32 Nonna-Approved Italian Dessert Recipes

From the Recipe Creator: With the growing popularity of gourmet coffees, cappuccino and espresso, I’m finding lots of people enjoy these classic Italian lemon biscotti. —Carrie Sherrill, Forestville, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: No one can resist this quick and easy tiramisu recipe. Make it ahead for added mealtime convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: I make this cannoli cheesecake in the summer for a flavorful and refreshing treat. I love the added bonus of not having to turn on the oven in hot weather. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

From the Recipe Creator: My Italian grandmother was famous for her fritole and made these treats for her family and friends. Years later we found her recipe card, but we tried making them without success. We finally figured out the missing part of the recipe—the self-rising flour! Now we can have these as often as we like. This is one of many Italian dessert recipes that bring back wonderful memorys of my nonna. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: I reconstructed this dessert based on an old recipe that had been in the family for years but was never written down. The subtle cinnamon flavor of the zwieback crust reminds me of the cheesecake I enjoyed as a child, but substitute other crumbs if you like. —Mary Beth Jung, Hendersonville, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: Affogato, which is espresso and ice cream mixed together, is awesome. It’s so easy to make at home; just get the espresso maker ready! —Cathy Killinger Lopez, Charlotte, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: Of all the Italian cookie recipes I make, this is my favorite. These sprinkle cookies take some time, but, believe me, they are well worth it! My husband and I used to operate an Italian American restaurant, and this recipe goes back generations. —Gloria Cracchiolo, Newburgh, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Sometimes the best-loved recipes are the most basic. Just ask my family who raves over this classic amaretto cheesecake. It's rich, creamy and versatile to boot! —Barbara Caine, Sussex, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: When I wanted a new frozen treat for my family, I came up with this citrusy, chocolaty version of classic Italian semifreddo. For an elegant presentation on special occasions, top each serving with whipped cream, a tangerine section and baking cocoa. —Claire Cruce, Atlanta, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: After a big Christmas dinner, we love the cool refreshment of a frozen lemon pie. Limoncello brings a little sophistication to each smooth, creamy slice. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine

From the Recipe Creator: This is one of the first holiday cookies I made when I found out I could no longer eat gluten. In those eight years, six of my family members and friends have also had to give up gluten, so these delicious Italian cookies have now become a treasured holiday tradition for all of us. By the way, no one will know they're gluten free unless you tell them! The cookies last for weeks if stored in a dry place. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: A luscious, chocolate-studded cannoli filling separates the tender vanilla layers of this rich cake, which starts with a package mix. It’s best when served well chilled.—Antoinette Owens, Ridgefield, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: Filled with fruit, nuts, chocolate and loads of flavor, these traditional Italian treats hit the spot. We enjoy them at Christmas with a hot beverage.

From the Recipe Creator: No list of Italian dessert recipes is complete without cannoli. Our version features a creamy filling dotted with chocolate chunks. The chopped pistachios are an attractive touch.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: These classic almond paste cookies are like ones you’d find in an Italian bakery. My husband and children are always excited when I include these goodies in my holiday baking lineup. —Kathy Long, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: These white chocolate-drizzled cookies are a cinch to make, so I’m happy to whip up a batch any time. My neighbors always look forward to them! —Ginger Chatfield, Muscatine, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: On a recent trip to Italy, I became addicted to gelato. My favorite choice was lemon because Italian lemons have an intense flavor. This recipe brings back memories of our vacation. —Gail Wang, Troy, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Buttermilk makes every bite of this awesome Italian cream cheese cake recipe moist and flavorful. I rely on this recipe year-round. —Joyce Lutz, Centerview, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: Everything about this dessert, from the pretty presentation to its silky smooth texture, says “special.” Rich chocolate is accented by the flavor of sweet, ripe berries perfectly. —Susan Asanovic, Wilton, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: Cookies are the crown jewels of Italian confections. I can’t let a holiday go by without baking these traditional almond cookies rolled in mild pine nuts. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: Fresh, high-quality ingredients really make a difference in this dessert. If you don’t have access to fresh-picked berries, use whatever fruit is in season near you. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: These lovely, golden brown anise pizzelle cookies have a crisp texture and delicate anise flavor. I create them using a pizzelle iron. —Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: For a refreshing end to a rich meal, try this freezer finale. Its intriguing interior and pretty color scheme are bound to garner oohs and aahs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: This sophisticated herbal gelato can be served as an appetizer, a palate-pleaser between courses or a sweet, elegant dessert that tastes like heaven on a spoon. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: My mother made these treats, known as struffoli in Italian, for neighbors, teachers and anyone who stopped by. This is an Easter, Christmas and special-occasion classic, and many call them cookies even though these are honey-coated bits of deep-fried dough. —Sarah Knoblock, Hyde Park, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: This rich dessert is sure to delight with its creamy filling, whipped topping and sweet caramel drizzle. It makes an ideal ending to a special meal. —Deanna Polito-Laughinghouse, Raleigh, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: Christmas wouldn't be the same without my grandmother's cookies. A plate full of these light and zesty cookies is divine! —Elisabeth Miller, Broadview Heights, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: I love chilly Italian dessert recipes like this smooth and creamy gelato. It has a bright strawberry flavor and just a hint of sea salt and honey. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: My mother brought this special family recipe from Europe a century ago. Cenci can be "dressed up" for any holiday—at Easter, I sprinkle yellow, pink and lavender jelly beans over them, and for Christmas, red and green candy sprinkles give the cenci a festive look. Even without the garnish, they always disappear fast! —Anna Coduto, Fullerton, California

From the Recipe Creator: Family and friends know I have a fondness for Christmas cookies. Each year after Thanksgiving, they begin asking when the cookies will be ready! —Linda Kappelt, Linesville, Pennsylvania