Zuppa inglese

An Italian layered dessert of liqueur-soaked sponge or ladyfingers with vanilla and chocolate custard.

Zuppa inglese: A glass dish of zuppa inglese seen from the side, showing layers of red-tinted sponge, yellow custard and chocolate custard.
  • Traditional and regional desserts
  • Italy

Zuppa inglese is made by dipping sponge cake or ladyfingers in a red liqueur called alchermes, or another liqueur, and layering them in a dish with yellow pastry cream and chocolate custard. It is chilled until the layers set and the cake softens.

The red-tinted cake gives it a striking striped look when served. The name means English soup, and it is usually connected with English trifle, though its exact origin is debated. It is a home and restaurant favorite in central Italy, especially Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, and is sometimes topped with meringue or whipped cream.

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Sources

Written by VanillaGoods in our own words from these sources. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.

  1. How to prepare a perfect Zuppa Inglese, Travel Emilia-Romagna (regional tourism site, APT Servizi)