15+ Must-Try Italian Desserts in NYC Inspired by San Gennaro Fest

Julie Anne Loquinario
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There is something about Italian desserts that just hits differently in New York, especially during San Gennaro season. Cannoli, zeppole, and tiramisu are more than just treats. They are traditions that carry the flavor of Little Italy’s streets. Each bite feels like a sweet piece of history mixed with the city’s nonstop energy. If you’ve ever strolled through Mulberry Street during the feast, you know the air itself seems dusted with powdered sugar and espresso. This guide to 15+ must-try Italian desserts in NYC inspired by San Gennaro Fest is your ticket to tasting that same energy year-round, one spoon or pastry at a time.

Italian Desserts in NYC Inspired by San Gennaro Fest: Sweet Stops You Can’t Miss

Cannoli (Caffé Palermo)

Must-try Italian desserts in NYC inspired by San Gennaro Fest
Photo via @caffepalermonyc / Instagram

Crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside—Caffé Palermo’s cannoli is an absolute classic. Filled with smooth ricotta, these pastries have earned the title of “Cannoli King” in Little Italy. Each bite feels like a little piece of Italy, making this spot a must-visit for any dessert lover in NYC.

Gelato (L’Arte del Gelato)

Photo via @lartedelgelato / Instagram

For an authentic Italian gelato experience, head to L’Arte del Gelato. Offering rich, all-natural flavors made fresh daily, it’s a perfect choice for those who appreciate the delicate craft of gelato making. Their gelato is crafted without any artificial colors, keeping it as natural as possible, just like in Italy.

Panettone (Grandaisy Bakery)

Photo via @grandaisybakery / Instagram

This traditional Milanese sweet bread filled with candied fruit is a holiday staple. Grandaisy Bakery’s panettone is made with care and slow-proven dough, ensuring each bite is light and flavorful. It’s a perfect festive treat that stays fresh for weeks.

Tiramisu (Angelina Bakery)

Tiramisu is the sweet pick-me-up you didn’t know you needed. At Angelina Bakery, their signature tiramisu is served in a poppable cake can, offering the perfect balance of sweet, coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone. It’s a dessert that’s sure to fuel you for the day ahead.

Bomboloni (Eataly)

Think of bomboloni as Italy’s version of doughnuts—fluffy and filled with anything from cream to chocolate. These delicious fried dough balls are a great choice when you’re in the mood for something indulgent. Eataly’s bomboloni are always fresh and a perfect match for your sugar cravings.

Cassata Siciliana (Villabate Alba)

Must-try Italian desserts in NYC inspired by San Gennaro Fest
Photo via @villabatealba / Instagram

A true Sicilian classic, Cassata Siciliana features layers of sponge cake filled with sweet ricotta and topped with marzipan, icing, and candied fruit. Villabate Alba imports its ricotta straight from Sicily, giving this cake its authentic taste and texture. It’s a dessert you won’t want to miss.

Rainbow Cookies (Veniero’s Pasticceria)

Must-try Italian desserts in NYC inspired by San Gennaro Fest
Photo via @venierospastry / Instagram

Veniero’s Rainbow Cookies are a colorful treat that is just as delicious as they are vibrant. Made with almond paste and packed with layers of fruity flavor, these cookies have the perfect chewy texture. They’re an Italian-American favorite that brings a burst of sweetness with every bite.

Sfogliatella (Fortunato Brothers)

Photo via @fortunatobrosnyc / Instagram

For a pastry that’s both crunchy and creamy, try the sfogliatella from Fortunato Brothers. This flaky pastry filled with pistachio cream is a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, and a delightful taste of Italy.

Affogato (Caffé Reggio)

Must-try Italian desserts in NYC inspired by San Gennaro Fest
Photo via @nadette.stasa / Instagram

If you’re a fan of coffee and dessert, affogato is the perfect choice. At Caffé Reggio, they serve up vanilla gelato drowned in rich espresso, offering the ideal combination of sweet and bitter. For an added twist, try the variations with a shot of amaretto or Kahlúa.

Zeppole (Royal Crown Bakery)

Must-try Italian desserts in NYC inspired by San Gennaro Fest
Photo via @royal_crown_si / Instagram

Zeppole are Italy’s answer to deep-fried dough balls, and Royal Crown Bakery does them right. These hot, crispy doughnuts are dusted with powdered sugar and often filled with custard or jelly. They’re the perfect treat for any festival-inspired sugar rush, and you can enjoy them year-round.

Pignoli Cookies (Court Pastry Shop)

Photo via @courtpastryshop / Instagram

These almond paste cookies topped with pine nuts are a beloved treat, especially if you’re gluten-free. Court Pastry Shop’s pignoli cookies have a chewy yet fluffy texture, making them a delightful option for any dessert lover. The nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet, airy bite.

  • Instagram: @courtpastryshop
  • Location: 298 Court St, Brooklyn, NY
  • Phone: 1 718-875-4820

Ricotta Cheesecake (Artuso Pastry Shop)

Artuso Pastry Shop’s ricotta cheesecake is a decadent treat with a rich, creamy texture. This Southern Italian classic features ricotta cheese, fresh eggs, sugar, and a touch of citrus zest. A true homage to Italy’s cheesemaking heritage, this cake is an essential dessert for anyone with a love for Italian sweets.

Torrone (Vinny’s Nut House)

Photo via @vinnys_nut_house / Instagram

Vinny’s Nut House brings you torrone, a traditional Italian nougat packed with almonds and honey. Made fresh on the spot, this dessert is carved right before your eyes. Torrone is a festive, crunchy treat that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee.

  • Instagram: @vinnys_nut_house
  • Location: corner of Mulberry and Grand Streets in Little Italy, New York City

Struffoli (Ferrara Bakery & Cafe)

Must-try Italian desserts in NYC inspired by San Gennaro Fest
Photo via @ferrarabakery / Instagram

Struffoli is a popular Neapolitan dessert made of tiny, deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey and sprinkled with colorful confetti. It’s a festive treat that’s often served during the holidays, but Ferrara Bakery offers it year-round. These bite-sized pastries are sweet and sticky, making them a fun and flavorful dessert.

Gianduja Budino (Fausto)

Must-try Italian desserts in NYC inspired by San Gennaro Fest
Photo via @faustobrooklyn / Instagram

Fausto’s Budino is a luxurious chocolate-hazelnut pudding that takes you back to the essence of Italy. With whipped mascarpone and a crunchy topping of hazelnuts, it’s an ideal dessert to cap off any meal. Rich yet smooth, this Italian chocolate dessert is simply irresistible.

Semifreddo (Oceana)

Photo via @oceananyc / Instagram

Oceana’s pistachio semifreddo is a dream for anyone who loves layered desserts. With a delicate chiffon cake, creamy pistachio anglaise, chocolate mousse, and pistachio meringue, this treat is an intricate symphony of flavors and textures. Perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced, sophisticated Italian dessert.

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Julie Anne Loquinario

I'm your guide for navigating the chaos of NYC without losing your mind. I specialize in "honest" travel guides—skipping the tourist traps in favor of authentic local experiences.

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