Most people are familiar with tasty treats like tiramisu and cannoli. But I want to introduce you to the absolute deliciousness of Italian cakes.
You will find 15 recipes on this list that are just as diverse and varied as any bakery sweets in the world.
1. Cassata Ricotta (Sponge Cake with Ricotta)
This light and spongy cake is covered on all sides with a thick and creamy ricotta icing. It gets so much wonderful fruity flavor from the candied citrus peels and orange juice plus a splash of triple sec.
You can actually have this ready in 20 minutes or less if you start with a premade sponge cake.
2. Classic Italian Rainbow Cake
This supersized cake features a multicolored interior covered in chocolate ganache and sprinkles. It offers a plethora of different flavors throughout like chocolate and raspberry alongside lemon and almond.
You can surprisingly make this intricate dessert from scratch in about an hour.
3. Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake (Torta di Noci)
Many authentic Italian cakes come without frosting and focus entirely on the flavor inside. This simple single layer cake features warm chocolate and espresso notes mixed with the crunchy saltiness of toasted walnuts.
It is a terrific dessert that bakes in just 40 minutes.
4. Italian Sponge Cake – Pan di Spagna
You can create this classic treat with just five simple ingredients like flour and cornstarch. It has a perfect spongy texture and a light vanilla taste that works with almost anything.
I love it plain or dipped in coffee.
5. Homemade Italian Cream Cake
This pillowy soft cake is packed with the sweet flavors of coconut and vanilla. A cup of chopped pecans adds a nice texture and nuttiness to the moist crumb.
The frosting is a rich mix of cream cheese and coconut that makes it much richer than you might think.
6. Rustic Italian Apple Cake
You can prep this eight ingredient cake in about 10 minutes before popping it in the oven. It uses simple pantry staples like flour and sugar plus fresh apples and lemon juice.
This is pure apple goodness that gives you a cozy down home cooking vibe.
7. Italian Hazelnut Cake (Torta di Nocciole)
This dense and buttery cake has a phenomenal nutty flavor that is hard not to love. It takes minimal effort to create this uncomplicated dessert with fewer than 10 ingredients.
You can enjoy it plain or smeared with rich hazelnut spread.
8. Italian Style Lemon Ricotta Cake
Italian chefs know exactly how to use ricotta cheese in sweet desserts. This buttery cake uses lemon zest and vanilla essence to create a melt in your mouth treat.
It is moist and crumbly and just so good.
9. Cannoli Pound Cake
This recipe captures the sweet and tangy taste of authentic cannoli in cake form. It has a soft spongy texture that feels just like a classic pound cake.
You get a little extra warmth from the addition of cinnamon and nutmeg.
10. Italian Orange Cake (Sicilian Whole Orange Cake)
This cake smells fantastic and tastes insanely amazing. You load it down with candied oranges to make it truly special.
It is the perfect bright dessert for celebrating the summer.
11. Zuccotto
You might recognize this famous dome shaped cake from movies. It requires some strategic cutting and layering to get that unique look.
The process is actually quite simple if you just follow the instructions carefully.
12. Easy Ciambella Recipe (Italian Breakfast Cake)
This cake features a shape similar to an American bundt cake. You can whip it up with just seven everyday staples like olive oil and an orange.
The crumbly consistency makes it perfect for pairing with your morning coffee.
13. Pastiera Napoletana
This dessert sits somewhere between a pie and a cake. It features comforting flavors of wheat berry and vanilla plus rich ricotta.
Eating it feels like coming home even if you have never tried it before.
14. Italian Lemon Olive Oil Cake
This delicate cake is packed with vibrant lemon flavor. It takes less than an hour to make this lightly sweet treat.
I like to top it with powdered sugar and fresh berries for a gorgeous finish.
15. Italian Panettone
This famous tall cake has a texture somewhere between bread and cotton candy. It is fluffy and citrusy with candied fruit peels scattered throughout.
This dessert is truly in a league of its own.