Single-portion Zuppa Inglese

The single-portion Zuppa Inglese is an elegant and sophisticated dessert that retains all the flavors of the classic sweet in an individual format. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients for one serving:

• 3-4 ladyfingers
• 100 ml of Alchermes
• 250 ml of custard cream
• 100 ml of whipped cream
• Cocoa powder to taste

Preparation

1. Start by preparing a custard cream following the classic recipe (milk, yolks, sugar, and flour or cornstarch) and let it cool. Once the cream is cold, you can gently fold it in with the whipped cream to obtain a light and airy diplomatic cream.
2. Take the ladyfingers and, if necessary, cut them so that they fit into your single-serving containers. You can use glasses, small bowls, or transparent little jars.
3. Soak the ladyfingers in Alchermes. Alchermes is a red aromatic liqueur widely used in Italian pastry, especially for Zuppa Inglese. If you can’t find it or prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can use a soak made of fruit juice or a mixture of water, sugar, and a bit of flavor such as vanilla.
4. Arrange a first layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of the container.
5. Add a generous layer of diplomatic cream.
6. Repeat the layers until the container is full, alternating between ladyfingers and cream.
7. Finish with a layer of cream and dust with cocoa powder.
8. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Trivia

Zuppa Inglese is not actually of English origin, but is a thoroughly Italian dessert that likely drew inspiration from British trifles, which are also layered spoon desserts, during past centuries thanks to the culinary exchanges between the two nations. The single-portion modernizes the presentation of this traditional sweet and makes it perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.