Traditional Italian Easter Desserts
Ciao amici! Easter in Italy is a grand celebration filled with family, feasts, and of course, incredible desserts. As an Italian, and founder of Dilettoso, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of sweet Easter treats, each carrying generations of tradition. But what if I told you that you can enjoy these beloved flavors in a healthier, gluten-free way? Let’s dive into Italy’s most cherished Easter desserts and reimagine one with a delicious, guilt-free twist!
A Taste of Italian Easter
In Italy, Easter (Pasqua) is a time of joyous gatherings and abundant feasts. And what’s a feast without dessert? Here are some of the most iconic Italian Easter sweets:
1. Colomba di Pasqua – The Easter dove cake, similar to panettone, is a soft, yeasted cake topped with crunchy almonds and pearl sugar.
2. Pastiera Napoletana – A Neapolitan masterpiece, this ricotta and wheat berry tart is scented with orange blossom water, giving it a uniquely floral flavor.
3. Uova di Pasqua – Chocolate eggs are everywhere, often filled with surprises inside!
4. Cassata Siciliana – A colorful, rich cake made with ricotta cheese, marzipan, and candied fruit.
5. Taralli Dolci – These ring-shaped cookies are glazed with sugar and often flavored with lemon or anise.
Each of these desserts has a special place at the Easter table, but one of my absolute favorites is Taralli Dolci. These subtly sweet, ring-shaped cookies have a delightful crunch on the outside while remaining soft inside, often flavored with lemon zest or anise. Traditionally, they’re made with wheat flour and sugar, but today, I’m giving them a Dilettoso-approved gluten-free, healthier makeover!
Gluten-Free, Healthier Taralli Dolci
Instead of traditional wheat flour and sugar, we’re using Dilettoso’s oat flour blend, which includes oat flour, erythritol, brown rice flour, tapioca starch, and vanilla, to create a light yet satisfying texture without the gluten and refined sugar.
Dilettoso’s Gluten-Free Taralli Dolci Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups Dilettoso Vava Vanilla mix
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 tsp anise extract (optional, for traditional flavor)
For the Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered erythritol (or powdered sugar)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1-2 tbsp water (as needed)
Instructions:
PREHEAT the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, olive oil, and lemon zest.
ADD the Dilettoso gluten-free baking mix and baking soda gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add milk, one tablespoon at a time.
DIVIDE the dough into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a small rope (about 6 inches long) and shape it into a ring, pinching the ends together.
PLACE the taralli on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden.
PREPARE the glaze, while the taralli cool, by whisking powdered erythritol (or powdered sugar) and lemon juice. Add water as needed until smooth.
DIP each tarallo in the glaze and let it set on a wire rack.
ENJOY and Buona Pasqua (Happy Easter)!
With these gluten-free Taralli Dolci, you get all the traditional flavors without the wheat and refined sugar, making them a perfect choice for those looking to indulge in Italian Easter traditions the healthier way. Whether you celebrate with Pastiera, chocolate eggs, or these delicious Taralli, Easter is about sharing love—and sweets!
From my Italian heart to your kitchen, Buona Pasqua! And remember, with Dilettoso, you can always enjoy the taste of tradition, gluten-free and guilt-free!
What’s your favorite Easter dessert? Share with us @DilettosoFoods
Stefania Dilettoso, an Italian nutritionist with a passion for wholesome living, grew up immersed in the culinary traditions of her homeland. From an early age, she learned to honor food as both nourishment and an expression of love. Through her writing, Stefania shares the artistry, heritage, and soul of Italian cuisine, inspiring others to savor life's simple, flavorful pleasures.
