While many people associate Italian cuisine with pasta and pizza, you shouldn't overlook Italy's sweet treats. Italian bakeries often feature a variety of delicious pastries and cakes that make for a great snack or dessert.
Here's a look at some of the best Italian bakery treats that you should try.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert made with layers of ladyfingers soaked in coffee and wine, topped with mascarpone cream and cocoa powder. Tiramisu pairs well with a cup of coffee or espresso and is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is made with sweetened cream and gelatin, often with fresh berries on top. This creamy Italian dessert is great for those looking for something a bit lighter than tiramisu but still want something sweet and indulgent.
Biscotti
Biscotti is a type of Italian cookie that's perfect for dunking in coffee or tea. It's usually flavored with nuts, chocolate chips, and dried fruits and is typically served with a glass of sweet dessert wine. Biscotti is very crunchy.
Sfogliatelle
Sfogliatelle is less common but still delicious. It's a shell-shaped pastry that comes from Naples and consists of thin layers of dough. Those layers are filled with sweet ricotta cheese. You'll often see these pastries sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Zeppole
Zeppole is similar to a doughnut, and it's full of pastry cream or sweet cheese. It's deep-fried and often served on holidays, such as Easter.
Maritozzo
Maritozzo is a sweet bun filled with whipped cream. It's often sprinkled with powdered sugar or cocoa powder and found in many bakeries that cater to Italian goods.
Bomboloni
These Italian doughnuts are deep-fried and filled with custard, jam, or chocolate. They're usually served warm and pair well with a warm beverage, like coffee or tea.
Chiacchiere
Chiacchiere is a type of Italian fried pastry that comes in two shapes: strips or squares. It's usually dusted with powdered sugar or sprinkled with chopped almonds. You can serve chiacchiere with a glass of dessert wine or in place of biscotti.
Cannoli
This classic Sicilian pastry consists of fried pastry dough. You might find cannoli full of sweet ricotta or mascarpone cheese, or a variety of other fillings. Cannoli is often served as a dessert at Italian restaurants.
Check Out Sweet Italian Treats
These are just some of the many Italian bakery treats that you can find. If you're looking for a sweet treat, you won't be disappointed with any of these options.
For more information, contact an Italian bakery near you.