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Zuppa Inglese

Zuppa Inglese
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Zuppa Inglese is a classic Italian layered dessert featuring rich custard and liqueur-soaked sponge fingers, creating a creamy, colorful, and comforting treat. Perfect for special occasions or cozy homemade indulgence, it combines smooth custard with subtly flavored, soft layers of cake infused with Alchermes or alternative liqueurs, resulting in an authentic and visually stunning dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Custard Base

  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
  • 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
  • 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped or 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 30g (3 tbsp) all-purpose flour
  • 20g (2 tbsp) cornstarch

Assembly

  • 200g (about 20) sponge fingers (savoiardi)
  • 150ml (2/3 cup) Alchermes liqueur or alternative liqueur (or orange juice/berry syrup for alcohol-free version)
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder or 50g (1.75 oz) grated chocolate (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Custard Base: Whisk together egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. In a saucepan, gently heat the milk with the vanilla pod and seeds (or extract). Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to avoid curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking continuously until thickened to a smooth custard. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Soak the Sponge Fingers: Pour the Alchermes liqueur into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each sponge finger, ensuring it absorbs enough liquid without becoming soggy. This step adds vibrant color and authentic flavor to the dessert.
  3. Assemble the Layers: In a serving dish or individual glasses, place a layer of soaked sponge fingers at the bottom. Spread a generous layer of custard over them. Repeat the layers, optionally adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings between layers for a subtle bitterness and contrast.
  4. Chill and Set: Cover the assembled dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the custard to firm up perfectly.

Notes

  • Use fresh eggs for a smoother and more stable custard.
  • Quickly dip sponge fingers to prevent a mushy texture.
  • Cook custard gently over low heat to avoid curdling and achieve silkiness.
  • Layer ingredients evenly for perfect texture and presentation.
  • Allow sufficient chilling time for enhanced flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Zuppa Inglese, Italian dessert, layered custard, sponge fingers, Alchermes, custard dessert, liqueur soaked cake, gluten-free dessert option

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/zuppa-inglese/