15 Best Traditional Italian Cake Recipes To Try

A regional dessert, Cassata Cake is a Sicilian specialty though this rendition simplifies it just a bit. This recipe skips the traditional marzipan topping the cake, leaving more time to focus on the real star, the filling. Cassata Cake filling is rich and flavorful from added spices and lemon zest. Give yourself extra time to allow the cakes to cool before assembling, so the ricotta mixture doesn’t melt.

One of the best Italian cakes if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, Torta Caprese is an easy-to-make dessert featuring dark chocolate. This cake was originally from the Isle of Capri, where they used almond flour and melted chocolate to create this cake. Top with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or both to make the perfect shareable gluten-free cake!

Ciambella, or Italian Breakfast Cake, is a lovely option for those that prefer their treats with less sweetness. Lemon and olive oil are two of the most predominant flavors in this dessert, with hints of fennel adding complexity. The subtle flavors and low sugar content make it the perfect accompaniment for a steamy hot coffee.

Zuccotto originated in North Italy, but as the popularity of this Italian cake grew, so did the methods of making it. Still, many characteristics of the old recipe remain, like the domed shape and the indulgent filling made with pastry cream. Dark chocolate topping the cake brings a hint of bitterness to this otherwise sweet cake.

Italian Cream Cake seems like a misnomer, as there’s no actual cream in the recipe. What the name refers to is the cream cheese used in the frosting. This cake is moist but not soggy and adds texture in the form of chopped pecans and shredded coconut. Though the origins of this cake can’t be tied directly back to one region, this example falls in line with other sweet Italian favorites.

A simple classic, perfect for any occasion, Italian Ricotta Cake is dense in a good way. I like this recipe because it’s easy to make. Save time by starting with a box of white cake mix, then add ricotta as well as almond and vanilla extract to create the traditional flavors of this dessert. Add a glaze to bring even more almond taste, or skip it for a less sweet rendition.

Tiramisu Cake is one of the most well-known Italian cakes and a favorite of nearly everyone who has tried it. The soaked sponge picks up flavors from the rum-espresso mixture, though it can be made sans alcohol by adding additional espresso. These robust flavors pair with the sweet Italian cheese, mascarpone in the frosting for a delightful dessert perfect for adult palates.

With a simple recipe that takes under an hour, Classic Italian Sponge Cake is one of the fastest to make. Bake in a bunt pan for a dense cake without any additional flavors. Savor the simplicity or experiment with fruit and frosting to mix it up. Personally, I like to serve this cake with lemon glaze and fresh raspberries.

Limoncello Ricotta Cake is another example of a traditional treat most people are familiar with. Ricotta produces a moist cake while also adding creaminess to the mixture. The other signature addition to this cake is the limoncello liqueur which adds a bright pop of citrus to this dessert. For an alcohol-free take, replace the liqueur with simple lemon juice.

The Traditional Italian Apple Cake is a fruit-forward example of Italian cakes that is perfect for fruit lovers. This simple recipe transforms depending on the type of apples used. My favorite to use in this cake are Gala apples which stay crisp after baking and bring an additional layer of mild sweetness to the cake.

For a visually stunning cake, craft this Italian Vanilla Cake with moist layers of cake and sweet pastry cream. The vanilla flavor comes through in the cake and the mascarpone frosting, though you can skip it in the frosting for a less aggressively vanilla flavor. I love decorating these simple, delicious cakes with different types of fruit.

Torta Nua, or Soft Italian Cake with Custard Cream, is a simple Italian cake stuffed with pastry cream. It’s also easy to add extra flavors, like vanilla or lemon. My favorite thing about this cake, though, is the soft, delicate texture. The fluffy, moist cake pairs perfectly with the creamy, delicious custard stuffed inside.

Another Italian cake uses the lemon ricotta flavor combination, Lemon Ricotta Bundt Cake, which is a moist and sweet treat, especially with added glaze. One of my favorite aspects of this cake is that it stores well in the fridge and can be made up to three days ahead of time.

Italian Cannoli Cake with Rum and Chocolate Ganache takes cannoli filling and stuffs it inside a beautiful cake. In addition to a tasty filling, this dessert has layers of vanilla cake soaked in rum. Next, the cake is frosted in buttercream with a hint of citrus and finally topped with a decadent layer of chocolate ganache.

Another example of a rum-soaked option in Italian cakes Italian Rum Cake combines the best elements of several of the cakes on this list. It has a rum-soaked sponge with layers of pastry cream in chocolate and vanilla flavors. Assorted nuts add texture to the cake and provide an extra layer of flavor in the cake.