17 Cheap Frugal Italian Desserts Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, there's no need to break the bank. You can indulge in delicious and authentic Italian desserts without having to spend a fortune. With a few simple and affordable ingredients, you can whip up some cheap frugal Italian desserts that will impress your taste buds and your wallet. In this article, we will share some of our favorite cheap frugal Italian desserts recipes that are easy to make and won't burn a hole in your pocket.
Main Ingredients: Part Skim Ricotta Cheese, Confectioners Sugar, Vanilla
If you're a fan of Italian desserts, you've most likely heard of cannoli. These crispy, creamy treats are a staple in Italian cuisine and are surprisingly easy to make at home. The traditional filling is made with ricotta cheese, but you can also experiment with different flavors like chocolate, pistachio, or even Nutella. All you need are some cannoli shells, a piping bag, and your choice of filling. Serve them at your next dinner party and watch them disappear in minutes.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
These simple yet delicious cookies are a popular treat in Italy, especially during the holiday season. Made with almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, they have a chewy texture and a subtle almond flavor. They are perfect for dipping in a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoyed on their own as a light dessert. You can also add some chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter for a twist on the classic recipe.
Similar to the almond paste cookies, these Italian almond cookies are made with almond flour, making them gluten-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center, and are often topped with sliced almonds for an extra crunch. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Ricotta cheese is a staple in Italian cuisine and is often used in both savory and sweet dishes. These Italian ricotta cookies are soft, pillowy, and bursting with flavor. They are made with a combination of ricotta cheese, sugar, flour, and lemon zest, which gives them a subtle citrus flavor. These cookies are perfect for any time of year and can be decorated with colorful sprinkles to make them even more festive.
Sfogliatelle, also known as lobster tails, are a popular Italian pastry that originated in Naples. They are made with flaky layers of pastry dough and filled with a sweet ricotta cheese filling. These pastries are a labor of love, as they require a lot of patience and skill to make. But the end result is worth it, as you'll have a delicious and authentic Italian dessert to enjoy.
This Italian lemon ricotta cake is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for summer. The ricotta cheese in the batter makes the cake extra moist and adds a subtle tanginess to the flavor. The lemon glaze on top adds a burst of citrus flavor and gives the cake a beautiful glossy finish. This cake is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests.
Plum tart, or crostata di prugne, is a classic Italian dessert that is often served during the summer months when plums are in season. The tart crust is made with a combination of flour, sugar, and butter, and the filling is made with juicy plums and a hint of cinnamon. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla gelato for the perfect summer dessert.
If you love traditional New York-style cheesecake, you'll definitely want to try this Italian version made with ricotta cheese. The ricotta gives the cheesecake a slightly lighter texture and a subtle tanginess that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake filling. Top it with your favorite fruit topping or enjoy it plain for a delicious and decadent dessert.
Also known as Italian wedding cakes or snowball cookies, these little treats are a must-have at any Italian wedding (hence the name). They are made with a buttery, crumbly dough and rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy effect. These cookies are perfect for any special occasion or just as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Today’s Cake – Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Caster Sugar, Ricotta, Eggs, Plain
This lemon ricotta cake is so good, it deserves a second mention. It's that delicious. The combination of ricotta cheese, lemon, and almonds gives this cake a unique flavor that is light and refreshing. The texture is also amazing, with a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, moist center. This cake is perfect for any day of the week and is sure to become a family favorite.
This dessert is also known as "pasticcio d'amore" in Italian, which translates to "mess of love." And it's easy to see why – this cake is a delicious mess of chocolate, ricotta cheese, and cake layers. The ricotta cheese gives the cake a light and creamy texture, and the chocolate chips add a rich and decadent flavor. This cake is perfect for Valentine's Day or any other special occasion with your loved one.
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Italian Almond-Orange Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Granulated Sugar, Orange, Honey, Almond
These cookies are a delicious combination of almond and orange flavors, making them a perfect treat for any time of year. The cookie dough is made with almond paste and orange zest, giving the cookies a subtle citrus flavor. They are then dipped in a glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice, making them even more irresistible.
