19 Italian Mess Dessert Recipe Cook Up Something Special!

Published on: Mar 17, 2024

One of the most beloved and iconic desserts in Italian cuisine is the Mess dessert. This deliciously indulgent treat is a layered masterpiece of fresh fruits, creamy mascarpone cheese, and delicate ladyfingers soaked in coffee and liqueur. A perfect balance of textures and flavors, the Mess dessert is sure to impress any dinner party guests or satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. Follow this easy recipe and learn how to make this classic Italian dessert in the comfort of your own home.

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Basic Cannoli

Main Ingredients: Part Skim Ricotta Cheese, Confectioners Sugar, Vanilla

Easy Cannoli Recipe - The Cookie Rookie®

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{The BEST} Homemade Cannoli Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie

Cannoli is a classic Italian dessert that is loved all over the world. This delicious treat is made up of a fried pastry shell filled with a creamy and sweet ricotta cheese filling. It's a popular dessert for many Italian gatherings and celebrations. But did you know that you can also make a savory version of this delectable treat? With just a few simple ingredients and a can of beer, you can create a mouth-watering beer can chicken that will impress your guests. Here are 20 of the best beer can chicken recipes that will take your cannoli game to the next level.

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Italian Almond Paste Cookies

Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt

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These Italian almond paste cookies are a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of almond paste and honey gives these cookies a unique and delicious flavor. They are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with friends and family. But why not take it up a notch by pairing them with a juicy and flavorful beer can chicken? The sweetness of the cookies will complement the savory flavors of the chicken, making for a perfect meal.

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Italian Almond Cookies

Main Ingredients: Almond Paste, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar

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Another classic Italian dessert, almond cookies are a staple in every Italian household. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with almond flavor. They are perfect for dipping in a cup of coffee or enjoying on their own. But have you ever thought of pairing them with a tender and juicy beer can chicken? The combination of sweet and savory will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

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Italian Ricotta Cookies

Main Ingredients: Flour, Baking Soda, Salt, Unsalted Butter, Granulated

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Ricotta cookies are a simple but delicious treat that is often served during the holiday season. These soft and cake-like cookies are made with ricotta cheese, giving them a light and fluffy texture. They are often topped with a sweet glaze and sprinkles for a festive touch. But why not change things up and serve them alongside a flavorful beer can chicken? The creamy and tangy ricotta cheese will complement the bold flavors of the chicken, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

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Authentic Italian Sfogliatelle

Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Water, Honey, Whole Milk, White Sugar

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Le deliziose sfogliatelle ricce napoletane | Lisa in cucina

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Sfogliatelle is a traditional Italian pastry that is made up of layers of flaky dough filled with a sweet and creamy filling. It's a labor of love to make, but the end result is worth the effort. These pastries are often enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert. But have you ever thought of adding a twist to this classic dish? By serving it with a delicious beer can chicken, you can create a unique and flavorful meal that will leave your guests impressed.

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Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Swerve Sweetener, Vanilla Bean, Lemon

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Lemon and ricotta are a match made in heaven. This Italian lemon ricotta cake is a light and airy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The tanginess of the lemon is balanced by the creaminess of the ricotta, creating a refreshing and delicious treat. But why not serve it as a side dish to a succulent beer can chicken? The flavors will complement each other perfectly, making for a mouth-watering meal.

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Italian Plum Tart

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Ground Cinnamon, Kosher Salt, Baking

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Plum tart, also known as crostata di prugne, is a classic Italian dessert that is perfect for the fall season. The combination of sweet plums and flaky pastry is simply irresistible. But have you ever thought of pairing it with a savory beer can chicken? The sweetness of the tart will balance out the bold flavors of the chicken, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

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Italian Ricotta Cheesecake

Main Ingredients: Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, Ricotta, Granulated Sugar

