Zuppa Inglese Della Nonna Recipe

Indulge in Nonna's secret recipe for Zuppa Inglese, a delightful twist on classic tiramisu! This lighter, airy dessert features layers of creamy custard, coffee-soaked savoiardi biscuits, and a dusting of cocoa, creating a heavenly symphony of flavors. Perfect after a rich meal or as a delightful end to any occasion. Choose between a classic coffee infusion or a vibrant alkermes liqueur for a unique twist. This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients for a surprisingly elegant dessert that will impress your family and friends.

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 26 mins

Calories 393 kcal

Protein 19g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Zuppa Inglese Della Nonna

Biscuits
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cornflour
Milk
Espresso Coffee
Maraschino Cherries
Amaretto
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

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How to Make Zuppa Inglese Della Nonna

Whisk together 4 large egg yolks, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup cornstarch in a medium saucepan until light and fluffy.
Add the zest of 1 lemon and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Whisk well to combine.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of boiling milk while continuously stirring.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and barely comes to a simmer (about 1-2 minutes). Do not boil.
Remove from heat immediately to prevent scorching.
Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. This ensures a smooth and lump-free texture.
Cover the surface of the custard with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate until completely cool.
**Prepare the Syrup:** In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules (or 1 tablespoon of Alkermes liqueur). Stir until the sugar dissolves.
In a serving bowl, spread one-third of the chilled custard.
Dip savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers) one by one into the syrup, ensuring they are evenly moistened but not soggy.
Arrange the soaked savoiardi biscuits over the first layer of custard.
If using sponge cake, layer half of the sponge cake over the savoiardi and drizzle with half of the remaining syrup.
Spread another third of the custard over the savoiardi (and sponge cake if used).
Repeat steps 11 and 12, layering more soaked savoiardi biscuits.
Spread the remaining custard over the top.
Dust generously with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

12 g

Sugar

115g

Fat

31g

Carbs

18g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Sweets & Sides Desserts European Italian Vegetarian Holiday Recipes Baking Coffee Recipes

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Desserts Eggs Dairy European Vegetarian Italian Dietary

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Zuppa Inglese Della Nonna?

Zuppa Inglese Della Nonna takes about 46 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 26 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Zuppa Inglese Della Nonna?

Zuppa Inglese Della Nonna has approximately 393 calories per serving, with about 19 g protein, 18 g carbohydrates and 23 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Zuppa Inglese Della Nonna?

The key ingredients for Zuppa Inglese Della Nonna are Biscuits, Egg Yolks, Sugar, Lemon, Vanilla, Cornflour. See the full list with measurements above.