zuppa inglese

Italian trifle

Zuppa Inglese literally translates to ‘English Soup’, but there is nothing soupy about this dessert and it’s not English! So why is it named so? No idea! Perhaps it refers to ‘layers’ of ‘flavour’ one would find in a soup! Nonetheless, there are ‘layers’ and there are ‘flavours’, and the only dessert you will need this Christmas!

The traditional recipe for Zuppa Inglese (with it’s roots from central Italy, namely Emilia-Romagna) includes layers of savoiardi (ladyfinger) biscuits or sponge cake which are dipped into Alchermes (herbal) liqueur, and with pastry & chocolate cream.

There are of course many variations to this dessert throughout Italy (like most traditional Italian recipes), and I have added one more to that list! In my own recipe, I do include the original handmade savoiardi biscuits, with authentic crema pasticceria (pastry cream), however, I omit the use of the herbal liqueur and the chocolate cream. Instead I add chunks of fresh seasonal fruit – usually set in a drunken jelly! In this case, Prosecco peach jelly!!! I too add whipped cream to decorate the top.

There is some work to be done in preparing each layer, but once they are complete, it is easy to assemble!

Now with every recipe, you can substitute ingredients to your preference! I have at times used a store bought panettone in place of the savoiardi biscuits. I have changed the peaches for raspberries! You really are limitless! Or then again, you may wish to return to it’s original form of Emilia-Romagna! Either way, this dessert will surely impress all on Christmas Day!