Zuppa Inglese is the Italian trifle you need to taste

When you think of Italian desserts, classics like tiramisu and cannoli might come to mind. But there’s one lesser-known gem that has been delighting Italians for centuries: Zuppa Inglese.

This layered dessert, soaked in Alchermes liqueur and filled with rich custard, is Italy’s answer to the British trifle.

But what does Zuppa Inglese actually mean?
And how do you make the perfect Zuppa Inglese recipe at home?

Let’s dive into the history, ingredients, and variations of this delicious dessert.

What is Zuppa Inglese?

The history of the name

The name Zuppa Inglese literally translates to "English Soup"—which might sound strange for a dessert. But don’t worry, there’s no actual soup involved!

There are two main theories behind the name:

1. It may have been inspired by the British trifle, a dessert made with custard, sponge cake, jam, and sherry.
2. The word zuppa could come from inzuppare, meaning to soak—which makes sense because the biscuits in Zuppa Inglese are soaked in Alchermes liqueur, a bright red Italian spirit.

Multiple theories about its origins

Zuppa Inglese dates back to the Renaissance period and was a favorite among Italian noble families.

• Some say it was created in the courts of Ferrara, a city in Emilia-Romagna, where chefs tried to recreate the British trifle for visiting English diplomats.
  
  But unlike trifle, which uses jam and sherry, Zuppa Inglese relies on Alchermes—a liqueur with a spicy, floral flavor and a deep red color.
  
• While some believe Zuppa Inglese was inspired by trifle, others argue it’s a completely original Italian creation.
  
  Many believe Zuppa Inglese has Tuscan roots.
  Even Pellegrino Artusi, one of Italy’s most famous food writers, described it as a traditional Tuscan spoon dessert
  

The truth?

We might never know.
But does it really matter?

What counts is that Zuppa Inglese has survived for centuries, delighting generations with its rich, creamy, and slightly boozy flavor.

The recipe

Key ingredients

Before you start, gather these ingredients:

For the sponge base

• 200g ladyfingers (Savoiardi) or sponge cake
• 100ml Alchermes liqueur (or substitute with Marsala, rum, or coffee)

For the custard (pastry cream)

• 500ml milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 100g sugar
• 50g flour or cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate custard

• 50g dark cocoa powder
• 50g dark chocolate, melted

Step-by-step recipe

1. Make the custard
   - Heat the milk in a saucepan with vanilla extract.
   - In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale, then mix in flour.
   - Slowly add warm milk, stirring constantly.
   - Return to heat and stir until thickened.
   
2. Prepare the chocolate custard
   - Divide the custard into two bowls.
   - Mix cocoa powder and melted chocolate into one half to create a chocolate layer.
   
3. Assemble the layers
   - Dip ladyfingers in Alchermes liqueur and lay them in a dish.
   - Spread a layer of vanilla custard, followed by chocolate custard.
   - Repeat the process, ending with a custard layer on top.
   
4. Chill & serve
   - Let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
   - Before serving, dust with cocoa powder or grated chocolate.

Variations & modern twists

Alternative to alchermes

If you can’t find Alchermes, try using:

• Marsala wine (sweet and slightly nutty)
• Rum (adds a rich caramel-like flavor)
• Coffee (for a tiramisu-inspired twist)

Vegan & gluten-free adaptations

• Use almond milk instead of regular milk.
• Swap cornstarch for flour.
• Replace ladyfingers with gluten-free biscuits.

Zuppa Inglese Gelato

This gelato flavor combines creamy vanilla, cocoa, and a hint of Alchermes.

It has a sweet, spiced taste with a smooth texture, making it one of the best gelato in Bologna!

Where to eat Zuppa Inglese in Bologna & Emilia-Romagna

If you're in Bologna or traveling through Emilia-Romagna, you're in the perfect place to taste an authentic Zuppa Inglese.

This dessert is deeply rooted in the region’s culinary tradition, and many local restaurants and gelaterias still serve it with the classic Alchermes liqueur and creamy custard layers.

Here are some of the best places to try Zuppa Inglese in Bologna and Emilia-Romagna:

Restaurants & trattorias

• Trattoria Da Me (Bologna) – A historic trattoria with 2 great locations, one even inside a tower!, famous for its traditional Bolognese dishes and homemade Zuppa Inglese.
• Osteria del Viandante (Rubiera, Reggio Emilia) – Located outside Modena, this Michelin restaurant focuses on Emilian traditions. You will remember their Zuppa Inglese for a long time, I promise.

Where to find Zuppa Inglese gelato

If you prefer a cooler, creamier version, try Zuppa Inglese gelato—a unique flavor found in Bologna’s best gelaterias.

• Cremeria Santo Stefano – One of the most famous gelaterias in Bologna, known for its artisanal, high-quality gelato. A must-stop during our food tours in Bologna.
  
• Gelateria Galliera 49 – A local favorite with seasonal flavors and traditional Italian recipes.
  
• Sorbetteria Castiglione – A classic Bolognese gelateria, praised for its creamy and authentic flavors. Their take on Zuppa Inglese gelato is one of their signature offerings, made with real pastry cream and chunks of soaked sponge cake.

For more recommendations on where to find the best desserts in Bologna, check out this guide: Bologna desserts.

Conclusion

Whether you enjoy it as a classic layered dessert or a refreshing gelato, Zuppa Inglese is a must-try Italian treat.

If you want to experience authentic Italian cuisine, join our Bologna Cooking Class. While we usually teach fresh pasta dishes like tortellini and tagliatelle, we can also organize a Zuppa Inglese masterclass just for you!

Or, if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, our Timeless Dinner always includes Zuppa Inglese on the dessert menu.

Now that you know everything about this incredible dessert, when will you try your first bite of Zuppa Inglese?

[Photo credits Tamara Mambelli @Creative Commons]