Sponge finger dessert

Would you like to be inspired by the creativity of those who love desserts, who always know what will surprise and delight their guests, making something delicious that both adults and children enjoy? Today we have come up with something unusual but scrumptious, a perfect dessert for any occasion, made with the famous Savoyard sponge fingers, to provide a unique culinary experience. But how do you make a dessert from sponge fingers? This is a delicious variant of the one made by Anna Moroni on Italian TV. We have used cherry syrup instead of jam to soak the sponge fingers and, therefore, we have arranged them in a baking dish with alternating layers of simple - but delicious – Italian custard. So much goodness that you just won’t be able to resist! Remember, don’t soak the sponge fingers for too long or they will inevitably start to disintegrate on contact with the custard and other biscuits.

Ingredients

Information
45 minutes Total time
Serves 6 persons
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Preparation

Prepare the Italian custard by mixing the eggs with the sugar in a saucepan. Sift in the flour with the vanilla and when absorbed add 500 ml of milk. Heat, stirring all the time, until the liquid begins to thicken. Let it cool. Dip the sponge fingers in the remaining milk to which you have added the cherry syrup. Arrange in a rectangular baking dish and alternate with a layer of Italian custard. Continue until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of custard and cherry syrup. Place in refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.

Tips
This dessert will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. In addition, you can vary the decoration according to taste, for example, you can sprinkle the surface with a bit of icing sugar, or add chocolate chips, or whatever your imagination suggests.
Trivia
The Savoyard sponge finger are a specialty biscuit from the Savoy region of France, light and very crumbly. In English they are sometimes translated by the term ‘ladyfinger’, again due to their shape.

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Additional Information

Are ladyfingers from Italy?

Ladyfingers, also known as sponge fingers or savoiardi, originated in Italy.

What are ladyfingers called in the USA?

In the USA, ladyfingers are typically referred to as sponge fingers or sometimes as savoiardi.

What is another name for ladyfingers?

Another name for ladyfingers is sponge fingers. They are also known as savoiardi in Italian cuisine.

What is a substitute for ladyfingers?

A common substitute for ladyfingers in recipes is slices of sponge cake or angel food cake. These alternatives can be used as a base in desserts like tiramisu or trifles. Additionally, you can try using biscotti or thin slices of pound cake as substitutes for ladyfingers in certain recipes.

Delicious Sponge Fingers Dessert Recipes

Sponge fingers, also known as ladyfingers or savoiardi in Italian, are versatile biscuits that can be transformed into delightful desserts. Whether you're craving a light and airy tiramisu or a luscious trifle, sponge fingers can serve as the perfect base for a variety of sweet treats. In this article, we'll explore some mouthwatering sponge fingers dessert recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Sponge fingers dessert ideas

  • Classic Tiramisu. One of the most iconic desserts featuring sponge fingers is tiramisu. Layered with espresso-dipped sponge fingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and a dusting of cocoa powder, tiramisu is a heavenly indulgence.
  • Berry Trifle. For a refreshing dessert, consider making a berry trifle with sponge fingers. Simply layer sponge fingers with fresh berries, custard, and whipped cream for a delightful dessert that's perfect for summer gatherings.
  • Strawberry Shortcake. Use sponge fingers as a base for a twist on the classic strawberry shortcake. Layer sliced strawberries and whipped cream between sponge fingers for a light and fruity dessert that's sure to impress.
  • Chocolate Tiramisu. Chocolate lovers will adore this decadent twist on traditional tiramisu. Substitute layers of chocolate ganache or Nutella for the traditional coffee mixture to create a rich and indulgent dessert.
  • Lemon Raspberry Parfait. Combine lemon curd, fresh raspberries, and whipped cream with layers of sponge fingers for a tangy and refreshing dessert that's perfect for springtime.

Easy Sponge Fingers Recipe

Making sponge fingers from scratch is surprisingly easy and requires just a few basic ingredients. Here's a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with half of the sugar until thick and pale yellow. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
  • Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture until just combined.
  • Sift the flour over the egg mixture and fold gently until no streaks of flour remain.
  • Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe the batter onto the prepared baking sheet in rows, leaving space between each finger.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the sponge fingers are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.

Lady Fingers Dessert Cake

If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert that's sure to impress, consider making a lady fingers dessert cake. Layer sponge fingers with whipped cream, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of chocolate or fruit sauce for a stunning dessert centerpiece.

No-Bake Desserts with ladyfingers

Not in the mood to turn on the oven? No problem! Ladyfingers can also be used in a variety of no-bake and easy icebox cake by layering them with pudding or whipped cream in a loaf pan. Alternatively, use them to create individual trifles by layering them in jars with your favorite fillings like pudding, fruit, and cream.

For a refreshing summer treat, dip ladyfingers in a mixture of fruit juice and rum or liqueur, then layer them with slices of fresh fruit and custard for a deliciously boozy dessert.

Another no-bake option is to make a tiramisu-inspired parfait by layering ladyfingers with coffee-flavored whipped cream or mascarpone cheese and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

With their light texture and neutral flavor, ladyfingers are the perfect canvas for experimenting with different flavor combinations and dessert styles, making them a versatile ingredient for any baker or dessert enthusiast.

In conclusion, sponge fingers, or ladyfingers, are a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a wide variety of delicious desserts. From classic tiramisu to refreshing trifles and no-bake treats, there's no limit to the culinary possibilities when it comes to these light and airy biscuits. So why not get creative in the kitchen and whip up one of these delightful sponge fingers dessert recipes for your next special occasion or sweet craving?