Zuppa inglese: the recipe for a delicious and spectacular dessert.

3.1. Preparing the sponge cake

1. Beat the Eggs and Sugar : In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric whisk or a stand mixer to make the process easier.
2. Add the Flour : Sift the flour and baking powder (if using) and gently fold them into the egg mixture, mixing with a spatula so as not to deflate the mixture.
3. Pour into the pan : Pour the mixture into a rectangular pan lined with baking paper and level the surface.
4. Bake : Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
5. Cooling : Once cooked, let the sponge cake cool on a wire rack.

3.2. Prepare the Custard

1. Heat the Milk : In a small saucepan, heat the milk with the split vanilla bean (or vanilla extract) until almost boiling. Remove from the heat and let steep for about 10 minutes.
2. Whisk the Egg Yolks with the Sugar : In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Flour : Sift the flour and add it to the egg yolk mixture, mixing well.
4. Add the Milk : Remove the vanilla bean from the milk and slowly pour it into the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly.
5. Cook the Cream : Return the mixture to the heat and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cream thickens. Once ready, transfer the cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

3.3. Assemble the Zuppa Inglese

1. Preparing the sponge cake : Once cooled, cut the sponge cake into slices about 1 cm thick.
2. Soak the Slices : Pour the alchermes into a bowl. Quickly dip each slice of sponge cake into the alchermes, being careful not to over-soak them.
3. Layering : In a large bowl or individual cups, begin layering: place a layer of soaked sponge cake, followed by a layer of pastry cream. Repeat until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of cream.
4. Decorate : Dust the surface with bitter cocoa and, if you like, add some chocolate chips for a decorative touch.

3.4. Cool and Serve

1. Refrigerate : Cover the zuppa inglese with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld.
2. Serving : When serving, you can further decorate with some fresh blueberries or strawberries for a pop of color.

4. Variations of Zuppa Inglese

4.1. Chocolate Trifle

For a more indulgent version, you can replace part of the pastry cream with chocolate cream. Simply prepare a pastry cream and add melted dark chocolate.

4.2. English Trifle with Fruit

You can enrich your zuppa inglese with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, peaches or raspberries, to insert between the layers of cream and sponge cake.

4.3. Alcohol-Free English Trifle

If you prefer an alcohol-free version, you can replace the alchermes with fruit juice, such as orange juice or black cherry syrup.

5. Tips for a Perfect Zuppa Inglese

5.1. Choose Quality Ingredients

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best results. Use fresh eggs and whole milk for a richer cream.

5.2. Check the cooking of the cream

When preparing the custard, it is essential to stir continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and burning.

5.3. The Importance of Rest

Letting the zuppa inglese rest in the refrigerator is crucial to allow the flavors to meld and for a creamier consistency.

6. Recommended Pairings

6.1. Drinks

Zuppa inglese pairs well with various drinks, including:

• Passito Wine : A sweet wine like Passito or Vin Santo enhances the flavor of the dessert.
• Coffee : A strong espresso is a great accompaniment to counteract the sweetness of the zuppa inglese.
• Tea : A black tea or fruit infusion can be pleasant choices.

6.2. Decorations

You can serve the zuppa inglese with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of deliciousness.

7. Conclusion

Zuppa inglese is a dessert that captivates with its flavor and beauty. By following this recipe and the tips provided, you can make a zuppa inglese that will leave your guests speechless. Feel free to experiment with variations and combinations to make this dessert unique and personal. Have fun in the kitchen and enjoy!

3.1. Preparing the sponge cake

1. Beat the Eggs and Sugar : In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric whisk or a stand mixer to make the process easier.
2. Add the Flour : Sift the flour and baking powder (if using) and gently fold them into the egg mixture, mixing with a spatula so as not to deflate the mixture.
3. Pour into the pan : Pour the mixture into a rectangular pan lined with baking paper and level the surface.
4. Bake : Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
5. Cooling : Once cooked, let the sponge cake cool on a wire rack.

3.2. Prepare the Custard

1. Heat the Milk : In a small saucepan, heat the milk with the split vanilla bean (or vanilla extract) until almost boiling. Remove from the heat and let steep for about 10 minutes.
2. Whisk the Egg Yolks with the Sugar : In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Flour : Sift the flour and add it to the egg yolk mixture, mixing well.
4. Add the Milk : Remove the vanilla bean from the milk and slowly pour it into the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly.
5. Cook the Cream : Return the mixture to the heat and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cream thickens. Once ready, transfer the cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

3.3. Assemble the Zuppa Inglese

1. Preparing the sponge cake : Once cooled, cut the sponge cake into slices about 1 cm thick.
2. Soak the Slices : Pour the alchermes into a bowl. Quickly dip each slice of sponge cake into the alchermes, being careful not to over-soak them.
3. Layering : In a large bowl or individual cups, begin layering: place a layer of soaked sponge cake, followed by a layer of pastry cream. Repeat until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of cream.
4. Decorate : Dust the surface with bitter cocoa and, if you like, add some chocolate chips for a decorative touch.

3.4. Cool and Serve

1. Refrigerate : Cover the zuppa inglese with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld.
2. Serving : When serving, you can further decorate with some fresh blueberries or strawberries for a pop of color.

4. Variations of Zuppa Inglese

4.1. Chocolate Trifle

For a more indulgent version, you can replace part of the pastry cream with chocolate cream. Simply prepare a pastry cream and add melted dark chocolate.

4.2. English Trifle with Fruit

You can enrich your zuppa inglese with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, peaches or raspberries, to insert between the layers of cream and sponge cake.

4.3. Alcohol-Free English Trifle

If you prefer an alcohol-free version, you can replace the alchermes with fruit juice, such as orange juice or black cherry syrup.

5. Tips for a Perfect Zuppa Inglese

5.1. Choose Quality Ingredients

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best results. Use fresh eggs and whole milk for a richer cream.

5.2. Check the cooking of the cream

When preparing the custard, it is essential to stir continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and burning.

5.3. The Importance of Rest

Letting the zuppa inglese rest in the refrigerator is crucial to allow the flavors to meld and for a creamier consistency.

6. Recommended Pairings

6.1. Drinks

Zuppa inglese pairs well with various drinks, including:

• Passito Wine : A sweet wine like Passito or Vin Santo enhances the flavor of the dessert.
• Coffee : A strong espresso is a great accompaniment to counteract the sweetness of the zuppa inglese.
• Tea : A black tea or fruit infusion can be pleasant choices.

6.2. Decorations

You can serve the zuppa inglese with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of deliciousness.

7. Conclusion

Zuppa inglese is a dessert that captivates with its flavor and beauty. By following this recipe and the tips provided, you can make a zuppa inglese that will leave your guests speechless. Feel free to experiment with variations and combinations to make this dessert unique and personal. Have fun in the kitchen and enjoy!