Have you ever taken a bite of a delicious dessert and found yourself saying, “Wow, what is this?” only to later discover it’s a time-honoured Italian classic? You’re not alone. Italian cuisine is full of sweet surprises, many of which have found their way into cafes, restaurants, and bakeries across the globe without their names getting the spotlight they deserve.
At Memo Cakery, we’re inspired by the rich dessert traditions of Italy and love bringing these timeless treats to life for our customers. Today, we’re taking you on a delicious journey through 10 iconic Italian desserts that you may have tried without even realising what they were called. Let’s dig in:
Key Points Covered:
- Explore 10 iconic Italian desserts that are now the world’s favourite, many of which you may have tasted without knowing their traditional names!
- Understand what makes each dessert special, including ingredients, textures, flavours, and the cultural stories behind them- from the creamy layers of Tiramisù to the festive crunch of Struffoli.
- Discover fun facts like the meaning of names (e.g., “Tiramisù” means “pick me up” and “Brutti ma Buoni” means “Ugly but Good”) and the origins of regional favourites like Cassata and Cannoli.
- Recognise how these desserts show up in everyday life, often disguised under generic names like “cream pudding,” “custard tart,” or “frozen mousse” at cafes or restaurants.
- Learn how Memo Cakery brings Italian inspiration into its own menu, using premium ingredients and traditional techniques to recreate or reimagine these timeless desserts.
1. Tiramisù
Let’s start with the king of Italian desserts: Tiramisù. This creamy, coffee-soaked delight is a must-try if you haven’t already. Tiramisù is made with layers of sponge fingers (savoiardi) soaked in espresso and layered with a rich mascarpone and egg yolk cream, then dusted with cocoa powder.
It’s often served in cafes as a “coffee dessert” or in fancy glasses at weddings, and you might not even realise it has such a fancy Italian name. This name literally means “pick me up” in Italian – thanks to the coffee and cocoa combo!
Our cake shop has created our version of tiramisu cake here in Auckland. It is one of the best-sellers, with mascarpone mousse infused with Marsala wine and a touch of rum for a grown-up twist.
2. Cannoli
You’ve probably seen these crispy tubes filled with creamy goodness at a bakery counter. These are called Cannoli, and yes, they belong to Sicily, Italy. In fact, this dessert is a staple at festive occasions like Carnival.
Cannoli is a deep-fried pastry shell filled with a sweet ricotta cheese mixture, sometimes studded with chocolate chips, orange peel, or pistachios. You may know it as “Italian cream rolls” or “cheese tubes,” especially outside of Italy. Bite into one and you’ll understand why they’re so addictive.
3. Panna Cotta
If you’ve ever had a “cream pudding” in a restaurant that melted in your mouth, you’ve likely enjoyed panna cotta. It is elegant and simple, and the name means “cooked cream.”
Actually, it’s one of those little sweet treats we all order from dessert menus without any explanation. This is a silky smooth, cream-based Italian dessert that is gently set with gelatin. It’s typically served with a topping of berry sauce, caramel, or fruit compote of choice.
4. Semifreddo
This one’s a summer favourite in Italy, though most people wouldn’t know what to call it. It is served like a chilled slice of mousse cake, and you might have had it under a generic “frozen dessert” label.
Semifreddo is essentially a frozen mousse that has the lightness of whipped cream and the coolness of ice cream. It’s often flavoured with nuts, fruits, or chocolate, and every bite feels luxuriously smooth yet incredibly refreshing.
We would call semifreddo the dessert that bridges elegance with refreshing lightness, ideal for New Zealand summers, of course!
And here’s a cool factor: The name “semifreddo” means “half cold,” describing its semi-frozen texture.
5. Torta della Nonna
This is a lesser-known tart that deserves more fame. It’s often referred to as “custard tart” or “Italian grandma pie” in cafes and pairs perfectly with a coffee.
Torta della Nonna is a shortcrust tart filled with rich custard, topped with pine nuts and a dusting of icing sugar.
Wanna know a heartwarming fact about this lip-smacking tart? Torta della Nonna means “Grandmother’s Cake,” and it’s known for that home-baked charm, making it a rustic and comforting Italian dessert.
6. Affogato
At first glance, affogato might seem like a simple pairing, but its brilliance lies in that very simplicity. This Italian classic features a scoop of creamy vanilla gelato or ice cream, dramatically “drowned” in a shot of hot espresso.
The contrast between the hot coffee and cold dessert creates a silky, bittersweet harmony that’s both energising and indulgent. Many people enjoy this fusion after dinner without realising it has a name. That coffee-poured-over-ice-cream treat you ordered at a café? That was affogato!
7. Zabaglione
Zabaglione is an unsung hero of the Italian dessert world. It is light, velvety, and quietly luxurious! The dessert is made by gently whisking egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine (typically Marsala) over a double boiler to turn this airy custard into a frothy delight that can stand alone or even be included with other treats.
While you may not have heard the name, you’ve likely tasted it, whether folded into a trifle, spooned over fresh berries, or layered into more complex desserts. Yeah, that is Zabaglione!
To put it short, it is a masterclass in Italian minimalism! All it needs is just a few ingredients, whisked to perfection for maximum delight.
8. Cassata
Cassata is a vibrant, flavour-packed showstopper with Sicilian roots. It typically refers to a sponge cake layered with sweetened ricotta cheese, candied fruits, and sometimes chocolate chips, all encased in a marzipan shell. The result? A strikingly colourful dessert with a deep cake flavour, that’s both rich and refreshing.
Many have tasted a version of cassata without knowing its name, maybe in the form of a ricotta-filled slice or a festive layered cake bursting with fruit and flavour.
9. Struffoli
We’d call them tiny bites of joy, especially around the holidays! Struffoli refers to small fried dough balls coated in honey, often topped with colourful sprinkles.
If you’ve ever tried a sticky, sweet cluster of honey-glazed dough bites at a festive market or holiday table, chances are you’ve tasted struffoli. This Neapolitan favourite is all about family gatherings and celebrations.
10. Brutti ma Buoni
If there’s one thing that you can learn from this Italian dessert, it would be that looks can be deceiving!
Brutti ma Buoni, literally meaning “Ugly but Good,” are crunchy-chewy meringue-style cookies loaded with chopped hazelnuts or almonds.
While they may not win beauty contests, their rich, nutty flavour and irresistible texture leave a lasting impression. You’ve likely seen these at artisan bakeries and wondered what they were. You may have even called them “nutty meringue drops.” It’s a perfect treat you can enjoy on a cold evening with a cup of tea or coffee!
Craving a Taste of Italy in New Zealand?
At Memo Cakery, we’re more than just a bakery. We’re storytellers, bringing you the joy of authentic flavours from around the world. Our Italian-inspired desserts, like tiramisu, are created with premium ingredients and a deep respect for traditional techniques, all with a Memo twist.
Try our Italian dessert range and let your taste buds take a trip to Rome, Naples, or Sicily without leaving your home. Reach out to us or browse our selection online to place your orders. Your perfect Italian treat is just a bite away. Buon appetito!
