10+ Sicilian Dessert Recipes to Sweeten Your Day

Sicilian desserts are a wonderful way to explore the rich culinary traditions of Italy. These sweet treats offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will surely satisfy your cravings. From creamy pastries to refreshing granitas, the variety is as vibrant as the culture itself.

Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, there are recipes for everyone. You can enjoy making classic desserts that highlight local ingredients and traditional methods, bringing a taste of Sicily right to your kitchen.

1) Cannoli alla Siciliana

Cannoli alla Siciliana are a delightful treat you can make at home. These crispy pastry shells are filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta filling. Each bite offers a wonderful mix of textures and flavors.

You can customize your cannoli with chocolate chips or candied fruit. A sprinkle of pistachios on top adds a nice touch. This classic dessert is perfect for special occasions or just a sweet snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup Marsala wine
• 1 egg white
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, optional

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, shortening, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add Marsala wine to form a dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
4. Wrap circles around cannoli forms and seal edges with egg white.
5. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry until golden brown.
6. Cool and remove shells from forms.
7. In a bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, and chocolate chips.
8. Fill shells with ricotta mixture.
9. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

2) Sicilian Granita al Limone

Sicilian Granita al Limone is a refreshing frozen dessert that’s perfect for hot days. This treat features a balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it a favorite in Sicily. You can easily prepare it at home with just a few ingredients.

To make this granita, you’ll need fresh lemons for the best taste. You mix lemon juice with water and sugar, then freeze it. The texture is light and icy, perfect for enjoying on a sunny afternoon.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
• 5 lemon wheels (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Mix in the lemon juice and zest.
4. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer.
5. After 30 minutes, stir with a fork to break up ice crystals.
6. Repeat every 30 minutes until it is fully frozen and fluffy.

3) Cassata alla Siciliana

Cassata alla Siciliana is a traditional Italian dessert that comes from Sicily. This cake is known for its colorful presentation and delicious flavors. It features layers of sweet ricotta cheese and sponge cake, often decorated with candied fruits and chocolate.

To make it, you start with orange-flavored sponge cakes. These are layered with a creamy filling made from ricotta, sugar, and sometimes chocolate chips. The cake is then covered with colorful icing.

This dessert is usually enjoyed during special occasions like Easter. When you serve it, guests are sure to be impressed by its beauty and taste.

Ingredients

• 2 orange-flavored sponge cakes
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• Candied fruits for decoration
• Icing sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the sponge cakes.
2. Prepare the sponge cakes and let them cool.
3. Mix ricotta cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add chocolate chips to the ricotta mixture.
5. Layer the cakes with the filling.
6. Decorate with candied fruits and icing sugar.

4) Pignolata Messinese

Pignolata Messinese is a delightful Sicilian dessert. It consists of small balls of fried dough. These dough balls are coated in a mix of rich chocolate and lemon glazes, creating a stunning two-colored treat.

This dessert is popular during Carnival but can be enjoyed year-round. It’s often arranged in a mound, making it look impressive at gatherings. You can find variations that feature different toppings, but the classic combinations are always a hit.

Making Pignolata Messinese is a fun process! You’ll love how these sweet bites come together.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Oil for frying
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup chocolate glaze
• 1 cup lemon glaze

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and eggs.
2. Gradually add milk and stir until smooth.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels.
6. Coat fried dough in honey, then dip in chocolate and lemon glaze.
7. Arrange in a mound and serve.

5) Poached Pears in Marsala

Poached pears in Marsala is a delightful Sicilian dessert. This recipe combines ripe pears with sweet Marsala wine, making for a warm and fragrant dish.

Start by placing your pears in a saucepan with Marsala wine, sugar, and some spices like cinnamon and cloves.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. The pears will soak in the flavors, becoming tender and sweet.

Once done, serve your poached pears warm with a drizzle of the syrup over them.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe pears
• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and core the pears.
2. In a saucepan, combine Marsala wine, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the pears, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Remove the pears and let the syrup reduce if desired.
6. Serve the pears warm with syrup drizzled on top.

6) Biancomangiare pudding

Biancomangiare is a delightful Sicilian dessert made with almond milk. This creamy pudding is refreshing and perfect for warm weather.

To make it, you will need simple ingredients like almond milk, sugar, and corn starch. You can also add a hint of lemon for extra flavor.

Serve Biancomangiare chilled, topped with chopped pistachios or a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s an ideal light dessert that is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup corn starch
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Chopped pistachios or cinnamon for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine the almond milk and sugar. Heat over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix corn starch with a little cold water to dissolve.
3. Slowly add the corn starch mixture to the pot, whisking constantly.
4. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest.
6. Pour into serving cups and refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.
7. Serve chilled and garnish with chopped pistachios or cinnamon.

7) Cuccìa with Chocolate

Cuccìa with chocolate is a delightful twist on the traditional Sicilian dessert. It combines cooked wheat berries with rich chocolate, making it a treat you’ll love.

To prepare this dessert, you’ll need ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, and a few other simple ingredients. The creamy texture of the ricotta pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate.

This dessert is not only tasty but also easy to make. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, giving you some flexibility.

Ingredients

• 500g cooked wheat (grano cotto)
• 500g ricotta cheese
• 150g sugar
• 100g chocolate chips
• 40g candied orange (optional)
• Cinnamon for sprinkling

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the cooked wheat with ricotta cheese and sugar.
2. Stir in the chocolate chips and candied orange if using.
3. Chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
4. Sprinkle with cinnamon before enjoying.

8) Pumpkin Ricotta Mousse

Pumpkin Ricotta Mousse is a delightful dessert that combines the creaminess of ricotta cheese with the warmth of pumpkin flavors. It’s light and perfect for any fall gathering or holiday feast.

Making this mousse is simple. You start by blending ricotta cheese with pumpkin puree and some spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This creates a smooth and flavorful base.

Next, fold in whipped cream for added lightness. This gives the mousse a fluffy texture that’s sure to impress your guests. Serve it in individual cups for a charming presentation.

You can top it with crushed graham crackers or a sprinkle of pumpkin spice for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta, pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
2. Gently fold in whipped cream.
3. Spoon the mixture into serving cups.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

9) Fiori di Sicilia Biscotti

Fiori di Sicilia biscotti are a delightful treat that combines traditional Sicilian flavors. These cookies are known for their unique scent and taste, thanks to the special ingredient, Fiori di Sicilia, which offers a floral and citrus note.

You’ll enjoy making these biscotti as they are perfect for any occasion. Serve them with coffee or tea for a charming touch.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon Marsala
• 1/4 teaspoon Fiori di Sicilia
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs and Marsala, mixing well.
4. Stir in Fiori di Sicilia.
5. In another bowl, combine flour and baking powder.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
7. Shape the dough into logs and place on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 25 minutes until golden.
9. Allow the biscotti to cool before slicing.

10) Sicilian Olive Cake

Sicilian Olive Cake is a delightful dessert that highlights the rich flavors of olive oil. This cake is moist and tender, making it perfect for any occasion. The use of olive oil instead of butter gives it a unique taste and texture.

You can add citrus zest for extra freshness. This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. It’s also great as a stand-alone treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, eggs, and milk.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
5. Fold in the citrus zest if using.
6. Pour the batter into a greased pan.
7. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.