Zuppa Inglese is a historic Italian dessert, especially popular in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with soup, but instead resembles a layered trifle. The dessert combines soft sponge cake soaked in maraschino syrup, creamy vanilla pastry cream, and rich English custard, creating a vibrant and indulgent treat.
Boil water, maraschino, and 1 cup of sugar with a cinnamon stick. Reduce to syrup consistency and cool. Prepare sponge cake, cut into layers, and soak with the syrup.
Spread pastry cream between sponge layers and assemble a 3-layer cake. Chill for 2 hours.
To make English cream: whisk egg yolks with sugar and flour. Add milk, orange zest, and vanilla. Cook gently in a double boiler until thick. Add Grand Marnier and chill.
Serve a triangle slice of Zuppa Inglese over chilled English cream and dust with powdered sugar.
Calories: 430 | Fat: 22g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Sugar: 30g | Protein: 7g