Easy Ricotta Cheesecake - Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

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Cheesecake is a beloved dessert all over the world, and the Italian version is no exception. This ricotta cheesecake is lighter and fluffier than its American counterpart, making it the perfect after-dinner treat. But why not serve it alongside a flavorful beer can chicken? The creamy and tangy cheesecake will complement the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

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Italian Wedding Cookies

Main Ingredients: Butter, Confectioners Sugar, Salt, Ground Almonds

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Italian wedding cookies, also known as Italian wedding cakes or snowball cookies, are a popular treat at weddings and other special occasions. These buttery and nutty cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a snowball-like appearance. They are perfect for snacking on, but they also make a great accompaniment to a flavorful beer can chicken. The sweetness of the cookies will balance out the bold flavors of the chicken, creating a perfect combination.

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Today’s Cake – Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Caster Sugar, Ricotta, Eggs, Plain

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Traditional Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake Recipe - Jenny at dapperhouse

This Italian lemon ricotta cake is a perfect example of a simple yet delicious dessert. It's easy to make and requires just a few ingredients, but the end result is a light and flavorful cake that is perfect for any occasion. But why not make it the star of the show by serving it alongside a succulent beer can chicken? The creamy and tangy flavors of the cake will complement the bold flavors of the chicken, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

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Italian Love Cake

Main Ingredients: Chocolate Cake Mix, Ricotta Cheese, Large Eggs, Sugar

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Italian love cake, also known as cassata cake, is a classic Italian dessert that is often enjoyed during the holiday season. This moist and delicious cake is made with ricotta cheese, giving it a unique and creamy texture. It's often topped with a layer of chocolate ganache and decorated with candied fruit. But have you ever thought of enjoying it with a flavorful beer can chicken? The sweetness of the cake will balance out the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

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Italian Almond-Orange Cookies

Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Granulated Sugar, Orange, Honey, Almond

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These Italian almond-orange cookies are a perfect combination of nutty and citrusy flavors. The addition of orange zest gives these cookies a bright and refreshing flavor that pairs well with the almond flavor. But have you ever thought of enjoying them with a flavorful beer can chicken? The tanginess of the orange will complement the bold flavors of the chicken, creating a delicious and unique meal.

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Simple Tiramisu

Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Sugar, Mascarpone Cheese, Brewed Coffee

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Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that is loved all over the world. This simple yet indulgent dessert is made with ladyfingers soaked in coffee and layered with a creamy and rich mascarpone cheese filling. It's often topped with cocoa powder for a touch of bitterness. But why not change things up and serve it alongside a flavorful beer can chicken? The richness of the tiramisu will complement the bold flavors of the chicken, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

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Italian Almond Cake

Main Ingredients: Flour, Almond Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Butter

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This Italian almond cake is a simple but delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It's made with almond flour and has a dense and nutty texture that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. But have you ever thought of pairing it with a flavorful beer can chicken? The nutty flavors of the cake will complement the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a unique and delicious dish.

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Italian Pignoli Cookies

Main Ingredients: Pignoli, Granulated Sugar, Confectioners Sugar

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Pignoli cookies, also known as pine nut cookies, are a classic Italian treat that is often enjoyed during the holiday season. These chewy and nutty cookies are made with almond flour and topped with pine nuts for an extra crunch. They are perfect for snacking on, but they also make a great accompaniment to a succulent beer can chicken. The nutty flavors of the cookies will balance out the bold flavors of the chicken, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

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Italian Cream Cheese Cake

Main Ingredients: Butter, Crisco, Sugar, Egg Yolks, Plain Flour, Baking

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This Italian cream cheese cake is a light and creamy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of cream cheese and ricotta cheese gives this cake a unique and delicious flavor. It's often topped with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate for a touch of sweetness. But why not serve it alongside a flavorful beer can chicken? The creamy and tangy flavors of the cake will complement the bold flavors of the chicken, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

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Panna cotta...an Italian dessert

Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Cream, Unflavored Gelatin, Sugar, Pure