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Simple Tiramisu
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Sugar, Mascarpone Cheese, Brewed Coffee
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that is loved all over the world. It's made with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone cheese filling. This version of tiramisu is simple and easy to make, but still just as delicious as the more complicated versions. It's the perfect dessert to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Italian Almond Cake
Main Ingredients: Flour, Almond Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Butter
Almond cake, or torta di mandorle, is a classic Italian dessert that is often served during the holiday season. It's a simple cake made with almond flour, eggs, and sugar, and is perfect for those who are gluten-free. The cake is dense and moist, with a delicious almond flavor that is sure to please any almond lover.
Pignoli cookies are a traditional Italian cookie made with almond paste, pine nuts, and powdered sugar. They have a unique texture that is slightly chewy and crispy at the same time, and the pine nuts add a delicious nutty flavor. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
This Italian cream cheese cake is a decadent dessert that is perfect for special occasions. It's made with a combination of cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream, giving it a rich and creamy texture. The cake is also flavored with lemon zest and vanilla extract, which gives it a subtle sweetness that is not overpowering. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious and indulgent dessert.
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Panna cotta...an Italian dessert
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Cream, Unflavored Gelatin, Sugar, Pure
Panna cotta, which means "cooked cream" in Italian, is a simple yet elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It's made with a combination of cream, sugar, and gelatin, which gives it a silky smooth texture. You can flavor it with vanilla, chocolate, or any other flavor you desire, and serve it with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a delicious and impressive dessert.
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Italian Dessert Wines
Main Ingredients: Egg Yolks, Sugar, Marsala Wine, Whipping Heavy Cream
No Italian dessert is complete without a glass of dessert wine to accompany it. Italy is famous for its sweet dessert wines, such as Moscato d'Asti, Vin Santo, and Malvasia. These wines are perfect for sipping on their own or pairing with your favorite Italian dessert. So next time you're indulging in a delicious Italian dessert, be sure to have a glass of dessert wine to complete the experience.
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European-style Hot Chocolate
Main Ingredients: Milk Chocolate, Bittersweet Chocolate, Granulated
Hot chocolate is a favorite winter drink all over the world, but in Italy, they take it to a whole new level. Italian hot chocolate, or cioccolata calda, is thick, rich, and almost pudding-like in consistency. It's made with dark chocolate, milk, and sometimes a touch of cornstarch to thicken it. It's the perfect indulgent treat on a cold winter day.
Last but not least, we have another delicious lemon dessert – Italian lemon cookies. These cookies are made with lemon zest and lemon juice, giving them a bright and refreshing flavor. They are also topped with a lemon glaze that adds a beautiful shiny finish and a burst of citrus flavor. These cookies are perfect for any time of year and are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Easy Tiramisu Trifle
Ingredients:
1 store-bought pound cake, cut into cubes
1 cup brewed coffee
1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix together the brewed coffee and coffee liqueur (if using).
In a separate bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
In a trifle dish or individual glasses, layer the pound cake cubes and drizzle the coffee mixture on top.
Spread a layer of the mascarpone mixture on top of the cake. Repeat layers until you reach the top of the dish or glasses.
Dust the top with cocoa powder. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
This cheap frugal Italian dessert is a twist on the classic tiramisu, using more affordable ingredients like pound cake and coffee liqueur. It's a perfect dessert to make for a dinner party or special occasion, and it won't cost you a fortune.
Homemade Gelato
Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream until just simmering.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy.
Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool completely.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions.
Transfer the gelato to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
There's no need to splurge on a pint of gelato at the store when you can make your own at home for a fraction of the cost. This cheap frugal Italian dessert is creamy, rich, and bursting with vanilla flavor.
Berry Crostata
Ingredients:
1 store-bought pie crust
1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a bowl, mix together the berries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
Roll out the pie crust and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Spoon the berry mixture onto the center of the pie crust, leaving about 2 inches of crust around the edges.
Fold the edges of the crust over the filling, creating a rustic, free-form tart.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let cool before serving. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
This simple cheap frugal Italian dessert is a great way to use up any leftover berries you have on hand. The flaky, buttery crust pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart berry filling. Plus, it looks impressive and tastes delicious, without costing a lot of money.
With these cheap frugal Italian desserts recipes, you can enjoy a taste of Italy without breaking the bank. These desserts are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you're craving something sweet, try one of these budget-friendly options and satisfy your taste buds without spending a fortune.