Olive Garden Desserts + Recipes

From Seasonal desserts to limited-time specials to classic desserts you won’t be able to get enough of, here are our favorite Olive Garden Desserts. Ready to take the ultimate tour of Italy?

Best Olive Garden Desserts

Tiramisu

Experience the culinary allure of Italy with Olive Garden’s Tiramisu, a classic recipe that transports your palate to the rustic streets of an Italian piazza. Your senses are first invited by the generously layered espresso-soaked ladyfingers, delivering a rich and robust flavor. This delicacy is then enhanced by indulgent waves of velvety cream, imparting a luxurious contrast of textures. The harmonious blend of these authentic elements culminates in an exquisite finish that defines this celebrated dessert and provides a captivating gastronomical journey. Discover the art of Italian cuisine in each irresistible layer and texture of Olive Garden’s Tiramisu.

Black Tie Mousse Cake

The epitome of elegance, the Black Tie Mousse Cake pays homage to high-class indulgence. Imagine a dessert designed with layers of dark chocolate cake, separated by swathes of rich, creamy chocolate mousse, and crowned with a slick of glossy ganache. This lavish dessert offers an intriguing textural play, perfectly balancing the dense cake with the airy mousse. Every serving of this cake is a black-tie event in itself, a celebration of refined tastes and textures.

Zeppole

With the Zeppole, you are brought straight to a traditional Italian feast. These doughnut-like pastries feature a crispy exterior that encases a soft, fluffy inside. A light dusting of powdered sugar finishes off this divine dessert, making every mouthful a sweet delight. Does it get any better than warm Italian doughnuts? We think not!

Chocolate Brownie Lasagna

The Chocolate Brownie Lasagna is an adventurous journey through layers of taste and texture. The brownie layers provide a deep, rich chewiness, interspersed with light, airy strata of chocolate mousse and capped with a glossy chocolate ganache. This dessert reinterprets the classic Italian lasagna, transforming it into a chocolate lover’s paradise in every spoonful. The chocolate shavings on top are also a nice touch.

Sicilian Cheesecake

Decadent yet vibrant, the Sicilian Cheesecake marries the creamy richness of classic Italian cheesecake with the zingy sweetness of a luscious strawberry topping. Infused with a hint of zesty lemon, the velvety cheesecake filling sits on a traditional biscotti crust, providing a delightful contrast of textures. The crowning glory – a generously spread strawberry topping – adds a touch of fruitiness that cuts through the richness, making every bite an irresistible treat. This dessert serves as a refreshing ode to Sicily’s love for bold and harmonious flavors.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Welcome autumn’s warmth with our Pumpkin Cheesecake. The mellow sweetness of pumpkin beautifully integrates with the tart creaminess of cheesecake, all nestled within a golden graham cracker crust. This dessert is an enchanting blend of the season’s most inviting flavors. A delicious twist on a classic.

Dolcini – Discontinued 🙁

Delight in the quaint charm of Dolcini. These miniature desserts capture the essence of Italian confectionery in a petite, glass serving. The variety of flavors, from luscious strawberry & white chocolate to creamy limoncello mousse, will cater to every discerning palate. Adorned with delicate garnishes, each Dolcini promises a perfectly portioned indulgence, offering a sweet conclusion to any meal.

Dark Chocolate Cheesecake – Discontinued 🙁

There is no bitterness in dark chocolate cheesecake. Catering to the sweet tooth of any chocolate connoisseur, the Dark Chocolate Cheesecake represents a triumph of indulgent dessert craft. This dessert elevates the familiar creamy cheesecake with an infusion of rich, bitter-sweet dark chocolate. Each slice, from its decadent chocolate base to the luxurious dark chocolate topping, offers a symphony of robust cocoa notes, masterfully balanced with smooth, velvety cheesecake. With every bite, this rich and intensely flavored treat promises to satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth.

Lemon Cream Cake – Discontinued 🙁

A delightful dance of flavors, Olive Garden’s Lemon Cream Cake combines the refreshing citrus zest of lemon with a light and airy cream filling. Nestled between two layers of rich, sweet cake, this lemon cream filling lends a zesty surprise to each bite. Uniquely balancing tartness with sweetness, this cake is an enchanting finish to any meal. Celebrating the joy of Italian baking traditions, it’s a perfect pick for those who enjoy a tangy element in their desserts.

Favorite Savory Olive Garden Recipes

Fettuccine Alfredo. A signature dish at Olive Garden, the Fettuccine Alfredo expertly balances creamy, Parmesan-filled Alfredo sauce with tender ribbons of fettuccine pasta. Each forkful provides a delightful mix of velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, a nod to the mastery of simple, quality Italian cooking.

Spaghetti. Olive Garden’s Spaghetti is a timeless Italian classic, with al dente spaghetti pasta served in a robust, house-made marinara sauce. With each mouthful, you’ll be transported to the heart of Italy as you enjoy the harmonious blend of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs.

Eggplant Parmigiana. An exquisite vegetarian option, Olive Garden’s Eggplant Parmigiana features lightly breaded eggplant, fried and topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and a touch of Parmesan. This dish is a medley of textures and flavors – crispy, creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious.