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Panna cotta is a popular Italian dessert that is made with cream, sugar, and gelatin. It has a smooth and creamy texture and is often served with a fruit compote or sauce. But have you ever thought of pairing it with a succulent beer can chicken? The creaminess of the panna cotta will balance out the bold flavors of the chicken, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

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Italian Dessert Wines

Main Ingredients: Egg Yolks, Sugar, Marsala Wine, Whipping Heavy Cream

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No Italian meal is complete without a glass of wine, and that includes dessert. Italian dessert wines, such as Moscato d'Asti or Vin Santo, are sweet and flavorful, making them the perfect accompaniment to a delicious beer can chicken. The sweetness of the wine will balance out the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

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Italian Lemon Cookies

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Cornstarch, Juice, Salt, Butter

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Lemon Cookies with Lovely Lemon Glaze | Ambitious Kitchen

Lemon cookies are a classic Italian treat that is perfect for any occasion. These soft and chewy cookies are bursting with tangy lemon flavor and are often topped with a sweet glaze. But why not serve them alongside a succulent beer can chicken? The tanginess of the cookies will complement the bold flavors of the chicken, creating a delicious and refreshing meal.

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European-style Hot Chocolate

Main Ingredients: Milk Chocolate, Bittersweet Chocolate, Granulated

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Hot chocolate is a comforting and indulgent treat that is loved all over the world. But have you ever tried a European-style hot chocolate? This rich and creamy drink is made with melted chocolate and milk, creating a thick and decadent beverage. It's perfect for sipping on a cold winter day, but it also makes a great accompaniment to a flavorful beer can chicken. The richness of the hot chocolate will balance out the bold flavors of the chicken, creating a perfect combination.

The Origins of Mess Dessert

The History of Italian Cuisine

Italy is renowned for its rich culture and history, and its cuisine is no exception. Italian food has been influenced by various cultures and civilizations throughout the centuries, resulting in a diverse and unique culinary tradition. The Mess dessert, also known as Tiramisu, originated in the Veneto region of Italy in the late 17th century. It quickly gained popularity and became a staple dessert in Italian households and restaurants.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The name "Tiramisu" translates to "pick me up" or "lift me up" in Italian, and it's no surprise why. This dessert is a perfect pick-me-up with its decadent layers of sweetness and caffeine from the coffee and liqueur. The name "Mess" has a more playful origin, as it refers to the messy appearance of the dessert with its layered and scattered ingredients.

The Ingredients You'll Need

Authentic Ingredients for an Authentic Taste

To make a truly authentic Mess dessert, it's essential to use high-quality ingredients. The main components of this dessert include ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, coffee, and your choice of liqueur. The ladyfingers, also known as Savoiardi, are a type of Italian biscuit that is used as the base for the dessert. Mascarpone cheese, a creamy and slightly sweet cheese, gives the dessert its rich and velvety texture. The eggs and sugar are used to make the fluffy and creamy filling, while the coffee and liqueur provide a bold and flavorful kick.

The Steps to Creating the Perfect Mess Dessert

Layering and Assembling the Dessert

To make the Mess dessert, you'll need to start by dipping the ladyfingers in a mixture of coffee and liqueur. Then, arrange them in a single layer in a dish. Next, make the filling by beating together the mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread a layer of the filling over the ladyfingers, and repeat the process until you've used all the ingredients. Finally, refrigerate the dessert for a few hours to allow the flavors to combine and the ladyfingers to soften.

Garnishing and Serving

Before serving, dust the top of the dessert with cocoa powder for a beautiful and delicious finish. You can also add a few fresh berries or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance. Serve the Mess dessert chilled and enjoy its creamy and indulgent layers.

In Conclusion

The Mess dessert is a true testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Italian cuisine. With its perfect blend of flavors and textures, it's no wonder that this dessert has become a global favorite. Whether you're looking to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy and delicious recipe is sure to be a hit. So why not try your hand at making this classic Italian dessert and add a touch of sweetness to your day?