Exploring Sweet Pizzas in Italy: A Taste of Modern Pastry Art

When it comes to pizza in Italy, sweet varieties are a relatively modern innovation. Traditional Italian pizzas are all about savory ingredients like fresh mozzarella, basil, and spicy salami, paired with a tangy tomato sauce.

Modern Sweet Pizzas in Italy

While the idea of eating a sweet pizza might seem out of place in the culinary landscape of Italy, there are those who have embraced this modern twist. Sweet pizzas are usually served as a dessert, topped with sweet ingredients like Nutella, bananas, fresh fruit, or even a combination of gorgonzola and pears. These sweet pizzas are not the typical savory pizza base. Instead, they are often served as a focaccia or a pizza with a sweeter base.

Nutella Pizzas: A Sweet Twist for Dessert

One of the most popular sweet pizza options is the Nutella Pizza. In this modern version, the classic Nutella is spread over a baked pizza base, often served as a dessert after a savory pizza. While some traditionalists might frown upon this, many pizza lovers enjoy the rich, chocolatey flavor. This type of pizza is often found in pizzerias that offer a Dolce menu, meaning sweet dishes. One example is a Pizza alla Nutella, where a calzone is filled with Nutella rather than just spread on top.

Other Sweet Pizza Variations

There are other interesting sweet pizza variations in Italy that cater to specific tastes. These include:

Pizza Gorgonzola e Pera: A sweet and soured pizza combining the tanginess of Gorgonzola cheese with the sweetness of ripe pears. This dish is a fusion of flavors that appeal to those who enjoy both savory and sweet elements. Pizza Crema di Pistacchio: Another Dolce menu favorite, this pizza features a layer of pistachio cream on top of a base pizza, creating a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.

These sweet pizza dishes are often served in restaurants that cater to a younger audience or serve late-night dinners. They are typically prepared and enjoyed as a post-meal treat or dessert.

Traditional Italian Pizza vs. Sweet Pizza

While it’s true that traditional Italian pizza is all about savory flavors, sweet pizzas with ingredients like Nutella, bananas, or fruit are a modern twist on the classic Italian dish. These variations are more common in certain regions and are often found in themed dinners or special events. In Italy, the idea of having a “sweet pizza” for lunch or dinner is quite foreign, and most Italians consider it more of a dessert than a main course.

However, there are some innovative and delicious sweet pizza ideas that have gained popularity. For example, a local Syrian-French baker in Italy has created a thin walnut pizza with several cheeses and a moderately sweet sauce. This unique pizza is both visually interesting and delicious. Additionally, chains like Pizza Inn offer Chocolate Chip Pizza, which is a tasty delight for chocolate lovers.

Finding Sweet Pizza in Italy

Sweet pizzas can be found in select pizzerias, particularly those that serve a Dolce menu. However, they are not the norm. Most traditional pizzerias stick to their roots, serving only savory pizzas with classic Italian ingredients. You might find sweet pizzas in places next to discos or late-night eateries, where they are more likely to be served as late-night treats.

While sweet pizzas are not a common feature of traditional Italian cuisine, they have gained a certain niche following and have become a unique and interesting addition to the culinary landscape of modern Italy.