Cheese Ravioli. Filled to the brim with a savory cheese blend and served in a warm marinara or meat sauce, Olive Garden’s Cheese Ravioli epitomizes a classic Italian favorite. Each mouthful promises a comforting burst of rich, creamy goodness.

Breadsticks. Far from the usual, Olive Garden’s Breadsticks are golden, elongated parcels of flavor, boasting an irresistible combination of garlicky aroma, buttery finish, and a soft, fluffy interior. Paired with a hearty Italian meal, they transform your dining experience into an event to remember.

Shrimp Alfredo. Shrimp Alfredo at Olive Garden brings a taste of the ocean to the plate with succulent shrimp tossed in a creamy, rich Alfredo sauce and served over fettuccine. This divine creation balances sea sweetness with dairy decadence in a truly memorable way.

Cheese Ziti al Forno. Cheese Ziti al Forno showcases pasta tubes, blanketed in a luxurious five-cheese marinara sauce and baked to golden perfection. The texture of the al dente pasta contrasting with the baked cheese topping makes this dish an Italian delight.

Chicken Parmigiana. Chicken Parmigiana presents a lightly breaded and fried chicken breast, smothered in marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkling of Parmesan. This poultry classic is Italian comfort food at its finest.

Lasagna Classico. Olive Garden’s Lasagna Classico layers seasoned meat sauce, lasagna sheets, and a blend of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses. This heartwarming dish delivers a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas with every forkful.

Chicken Scampi. In the Chicken Scampi, you’ll find tender chicken strips and bell peppers combined with a garlicky white wine sauce, served over a generous bed of angel hair pasta. This is a dish where freshness meets zest, promising a plateful of vivacious flavors.

Chicken Alfredo. Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo offers grilled chicken breasts served on a bed of fettuccine, generously dressed in a creamy and rich Alfredo sauce. This dish expertly pairs the succulence of chicken with the indulgence of cream in a marriage of flavors that are simply unforgettable.

Famous House Salad. Olive Garden’s Famous House Salad brings together crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, zesty pepperoncini, red onions, olives, and crunchy croutons, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a refreshing and vibrant dish that adds a splash of color and a burst of flavor to any meal.

If you like these meal ideas, try our recipes for Olive Garden Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Olive Garden Chicken Piccata.

Best of the Kid’s Menu

Olive Garden offers a variety of kid-friendly dishes that not only cater to a younger palate but also incorporate wholesome ingredients to ensure a balanced meal. Here are some of the standout items on the kid’s menu:

1. Chicken Fingers and Pasta: This is a great choice for children who love the comforting combination of breaded chicken fingers served alongside spaghetti and marinara sauce. It’s a satisfying and familiar meal that’s hard to resist.
2. Macaroni & Cheese: An all-time kid’s favorite, Olive Garden’s Macaroni & Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and comforting. This dish is sure to bring a smile to your child’s face.
3. Cheese Ravioli: These bite-sized pasta pockets are filled with a blend of Italian cheeses and served with marinara sauce. It’s a kid-friendly introduction to traditional Italian cuisine.
4. Tomato Sauce with Choice of Pasta: A simple yet flavorful dish, this allows children to choose their favorite pasta type and have it served with a delicious tomato sauce. It’s a customizable option that caters to individual preferences.
5. Pizza: A mini pizza with a choice of topping, this is a definite hit among kids. The pizzas are made fresh in-house and feature a tangy tomato sauce and plenty of melty cheese.
6. Grilled Chicken with Rotini Pasta & Marinara Sauce: This dish offers a protein-rich grilled chicken, served with rotini pasta and a flavorful marinara sauce, which can be a good balance of taste and nutrition for kids.

Remember, all kid’s meals at Olive Garden also come with a choice of drink and a side, such as grapes or steamed broccoli, making the meals even more nutritious and balanced.

Olive Garden Desserts FAQs

Does Olive Garden make their desserts?

Yes, Olive Garden creates their own desserts in-house. They are known for their wide array of indulgent treats, from Tiramisu to Black Tie Mousse Cake, that are freshly prepared by their kitchen staff.

Does Olive Garden Tiramisu have alcohol?

Traditionally, tiramisu is made with a splash of coffee liqueur or Marsala wine. However, the exact recipe for Olive Garden’s Tiramisu may vary, and it’s best to ask the staff at your local Olive Garden to ensure you have the most accurate information.

Does Olive Garden have pumpkin cheesecake?

Olive Garden occasionally offers seasonal desserts like Pumpkin Cheesecake. However, their menu can change, and availability can vary by location and time of year. It’s always a good idea to check Olive Garden’s current menu or contact your local restaurant for the most up-to-date information.

How do you get a free dessert at Olive Garden?

Olive Garden has been known to offer a complimentary dessert for guests celebrating a birthday. Additionally, they sometimes provide special promotions or discounts to members of their eClub, which could include a free dessert. It’s recommended to check their official website or contact your local Olive Garden for the latest promotions and offers.

More Food Inspiration

What to Serve with Chicken Piccata

Keebler Cheesecake Recipe

Crack Jolly Ranch Candied Grapes

What doe eggplant taste like?

Harry Potter Drink Ideas

Have questions or suggestions about Olive Garden desserts? Leave in the comments below.