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12 Italian dessert recipes for easy entertaining. From summery panna cotta to rich chocolate ricotta cake, there's something for everyone!
Did you see our Summery Italian Recipes post earlier in the week? This is part two of our series of Italian recipes, perfect for easy entertaining. Today is all about the sweet treats! From silky panna cotta to zesty lemon cakes and rich chocolate ricotta cake, there's something for everyone. They pair perfectly with any of our other Italian recipes and have been tested over and over, ensuring success in the kitchen.

These recipes can be made ahead - that's our favorite secret to entertaining success. Make them earlier in the day (or week!) and pull them out before your guests arrive. Everyone gets to enjoy a delicious meal, and there's no last-minute stress. Save these recipes for your next dinner party and enjoy them all summer long!
Marry Me Italian Love Cake
A rich chocolate cake topped with a creamy ricotta layer and silky chocolate frosting. As it bakes, the layers magically switch places, creating a beautiful dessert that's as impressive as it is delicious.
Ridiculously Easy Lemon Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta
A Ridiculously Easy Italian dessert that tastes like it comes from a fancy ristorante, this Lemon Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta will make you look like a kitchen rock star!
Limoncello Syrup and Dessert Sauce
Delicious, unique and super-versatile. This Limoncello Syrup is wonderful as a sweetener for tea or drizzled on fresh fruit, yogurt, ice cream, fruit desserts...
Italian Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
This Italian Lemon Olive Oil Cake is ultra-moist, tender and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Made in one bowl with olive oil and finished with a warm lemon glaze, it's simple, elegant and ridiculously easy.
Limoncello Lemon Tart
A modern update to an old-fashioned icebox torte, this Limoncello Lemon Tart is melt-in-your-mouth delicious - with a few fabulous gourmet touches!
Salted Butterscotch Panna Cotta
Although this silky-smooth, crazy-delicious Salted Butterscotch Panna Cotta has a fancy name and beautiful presentation, it may go down in history as one of the easiest desserts you'll ever make!
Italian Raspberry Jam Ricotta Crumb Cake (Torta Sbrisolona)
This delicious Italian Ricotta Crumb Cake features a layer of creamy ricotta topped by a ribbon of raspberry jam nestled between a crisp, buttery dough that forms both the bottom crust and pretty crumb topping.
Easy Chocolate Budino with Candied Maple Walnuts
This impressive but easy Chocolate Budino is a creamy Italian-inspired dessert that takes pudding to a whole new level. You'll fall in love with the first silky smooth bite!
Italian Lemon Curd Ricotta Crumb Cake (Torta Sbrisolona)
This Lemon Curd Ricotta Crumb Cake is a fabulous, four-layer Italian dessert. The crust and crumb topping are made from the same sweet, buttery dough, making it quick and easy; no special equipment needed!
Ridiculously Easy Chocolate Panna Cotta
This easy Chocolate Panna Cotta is rich, silky smooth and incredibly delicious. A simple make-ahead Italian dessert that's perfect for dinner parties, holidays and special occasions.
Italian Apple Ricotta Cake
This Italian Apple Ricotta Cake recipe is moist, tender, and cheesecake-like with layers of cinnamon-scented apples and a glossy maple glaze. Easy to make in one bowl with no mixer required, it's perfect for entertaining, make-ahead, and freezer-friendly!
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