How to Make Italian Pasticceria (Pastry Shop) Favorites

Italian pasticceria is a delightful world filled with exquisite pastries that capture the essence of Italian culture and culinary artistry. From creamy tiramisu to flaky cannoli, these pastries are beloved around the globe. If you're eager to recreate these treats at home, here’s a guide on how to make some of the most popular Italian pasticceria favorites.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert known for its rich layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese.

  • Ingredients: 6 egg yolks, 3/4 cup sugar, 2/3 cup milk, 1 1/4 cups mascarpone cheese, 1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee (cooled), ladyfingers, cocoa powder for dusting.

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale. Add milk and cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
  2. Allow the mixture to cool, then fold in the mascarpone until smooth.
  3. Dip the ladyfingers briefly in coffee and layer them in a dish.
  4. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
  5. Add another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers and top with remaining mascarpone.
  6. Chill for at least four hours and dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Cannoli

Cannoli are crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream, often garnished with chocolate chips or pistachios.

  • Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon white wine or vinegar (optional), 2 cups ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for garnish.

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour, sugar, and salt, then cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in egg and wine/vinegar to form a dough. Rest for 1 hour.
  2. Roll out the dough thinly and cut into circles. Wrap around cannoli forms and fry until golden brown.
  3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fill cooled shells with this mixture.
  4. Dip ends in chocolate chips or pistachios and serve immediately.

Zeppole

Zeppole are delightful Italian doughnuts, often served with powdered sugar and a variety of fillings.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup water, 1/2 cup butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 4 eggs, and oil for frying.

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt; bring to a boil. Stir in flour until a ball forms.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth.
  3. Heat oil in a deep fryer and drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil. Fry until golden brown.
  4. Drain on paper towels, then roll in powdered sugar. Optional: fill with cream or jelly before serving.

Italian Biscotti

Biscotti are crunchy almond cookies that are perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.

  • Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 cup almonds (toasted).

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Beat eggs and vanilla into the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Fold in the almonds.
  3. Shape the dough into a log and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.