A Dessert Tour of Italy, from Piedmont to Sicily

If you can't go to Italy, at least you can eat dessert like you're on a grand tour.

There is no shortage of sites to see in Italy, from St. Peter's Basilica to the Amalfi Coast to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (not to mention all of the less touristed attractions).

And the best part of running around from ancient ruin to grand cathedral is the appetite you work up—and the gelato waiting on each corner. 

But even if a trip to Italy isn't planned for the near-future, you can still eat dessert like you've been exploring the streets of Turin and the beaches of Sardinia. Travel along with our Italian correspondent Emiko Davies as she shares 16 authentic recipes from 10 of Italy's many regions.

Campania (Naples):

Babà Napoletano al Rum

 

Friuli Venezia Giulia:

Gubana

 

Trentino-Alto Adige:

Torta di Susine (Plum and Ricotta Tart)

 

Piedmont:

Gianduia Semifreddo (Chocolate-Hazelnut Semifreddo)

 

Baci di Dama (Chocolate-Filled Hazelnut Cookies)

 

Calabria: 

Torta di Noci (Calabrian Walnut Cake)

 

Tuscany:

Fritelle di Riso (Tuscan Rice Fritters)

 

Castagnaccio (Tuscan Chestnut Cake)

 

Torta di Riso alla Carrarina (Tuscan Rice and Custard Torta)

 

Lazio (Rome):

Maritozzi (Sweet Yeasted Buns With Whipped Cream)

 

Crostata di Ricotta e Visciole (Ricotta and Sour Cherry Jam Crostata)

 

Sicily:

Pastine di Pistacchi (Little Pistachio Cookies)

 

Torrone Siciliano (Sicilian Almond Brittle)

 

Arancini di Carnevale (Orange Pinwheel Pastries)

 

 

Sardinia:

Seadas (Honey and Cheese Pastries)

 

Emilia-Romagna:

Castagnole di Ricotta (Ricotta Fritters)

Photos and recipes by Emiko Davies