“Few other cuisines combine such intensity of flavour with so instinctive a lightness of touch and, of course, the simplicity that comes of confidence in exceptional ingredients
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Well, that depends on what kind of cake we are talking. If you are after a good old-fashioned farmhouse-style slab of sugary, buttery beauty, then perhaps. We do do this delightfully stodgy fare very well indeed after all. But what about the sweet treats that offer a midway point between the cake and the pudding? For those, we defer to Italy which, once again, shows us its mastery when it comes to light, dreamy indulgence. Here, we round up some of the best Italian cake recipes that promise to bring a slice of Italy into your home. So, tie your apron on, gather up your ingredients, and embark on a sweet journey through Italy's finest cakes. Buon appetito!
Tiramisu: The Timeless Classic
BBC Good Food
Tiramisu, which translates to ‘pick me up,’ is a beloved Italian dessert that combines the rich flavours of coffee, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa. This no-bake cake is layered with ladyfingers soaked in espresso and a creamy mixture of mascarpone, eggs, and sugar, topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. Each bite harmoniously blends bitter, sweet, and creamy textures in a masterclass of flavour-balancing. Plus, it’s better made ahead, and thus the perfect thing when you have guests. Get the recipe.
Cassata Siciliana: A Sicilian Jewel
Sprinkle Bakes
Originating from Sicily, Cassata Siciliana is a vibrant cake that showcases the island's Arab and Norman influences. This sponge cake is layered with sweet ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, and candied fruits, then covered with a marzipan shell and decorated with colourful icing and more candied fruit. It’s a true feast for the eyes and the palate. It’s not one to knock up quickly but if you have the time and the patience, we’d argue it is well worth it. We rather like these mini versions, which would be perfect for a tea party. Get the recipe.
Ricotta Cheesecake: The Creamy Delight
Joyous Apron
Italian Ricotta Cheesecake is lighter and fluffier than its American counterpart, thanks to the use of ricotta cheese. This cake has a delicate, creamy texture and is often flavoured with citrus zest or vanilla. It's a perfect dessert for those who prefer a less dense, more airy cheesecake. Get the recipe.
Zuppa Inglese: The Italian Trifle
Great Italian Chefs
Despite its name, which means ‘English Soup,’ Zuppa Inglese is an Italian trifle that layers sponge cake or ladyfingers soaked in Alchermes liqueur with rich pastry cream and sometimes chocolate. This dessert is colourful, flavourful, and perfect for pretty much any celebration. Who doesn’t like trifle? And who could resist that layer of shocking pink sandwiched through its layers? Not us. Get the recipe.
Italian Lemon Olive Oil Cake: The Italian Take On Lemon Drizzle
Ciao Florentina
This knock-out of a cake brings together layers of whipped mascarpone cheese, lemon curd, a lemon blueberry sauce and then sprinkles the whole with fresh blackberries. It looks like a slice of heaven and it tastes like one too. A cake to serve up outside, whether you are at a table on an English lawn or on a Tuscan hillside. Get the recipe.
Tuscan Pine Nut Cake: The Nutty Delight
Juls’ Kitchen
If you think of pine nuts as strictly reserved for the making of pesto or for toasting and scattering over salads, think again. Most Italophiles will have noticed pine-strewn sweet treats in the windows of Italian bakeries, most notably in Tuscany, and if you have not tried one, we say it’s high time. More to the point, we love Juls’ lovely and evocative storytelling about gathering pinenuts with her grandfather, which epitomises what the best Italian food is all about: family, history and legend. As she says, ‘Typical of Siena, the pinolata is one of the most common cakes you could find in bakeries and pastry shops, but also one of those home-baked desserts that cheer up family meals and afternoon snacks.’ Get the recipe.
