Italians probably have some of the best desserts I have ever tasted, from rich chocolate cake to creamy panna cotta and classic Italian wedding cookies.
These treats are undeniably delicious and perfect for special occasions, but they’re not always the healthiest options for our daily values or nutrition guidelines.
That’s why I’ve put together some healthy Italian dessert recipes that still satisfy your taste buds without leaving you feeling guilty or sick after overeating.
Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee or planning to impress your dinner party guests, these recipes are designed for taste and balance.
Using wholesome, healthier ingredients, these easy Italian desserts—like a simple almond biscotti or a lighter take on the best tiramisu—are perfect for any dessert lover.
They’re easy to make at home, store well for later enjoyment (storing of cookies is key!), and are sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe box.
So whether you’re experimenting with cannoli cheesecake, cannoli cupcakes, or even trying your hand at an easy tiramisu recipe with instant coffee, these Italian-inspired treats are a great addition to your kitchen repertoire. They will help you embrace the dolce vita, one delicious bite at a time!
Easy Italian Dessert Recipes
Healthy Tiramisu Recipe:
My favorite cake in the world is the classic tiramisu. The combination of fluffy mascarpone, moist cake from the espresso, and cocoa powder on top makes a perfect cake. All the different parts really bring together the flavor.
After all this talk about how delicious it is, you might wonder, “But is it good for you?” The short answer is: in moderation—not every day. That’s why we’re sharing a version of tiramisu you can enjoy guilt-free whenever you like. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!
Ingredients:
-1 cup of strong brewed coffee, cooled
-1 tsp of monk fruit
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-1 cup of Greek yogurt
-1 cup of mascarpone cheese
-1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
-1/2 cup of whole wheat ladyfingers
-Dark chocolate shavings
-2 tsp honey
Instructions:
1. First, mix the coffee, monk fruit, and vanilla extract in a big bowl and set the bowl aside.
2. Then, you will Mixstep, which is preparing your cream mixture honey in a bowl, mix together your Greek yogurt, mascarpone cheese, and your honey. Mix this until well combined and the mixture is nice and smooth, then set aside.
3. Dip each of your lady’s fingers into the coffee mixture, but make sure not to soak them too much.
4. On a baking dish, arrange your soaked ladyfingers. Then, spread half of your cream mixture over the lady’s fingers.
5. Add another layer of ladyfingers and add the other half of your cream mixture. Then, finish the top with the cocoa powder and dark chocolate if desired. Refrigerate this for 4 hours.
Enjoy this healthy version of tiramisu; it really is a piece of cake to make!
Healthy Italian Rainbow Cookies:
Italian rainbow cookies are truly among the best cookies in the world. Their soft, cake-like layers are perfectly complemented by a crisp outer shell.
The vibrant red, white, and green layers, inspired by the colors of the Italian flag, make these cookies irresistibly decorative and tempting. While we all wish we could indulge in them daily, their traditional recipe may not make that practical.
That’s why I’ve created a healthier version of these iconic treats—so you can enjoy them every day if your heart desires!
Ingredients:
– cup of almond flour
-3 large eggs
-1 tsp of monk fruit
-1/4 tsp coconut oil
-1 tsp almond extract
-1/4 tsp of salt
-Squeeze of natural food coloring red and green
-sugar-free raspberry jam
-dark chocolate, make sure it is at least 70% cocoa or higher
Instructions:
1. To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line three 9×13-inch baking pans with parchment paper. Then, in a bowl, mix your almond flour, eggs, monk fruit, melted coconut oil, almond extract, and salt together until the batter is smooth and combined.
2. Divide your batter into three equal parts: color one part red and one part green, and then leave the other part white or plain. Spread each different color into your baking sheet and then bake them for 10 minutes. Once you take them out, let them cool before moving on to the next step.
3. Once they have cooled, spread a thin layer of the sugar-free raspberry jam onto the green layer. Then, layer on the white layer spread another layer of jam, and put the red layer on top.
4. Melt your dark chocolate and spread it over the top of the cake layer. Let it cool, and then cut into rectangles or squares and serve. Enjoy!
For storing cookies, I would recommend keeping them in an air-tight container for up to five days.
Healthy Cannoli Recipe:
Cannoli’s is a classic creamy dessert. They are always something you will see at your local Italian supermarket or even a bakery. You can get them plain or even get a few mini chocolate chips on the ends of them.
But as we all know, they are not the healthiest thing for us to eat every night after dinner. So, I have made a healthier version of cannolis that you can enjoy every night if you would like, and it is guilt-free! They are also a no-bake dessert, which is very convenient.
Ingredients:
-1 cup of ricotta cheese
-1/2 cup of Greek yogurt
-2-3 tbsp. of honey
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
-Whole wheat or gluten-free cannoli shells (these can either be store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract. Wish well until all is combined evenly and the mixture is smooth. Fold in your mini chocolate chips.
2. If you have store-bought cannoli shells, you can use them directly, but if you want to make a homemade shell, then you can find recipes online. Fill a piping bag with your ricotta cheese mixture and cut the tip-off. Then, carefully pipe the ricotta mixture into the cannoli shells, filling both ends.
3. If you would like a fancy look, you can dip the cannoli into some more mini chocolate chips. I hope you enjoy this healthy cannoli!
I hope you enjoyed some of my favorite Italian dessert recipes. Stay tuned for more of my favorite recipes and healthy recipes you can make!
