Irresistible Italian Pastries You Must Try This Easter

Easter is a sweet and celebratory time of year, filled with colorful confections, festive feasts, and indulgent desserts. If you’re looking for something beyond traditional candy, why not explore the world of Italian pastries?

From flaky, cream-filled delights to rich, decadent cakes, Italy has a longstanding tradition of exquisite baked goods that make any occasion feel extra special.

Here are some must-try Italian pastries for Easter, including hand-selected favorites available at Nicola’s Marketplace!

Sfogliatelle – The Flaky Favorite

A true classic from Campania, sfogliatelle (pronounced sfohl-ya-TEL-leh) is known for its delicate, multi-layered shell and lusciously creamy filling.

In the U.S., it’s often called a "lobster tail" due to its shape. The interior features a lightly sweetened blend of:

✔️ Ricotta cheese
✔️ Eggs & sugar
✔️ Semolina & candied fruit
✔️ A hint of cinnamon or citrus

✨ Try It for Easter: Nicola’s Marketplace offers (8-pack) Mini Sfogliatelle Take & Bake Pastries, perfect for gifting or sharing. If you prefer a heartier bite, we also have Large Sfogliatelle (4-pack) to indulge in!

Cannoli – The Iconic Italian Dessert

If you think of Italian pastries, cannoli is likely the first that comes to mind! This Sicilian favorite features crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cream, often complemented with:

✔️ Chocolate chips
✔️ Candied citrus or fruit
✔️ Crushed pistachios

🛒 Nicola’s Marketplace offers a DIY kit to make your own large cannoli complete with crispy shells, a bag of rich cannoli cream and powdered sugar, so you can enjoy fresh, homemade cannoli whenever you like.

Bombolone – Italy’s Irresistible Donut

Hailing from Tuscany, bombolone (pronounced bom-bo-LOH-nay) is a fluffy, sugar-dusted donut with a luxurious pastry cream filling. Unlike American donuts, these treats are lighter, less greasy, and filled with velvety crema pasticcera, making them the perfect mid-afternoon indulgence.

💡 Fun Fact: In Italy, you’ll often find beachside cafés selling bombolone as a summer snack!

Cassata – A Sicilian Masterpiece

Cassata is a stunningly beautiful and decadently sweet cake that blends:

✔️ Fluffy sponge cake layers
✔️ Ricotta cheese & candied fruit filling
✔️ A splash of liqueur
✔️ Decorative icing & marzipan

This dessert is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds, making it a perfect Easter centerpiece.

Biscotti – The Perfect Coffee Companion

Although biscotti is more of a cookie than a pastry, it’s a beloved Italian treat that pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or dessert wines. These classic cookies come in many delicious flavors:

✔️ Chocolate Walnut
✔️ Almond Cherry
✔️ Cranberry Pistachio
✔️ Vanilla Bean & more!

🛒 Try Our Handmade Biscotti! Nicola’s Marketplace offers artisanal biscotti in assorted flavors, perfect for gifting or enjoying alongside your morning espresso.

Presnitz – The Hidden Gem of Trieste

This unique spiral-shaped puff pastry from Trieste is filled with a rich mixture of:

✔️ Cinnamon & spices
✔️ Candied fruit peels
✔️ Dried fruits & nuts
✔️ Chocolate & rum

Its name comes from Austrian influence, as Trieste was once under Austrian rule. Presnitz is a beloved Easter and Christmas pastry that pairs beautifully with coffee or dessert wine.

Maritozzi – The Cream-Filled Delight

Hailing from Rome, Maritozzi (pronounced mah-ree-TOHZ-zee) are soft, lightly sweet brioche buns filled with a luscious whipped cream filling.

Historically, these pastries were gifted by fiancés to their future spouses, hence the name “marito,” which means husband in Italian!

💡 Pro Tip: Enjoy Maritozzi with a dusting of powdered sugar and a cup of espresso for an indulgent Italian breakfast.

Pasticiotti – The Custard-Filled Tart

Hailing from Puglia, Pasticiotti (pronounced pahs-tee-CHOHT-tee) is a shortbread-like tart filled with rich custard.

This delicate pastry-meets-cake hybrid has a crumbly, buttery shell with a smooth, creamy center, making it a fantastic alternative to classic Italian pastries.

💡 Did You Know? Some variations swap out custard for chocolate cream or ricotta filling, giving it a puffier cannoli-like twist!

Elevate Your Easter with Authentic Italian Pastries

Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, preparing Easter baskets, or simply indulging in something special, Italian pastries bring a touch of tradition and elegance to any table.

✨ Why Choose Nicola’s Marketplace?

✔️ Authentic, handcrafted Italian pastries
✔️ Exclusive take & bake options
✔️ Premium ingredients sourced from Italy
✔️ Free nationwide shipping on orders $99+

🛒 Shop now and bring the magic of Italian desserts to your Easter celebrations!