italy, desserts and pastries are more than just a sweet end to a meal. They represent family as well as regional traditions that span generations, bringing about moments of shared joy. Buon appetito!

Find out more about Shop&Fly