There are classic Italian desserts whose creators have been lost in the mists of time or have gone on to become legends, and then there are desserts that bear the first and last name of their creators. Then there are traditional sweets that would have been forgotten or lost if not for a sole individual who kept them alive.

There are also controversial cases, like the Torta Setteveli, which Sicilians claim to be their regional recipe, although it is the official property of three prize-winning pastry chefs. Here is a roundup of history-making cakes and other Italian desserts, either centuries-old or tied to Italian pastry chefs and confectioners, and where to taste them.