16+ Traditional Italian Easter Desserts Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 7, 2024
Easter is a time for celebration and indulgence, and what better way to do so than with traditional Italian Easter desserts? These delectable treats are a staple in every Italian household during this holiday season. Rich in flavor and steeped in history, Italian Easter desserts combine the best of both worlds - the sweetness of desserts and the significance of Easter. Let's take a closer look at some of the most beloved traditional Italian Easter desserts and their recipes. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your loved ones with these delicious treats!
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
If you have a sweet tooth and love almonds, then these Italian almond paste cookies are a must-try. Made with almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. They are perfect for snacking on while waiting for your beer can chicken to cook on the grill.
Similar to the almond paste cookies, these Italian almond cookies are made with almond flour, sugar, and egg whites. They have a slightly crumbly texture and are perfect for dunking into a cup of coffee or tea. These cookies are a great option for a sweet ending to your beer can chicken dinner.
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Italian Easter Pies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Egg
In Italy, Easter is a big holiday where families gather to celebrate and feast on delicious food. One of the traditional dishes served is Italian Easter pie, also known as "Pizza Rustica." This savory pie is made with a buttery crust, filled with a mix of cured meats, cheeses, and eggs. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a cold beer.
Similar to Pizza Rustica, Italian Easter pie is a savory pastry made with a flaky crust and filled with a mixture of meats, cheeses, and eggs. The difference is that this version uses a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and prosciutto for a creamy and salty filling. It is a delicious and indulgent dish that will surely be a hit at your next cookout.
If you're looking for a lighter and healthier option, then Italian Easter ricotta pie is the way to go. This pie is made with a simple crust and filled with a mixture of ricotta, eggs, and herbs. It is a light and refreshing dish that pairs well with the rich and bold flavors of beer can chicken.
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Italian Easter Egg Taralli
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Eggs, Sugar
Taralli are a type of savory Italian biscuit that can be sweet or savory. During Easter, these biscuits are made with the addition of hard-boiled eggs, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings. They are a delicious and festive addition to any Easter celebration and go well with a cold beer.
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Italian Sweet Ricotta Easter Pie
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour, Ricotta
Continuing with the Easter theme, Italian sweet ricotta pie is a traditional dessert served during this holiday. It is made with a sweet crust and filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, sugar, and eggs. It is a sweet and indulgent treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after enjoying some savory beer can chicken.
Ricotta cookies are a classic Italian treat that can be enjoyed any time of year. These cookies are soft, fluffy, and have a subtle lemon flavor. They are perfect for dipping into a cold glass of milk or pairing with a refreshing beer while waiting for your beer can chicken to cook on the grill.
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Pizza Rustica (Italian Easter Pie)
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Eggs, Mozzarella Cheese, Grated
We mentioned Pizza Rustica earlier, but it is worth mentioning again. This traditional Italian Easter pie is a showstopper dish that is sure to impress your guests. It is filled with a combination of cured meats, cheeses, and eggs, making it a savory and filling meal that pairs well with a cold beer.
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Italian Savoury Easter Cheese Pie
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Salt, All Purpose Flour, Cheese
Another variation of the traditional Easter pie is Italian savory Easter cheese pie. This dish is made with a flaky crust and filled with a mixture of cheeses, spinach, and herbs. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that pairs well with the bold flavors of beer can chicken.
Sfogliatelle is a classic Italian pastry that is known for its flaky layers and creamy filling. These pastries are a labor of love, but the end result is worth it. They are perfect for serving as a dessert after your beer can chicken dinner, or for a sweet breakfast treat the next day.
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Pizza Rustica (Italian Easter Pie)
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Italian 00 Flour, Beaten Egg, Large
We can't get enough of Pizza Rustica, and neither will your guests. This savory pie is a perfect addition to any Easter celebration or cookout. The combination of flavors from the cured meats and cheeses is irresistible, and it pairs well with a cold beer.
If you're a fan of lemon desserts, then this Italian lemon ricotta cake is a must-try. Made with almond flour, ricotta, and fresh lemon juice and zest, this cake is moist, tangy, and bursting with flavor. It is a great option for a light and refreshing dessert to end your beer can chicken dinner.
