When dining in an Italian restaurant, such as the infamous Scarpetta in New York City, we often think of pasta and pizza. They are the perennial favorites and the most recognizable of the Italian dishes. Their desserts are often overlooked, although I doubt that the latter will still be the case after reading this post. We will briefly list down some of the mouthwatering desserts that will make you realize why Italy is a paradise for foodies.
Gelato
If you visit the top 5 Italian restaurants in NYC, one of the most common sweet endings that you can find is a gelato, an Italian-style ice cream. Those who do not have knowledge of Italian cuisine would think that gelato and ice cream are one and the same. Truth is, they have striking differences. Gelato is creamier and smoother. It also has more milk and less cream compared to what you can find in an ice cream.
Bombolone
In Buzzfeed’s list of the Italian desserts that you have to try before you die, this was on the top. It is a fluffy doughnut that is filled with cream. More than a dessert, it is also popular as a breakfast. Its ingredients may vary from one region to the other. For instance, bombolone in Tuscany does not contain eggs while in some places, an egg is the main ingredient.
Panna Cotta
This Italian sweet treat is simply a pudding made of gelatin that also contains cream and sugar. It literally translates to cooked cream in English. This is another classic in almost any Italian restaurant menu. There are variations when it comes to how it is served, especially when it comes to the toppings. Fresh fruits, specifically berries, are favorites for many people.
Pizzelle
If you love waffles and cookies, this is an Italian sweet that you definitely have to try. It is a waffle cookie that is made of vegetable oil, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. They are often thin and light, the type that will melt in your mouth. They are not traditionally served in restaurants but often home-made and popular for gift-giving.
Cannoli
This classic pastry is one of the most popular Italian desserts in the US. It has a crisp outer shell and a sweet, creamy filling. Originally from Sicily, it has been modified throughout the world to suit individual preferences. When making cannoli, there are two things that you need to learn – how to make the shell and how to make the filling.
Tiramisu
If you like coffee and cake, this Italian dessert has the best of both worlds. It is made of ladyfingers that are dipped in coffee. In some recipes, marsala or rum is also used as a dip. To balance the coffee flavor, it is layered with a mixture of mascarpone cheese, sugar, and eggs. It is then finished with cocoa powder.
What are you waiting for? Head to your favorite Italian restaurant now and hope that they have these desserts. Better yet, try making them at home!