If there's one "sweet rule" to follow during an Italian meal, it's this: always leave room for dessert. Here is a list of the three most famous Italian desserts in the United States.
Here is the top 3 of the most loved Italian sweets
As American cartoonist Charles M. Schulz put it, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!”
In other words, never, ever pass on dessert...especially if it's deliciously Italian! As we have often mentioned in our articles, Italy is an extraordinary puzzle of flavors and fragrances. Not only does each region have its own unwritten food code, but differences in cuisine can be tasted even from one city to the next. This also applies to desserts: each region has its variation, even of the same delicacy. Yet some sweets have conquered the world, becoming beloved and popular. Which one is your favorite?
Tiramisù
Our dessert list's first position belongs to Tiramisù, the most popular and famous Italian dolce of all. This dessert was first invented in 1971, in Treviso, Veneto (the same region where the beautiful story of Romeo and Juliet is set). This delicacy is now very popular in the United States and in the rest of the world. It comes from a perfect wedding between coffee-soaked Savoiardi biscuits (a sort of ladyfingers) and a divine cream of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar: easy to prepare, but simply delicious. Did you know that its name comes from the expression "tirami sù,” literally “pick me up?” Coffee is sure to do just that!
Cannoli
For this delicious dessert, we move to the beautiful island of Sicily. It is in this land surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea that cannoli are born. Sicily's best-known dessert's original recipe is ancient, dating as far back as 9th century Palermo. The word “cannolo” derives from the cane used to shape the dough. This incredible sweet still tells the story of Sicily’s unique culture, and its historical Arab influences. The shell is made of fried dough, while the filling has delicious ricotta, honey, and candied citrus rinds (or chocolate chips). If you are filling your cannoli at home, do not do it in advance…you don't want a soggy cannolo! Your shell should always be crispy and fresh.
Biscotti
You say cookies, Italians say biscotti! There are infinite shapes and recipes for this "twice-baked" (the literal translation of the Italian word) sweet treat, traditionally served with coffee, milk, or tea in Italy. The king of biscotti is the famous almond cantuccio, which originated in Prato, Tuscany. When in Tuscany, never forget to dip your cantuccio in a generous glass of local Vin Santo, a traditional after-dinner sweet wine.