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Italian Easter Cookies (Taralli Dolce Di Pasqua)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Eggs, Sugar, Unsalted
Taralli Dolce di Pasqua are sweet Italian cookies that are traditionally made during Easter. They are similar to biscotti, but softer and sweeter. These cookies are a great snack to have on hand while grilling your beer can chicken and can be enjoyed with a cold beer.
Tarts are a great dessert option for a summer cookout, and this Italian plum tart is no exception. Made with a buttery crust and filled with juicy plums, this tart is a sweet and tangy treat that pairs well with the bold flavors of beer can chicken.
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Italian Easter Cookies (Taralli Dolci di Pasqua)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Eggs, Granulated
Another version of Taralli Dolce di Pasqua is the Southern Italian Easter cookies. These cookies are made with a combination of spices, almonds, and a splash of wine for a unique and flavorful treat. They are a great addition to any Easter celebration or cookout.
If you love cheesecake, then you have to try this Italian ricotta cheesecake. Made with ricotta, cream cheese, and a touch of lemon, this cheesecake is light, creamy, and has a slight tangy flavor. It is a great option for a dessert to enjoy after indulging in some beer can chicken.
Italian wedding cookies, also known as "Trayke" cookies, are a traditional treat served at weddings in Italy. These bite-sized cookies are made with almonds, butter, and powdered sugar, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are a great snack to have while grilling beer can chicken and can be enjoyed with a cold beer.
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Taralli Dolci di Pasqua (Southern Italian Easter...
Main Ingredients: Ap Flour, Baking Powder, Fine Sea Salt, Eggs, Sugar
These Southern Italian Easter cookies are a variation of the Taralli Dolci di Pasqua mentioned earlier. The difference is that these cookies are made with a combination of spices, nuts, and raisins, giving them a unique and flavorful taste. They are a great addition to any Easter celebration or cookout.
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Best Homemade Italian Easter Egg Taralli di Filomena
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Eggs, Sugar, Vegetable Oil
If you're feeling ambitious and want to try making your own Taralli di Pasqua, then this recipe is for you. These homemade cookies are made with flour, eggs, sugar, and anise extract, giving them a subtle licorice flavor. They are a sweet and festive addition to any Easter celebration and go well with a cold beer.
The Legend of the Italian Easter Desserts
The Origin of Colomba di Pasqua
One of the most iconic Italian Easter desserts is the Colomba di Pasqua, which translates to "Easter Dove." Legend has it that during the Lombard invasion of Italy in the 6th century, the city of Pavia was under siege. The people of Pavia were starving, and the city was on the verge of surrendering. However, a baker named Toni came up with the idea of a dove-shaped cake, representing peace, and offered it to the Lombard king as a sign of surrender. The king was so impressed by the gesture that he spared the city and allowed them to bake and enjoy this delicious cake every Easter. Since then, the Colomba di Pasqua has become a symbol of peace, love, and hope during the Easter season.
The Significance of Pastiera Napoletana
Pastiera Napoletana, or Neapolitan Easter pie, is another traditional Italian Easter dessert with a rich history. Its origins can be traced back to the pagan goddess Ceres, who was believed to have taught the Neapolitans how to cultivate wheat. As a way of honoring her, the Neapolitans used the first harvest of wheat to make a pie, which later evolved into the Pastiera Napoletana. This pie is traditionally made with ricotta cheese, boiled wheat, and candied citrus peels, symbolizing the rebirth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a must-have dessert during Easter in Naples and is now enjoyed all over Italy and beyond.
The Sweetness of Cassata Siciliana
Cassata Siciliana is a classic Sicilian dessert that has been a part of Easter celebrations for centuries. It is a sponge cake filled with ricotta cheese, candied fruit, and chocolate chips, and covered with marzipan. The history of this dessert can be traced back to the Arab rule in Sicily, where they introduced the use of almonds and sugar in desserts. Over time, the Cassata Siciliana evolved into the decadent dessert we know today, with its colorful layers representing the diversity of the island. This sweet treat is a must-try during Easter and is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
In Conclusion
Italian Easter desserts are more than just sweet treats - they are a reflection of the country's rich history and culture. These desserts not only satisfy your cravings but also have a deeper significance during the Easter season. So why not add a touch of Italian tradition to your Easter celebrations this year with these delicious and meaningful desserts? With their unique flavors and stories, they are sure to make your holiday even more special. Buona Pasqua!
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