Did you know that the typical American eats about four gallons of ice cream yearly? Consider expanding your repertoire if you’re sweet on desserts like ice cream. And one of the best places to start is with the desserts of Italy.
Read on to learn about four Italian chocolate desserts you need to try!
1. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is among the most popular traditional desserts from Italy. This dessert will treat you to a flavor combination dominated by chocolate and coffee. And its soft and creamy texture means each bite will melt in your mouth.
Making tiramisu involves soaking sponge cake, or ladyfingers, in a mixture of coffee and sometimes rum or liqueur. Each layer of soaked sponge cake sits between a light cream layer consisting of whipped sugar and eggs. And everything is dusted with powdered chocolate for a visually pleasing result!
2. Chocolate Gelato
For a creamy treat, try a bowl of gelato. Both gelato and ice cream start with a custard base. But traditional ice cream contains more air and less milk.
By contrast, gelato is made through a churning process that uses less air to arrive at a dense, decadent result. With each spoonful, you’ll appreciate the richness and intensity of flavor. A small serving goes a long way.
Pair a bowl of chocolate gelato with some broken pieces of chocolate candy for extra texture. Purchase Italian chocolates here to enhance your next dessert!
3. Torta Caprese
No chocolate addict should go through life without trying a torta caprese. This flourless chocolate cake promises a rich texture and intense chocolate flavor.
Most American cakes incorporate flour to create a lighter, airy texture. Torta caprese eliminates the flour for a denser textural experience.
Because of this, these cakes don’t need a thick layer of frosting. A simple dusting of powdered sugar is enough of a finishing touch before a torta caprese should be served.
4. Cannoli
When it comes to traditional Italian desserts, it’s hard to top cannoli. This Sicilian dessert has found its way onto Italian restaurant menus and bakery shelves as a popular choice after a sumptuous meal.
Cannoli is defined by its perfect pairing of sweet cream and a crunchy outer shell. The fried pastry dough shell is formed into a tube that houses a creamy interior.
Ricotta cheese, vanilla, and sugar combine to form that creamy interior. Sometimes, chocolate chips or other embellishments may be added to the creamy core for variations on the standard cannoli. And for an extra dose of chocolate, cannoli can be dipped to create a crunchy chocolate shell around part or all of the pastry exterior.
Indulge in Italian Chocolate Desserts
Italian chocolate desserts are an excellent way to satisfy your craving for a decadent and delicious treat. Try classics like cannoli and tiramisu after a plate of pasta or a bowl of minestrone. Reach for gelato or torta caprese for other velvety ways to complete your dining experience with a distinctively Italian take on chocolate desserts.
Find more ways to satisfy your cravings. Check back soon for new articles!