Enjoy These Tuscan Desserts Under the Tuscan Sun on Your Next Visit to Italy

If you're ever planning a trip to Italy, then a visit to Tuscany is a must. This region is known not just for its picturesque landscape, vineyards, olive groves, and rich cultural heritage, but also its lip-smacking cuisine.Tuscan cuisine or “cucina toscana” is celebrated in the global culinary scene, largely because the dishes are simple and no frills, use only locally produced quality ingredients, and are testament to time-honoured traditions passed down from one generation to another.

Besides savoury delights, there are plenty of desserts in cucina toscana that will tempt your tastebuds.These are sweet treats that are the stuff of dreams. There’s cantucci, more commonly called biscotti, which are crisp almond biscuits dipped in sweet dessert wine. Panforte, a rich Christmas cake packed with nuts, dried fruits, and spices, is a must have during the festive season. And let’s not forget the cold and creamy goodness of gelato, which will always offer the weary traveller in you respite on a warm Tuscan day.

Cantucci Toscani:

These are traditional Italian biscuits known for their distinctive oblong shape, crunchy texture, and almond-forward flavour profile. You'd be surprised that it only takes flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and almonds to create this recipe. Cantucci are twice-baked: first as a whole loaf or log, then the second time they're cut into rectangles and baked again until crispy and golden brown.

Torta di Riso:

Torta di Riso" translates to "rice cake" that's usually flavoured with citrus fruit, typically oranges, and baked to golden brown perfection. The cake has a base made with rice, usually Arborio variety, and is topped with a custard mix that is baked to golden brown perfection. The result is creamy, sweet, with a subtle citrus kick.

Schiacciata alla Fiorentina:

Schiacciata alla Fiorentina is a citrus-flavoured flat cake that resembles "schiacciata" bread, which is also local to Tuscany. Schiacciata alla Fiorentina, as you may have guessed by now, is something you will find exclusively in the region's capital, Florence. Something you need to know about this cake is that it gets its lift from the use of yeast and is always three centimetres tall. It's often decorated with powdered sugar and with a pattern of Florentine lily in cocoa.

Bomboloni:

The Italians have their version of doughnuts, and we dare say, they are far superior. They are essentially deep-fried dough that's dusted with icing sugar, but some versions also include a filling of cream or custard. You'll find bombolinis everywhere - in any pastry shop, cafe, or restaurant in Tuscany.

Gelato:

Gelato holds a special place in Italian cuisine, especially in Tuscany where it originated. This sweet frozen dessert is similar to ice cream but has less fat and air, resulting in a denser consistency and more intense flavour. Fresh fruits, chocolate, and nuts are usually used to flavour gelato, but you might find the odd bubblegum and cookies or cream flavour too in some gelaterias.

Torta della nonna:

This is a rustic dish that translates to "grandmother's cake," featuring a soft shortcrust pastry base, Italian pastry cream or crema pasticcera, and toasted pine nuts. The cake is either flavoured simply with vanilla or with lemon or orange zest. Finally, it's presented with a dusting of powdered sugar.