Top Olive Garden Desserts to Try in 2025 (Ranked by Fans)

There’s a reason some people skip the entrée and flip straight to the last page of the menu — dessert. And at Olive Garden, that last page? Worth it. Whether you’re celebrating something or just want a sweet bite after all that pasta, their dessert lineup hits the spot.

You’ll find a mix of cozy classics and Italian-inspired treats — not just your usual chocolate cake, but things like layered dolcini, mini lemon pies, and creamy tiramisu. It’s not trying to be a fancy dessert café. It’s familiar, it’s good, and honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what you want.

We’ll go over what’s on the Olive Garden dessert menu, what’s worth ordering, and how it compares to other dessert places you’ve probably tried. If you’re into rich chocolate, lighter gluten-free desserts, or just want to know what’s best to split with the table – this one’s for you.

Top Olive Garden Desserts You’ll Want to Try

Let’s be real — dessert at Olive Garden isn’t over-the-top or overly complicated. It’s simple, familiar, and comforting. But a few items stand out enough to make you plan your dinner around saving room for them.

Tiramisu

A classic, and Olive Garden doesn’t try to reinvent it — which is a good thing. Light layers of mascarpone cream, a soft espresso-soaked base, and just the right dusting of cocoa. Not too sweet, not too rich. Just… satisfying. If you’re into traditional Italian desserts, this is the one to go for.

Black Tie Mousse Cake

This is what happens when chocolate decides to show off. It’s got layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy chocolate mousse, and a silky ganache that’s honestly too good to share. If you’ve been searching for good desserts with that melt-in-your-mouth texture — this one checks every box. Easily one of the best desserts on the menu.

Lemon Cream Cake

This one’s a sleeper hit. It’s soft, light, with a strawberry flavor that isn’t too sharp or fake-tasting. There’s a dusting of powdered sugar, a creamy middle, and enough of a citrus kick to cut through your fettuccine coma. If you usually go for mini desserts or something less heavy, this is your move.

 Dolcini (Dessert Cups)

If you just want a taste without going all in, the dolcini are perfect. These little dessert cups come in flavors like chocolate mousse, strawberry & white chocolate, or amaretto tiramisu. They’re layered, chilled, and portioned for people who want just “one more bite” — and then always wish they ordered two.

Enjoy Olive Garden Desserts Without Dining In

you don’t have to be seated at a table with a cloth napkin in your lap to enjoy one of Olive Garden’s desserts. Most of the sweet stuff on the menu is available for delivery or takeout, and it travels surprisingly well — especially the dolcini cups and cake slices.

Whether you’re ordering dinner for the family or just want a single slice of dessert cake after a long day, you can easily add something sweet to your online order. And if you’re the type who Googles “dessert open now” at 9:30 p.m.? Olive Garden’s online ordering system is pretty straightforward, and many locations stay open late enough to satisfy that last-minute sweet craving.
Bonus: if you’re already ordering lunch or dinner, tossing in dessert doesn’t add much to the bill — especially compared to some overpriced dessert shops or trendy dessert cafés. And yes, you can find options if you’re looking for gluten-free desserts, too.

Lighter Options Exist (Surprisingly)

Not everyone wants the richest chocolate slice on the menu — and Olive Garden actually does a decent job offering something for different tastes and diets. It’s not a dessert restaurant or specialty dessert shop, but the variety covers a lot more than people expect.

If you’re on the lookout for gluten-free desserts, the classic Tiramisu and some dolcini cups (depending on the location) are your best bet — but always ask or double-check online since availability varies.

Those hunting for vegan desserts may find fewer options on the dine-in menu, but Olive Garden occasionally rotates in fruit-based cups or sorbets, especially during warmer months. Still, if plant-based is a priority, you might be better off trying your hand at one of the many Italian dessert recipes out there — think dairy-free lemon granita or almond biscotti.
For those who just want to try a little of everything? Go for the mini desserts or order a couple dolcinis. They’re low-commitment, sharable, and ideal if you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for — or if you’re splitting dessert after lunch and don’t want to feel stuffed.

Final Thoughts:

Olive Garden’s dessert menu isn’t trying to impress food critics — and that’s exactly why it works. It’s comfort food with a sweet twist. From rich chocolate mousse to light lemon cakes and chilled dolcini, it offers enough variety without feeling overwhelming.
Whether you’re wrapping up a big family dinner, ordering lunch for one, or sneaking in a slice of dessert cake to-go, there’s something on the menu that hits the right note. And with options that lean traditional but still nod toward lighter and gluten-free desserts, it checks more boxes than you’d expect from a casual chain.
So next time you’re browsing dessert places or wondering what’s open late, don’t overlook what’s probably already on your dinner table. The next best Italian dessert might just come in a takeout bag.