Some Of The Most Iconic Desserts In Italy

One of the things that most commonly attracts tourists to Italy and that people most look forward to when planning their vacations is the food. Pizza, pasta, wine and coffee are probably top of your list of things to try but one shouldn't overlook Italian desserts. There are some iconic treats, in particular, that are a must and taste quite unlike their incarnations abroad.

Tiramisu is a good example of this. It is one of the most famous and beloved of all Italian desserts and the versions that you find in their homeland are far superior to those found elsewhere.

As a result of the popularity and fame of the dessert, many want to stake their claim to it across Italy. Its origins, therefore, have become uncertain. Most accounts, however, attribute the dish to a restaurant called Le Beccherie in Treviso.

It is said that it was created by a confectioner named Roberto Linguanotto, owner of the restaurant, and his apprentice, Francesca Valori, whose maiden name was Tiramisu. Other sources, meanwhile, trace the dessert back to 17th century Siena. No matter what the true story is, it remains a fact that one of the best places to try it is in Treviso. Why not find a vacation rental in Veneto and head over to the city to taste it there?

Another dessert that cannot compare elsewhere is gelato. However, there's another delicious chilled treat that Italy has to offer which you may not have heard of: Granita. Granita is a flavoured ice dish that is not unlike sorbet but has a rougher texture. You can try the dessert outside of Italy and all over the country itself but it originated in Sicily and is still most popular and varied there. The refreshing lemon version is the one most well-known outside of Italy but in Sicily you'll find traditional Sicilian flavours like strawberry, mulberry, peach and almond. Its origins probably stretch back to Roman times, as with gelato, though it was later widely popularised by the Arabs. Find a luxury villa in Sicily and try it in its birthplace.

Tuscany is known for her pastries and Siena, in particular, boasts many famous treats but one of the most delicious examples are Cavallucci. Made from flour, honey and sugar, in the shape of half an apricot, their exact origins are uncertain but there are some theories. These “little horses” (exact translation of the name) are variously said to have been created to be eaten at stagecoach inns by people travelling long distances, consumed by postmen travelling at length on horseback or by servants working in the stables of the aristocracy.

Whichever story is correct, these treats are still loved to this day. Just find a luxury villa in Siena and discover for yourself why they are so popular.

On your next trip to Italy be sure to indulge a little and try these delicious and iconic treats – it's worth it, we promise!