Italian Zabaglione Recipe (2024)

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How to make Zabaglione, a classic Italian dessert that's sweet, thick, creamy and incredibly delicious! Made with just 3 ingredients; egg yolks, sugar and Marsala wine. This creamy custard is perfect served with Savoiardi biscuits for dunking or with fresh berries!

Italian Zabaglione Recipe (1)

Traditionally, Zabaglione (also known as zabaione) was a home remedy given to you by your Nonna if you weren't feeling well. Egg yolks being rich in iron were used to give you energy and help your body heal.

It's now, a much loved classic Italian dessert that can be served both warm or chilled.

Made with just three ingredients; egg yolks, sugar and sweet wine (Marsala) it's very simple and easy to make. A light and deliciously sweet custard that's perfect served with Savoiardi cookies for dunking or over fresh berries.

See the recipe below including notes on ingredients, step by step photos, tips, variations and a video tutorial.For the full printable recipe scroll to the bottom or click the recipe link below

Notes on ingredients

Italian Zabaglione Recipe (2)
  • Egg yolks - save the eggs whites to make something else like Ricciarelli cookies.
  • Sugar - use white caster sugar (superfine) or granulated.
  • Marsala - if you don't want to use marsala you can use another liqueur you like although if it's not a sweet liqueur you'll need to reduce the amount you use by 2-3 tablespoons.

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How to make Italian Zabaglione

Preparation Tips!

  • Heat a large pot halfway with water. Your mixing bowl should be able to sit on top of it without touching the water.
  • Separate the eggs, put the yolks in a large mixing bowl and store the white in the fridge or for another use.

Zabaglione is really simple to make. Mix the egg yolks and sugar together with an electric whisk until pale and fluffy. Add the marsala and heat it over a pot of simmering water whilst whisking until thick ribbons form (photos 1-4).

Italian Zabaglione Recipe (3)

Pour into serving glasses and serve immediately with some savoiardi(ladyfinger) cookies and fresh fruit or chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Try adding some freshly whipped cream on top.

Recipe tips and FAQs

  • Remember the ratio - for every medium egg yolk add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of Marsala. If you don't want as much alcohol you can reduce it to ½ tablespoon.
  • Use a large heatproof bowl - the mixture will double in size when heated so it's important to use a bowl that will be big enough.
  • Don't let the bowl touch the water - the water will get very hot so don't let the bowl touch the water or the eggs will overcook.
  • Keep stirring - don't let the egg mixture sit for more than a few seconds or the eggs will start to scramble.

How do I know the Zabaglione is ready?

let the zabaglione fall from the whisk back into the bowl. If you can create a ribbon that holds its shape for a few seconds it's ready.

What can I use instead of alcohol?

If you don't want to use alcohol you can add in espresso coffee instead which is also delicious!

Zabaglione Vs custard, what's the difference?

The difference between zabaglione and custard is that custard is made with milk and is heated in a saucepan. Zabaglione contains no milk.

Italian Zabaglione Recipe (4)

How to serve Zabaglione

  • Serve warm - Traditionally, Zabaglione is served warm in small glasses or cups with Savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers) for dunking.
  • Serve with fruit - You can also serve it warm over fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries or peaches.
  • Serve chilled - serve it chilled with a little whipped cream on top.
  • Serve with cakes - Serve it over a thick slice of panettone or pandoro during Christmas or you can also mix it with some whipped cream or crema pasticcera and use it to fill cakes and pastries.
  • Add espresso - One of my friends loves to serve it with a shot of espresso mixed in which I can confirm is absolutely delicious!

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Italian Zabaglione Recipe

How to make Zabaglione, a classic Italian dessert that's sweet, thick, creamy and incredibly delicious! Made with just 3 ingredients; egg yolks, sugar and Marsala this creamy custard is perfect served with Savoiardi biscuits for dunking or with fresh berries!

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4 - 6 servings

Calories 192kcal

Author Emily Wyper

Ingredients

  • 6 medium egg yolks or 5 large egg yolks
  • 6 tablespoons caster sugar (90g) can also use granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons Marsala (90ml)

Instructions

  • Heat a large pot halfway with water. Your mixing bowl should be able to sit on top of it without touching the water.

  • Add the egg yolks and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Whisk together with an electric whisk until pale and thick.

  • Place the bowl on top of the pot of hot water making sure the bowl doesn't touch the water.

  • Add the marsala and continuously mix with a hand whisk until the mixture has doubled in size and thickened into a custard (this can take 5-10 minutes).

  • The zabaglione is ready when you can draw a ribbon that holds its shape for a few seconds. If it disappears immediately it's not ready, turn up the heat and keep whisking.

  • Once ready, pour into serving glasses and serve immediately with Savoiardi biscuits or fruit or chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Remember the ratio - for every medium egg yolk add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of Marsala. If you don't want as much alcohol you can reduce it to ½ tablespoon.
  • Use a large heatproof bowl - the mixture will double in size when heated so it's important to use a bowl that will be big enough.
  • Don't let the bowl touch the water - the water will get very hot so don't let the bowl touch the water or the eggs will overcook.
  • Keep stirring - don't let the egg mixture sit for more than a few seconds or the eggs will start to scramble.
  • Add espresso - you can also add a shot of espresso as well as or instead of the marsala.
  • Serve warm or chilled from the fridge. The zabaglione will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 292mg | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 50mg | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 389IU | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

Helpful Info for All Recipes

  • I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise
  • When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind I always use Cirio or Mutti brands for the best results and flavour.
  • All vegetables are medium sized unless stated otherwise
  • All recipes are tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven
  • Find out more about how nutrition is calculated.
  • Check out our must have Italian Pantry Staples.
  • You can also find all our Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking.

Did you try this recipe?Mention @insidetherustickitchen or tag #insidetherustickitchen! We'd love you see what you're getting up to in the kitchen!

More traditional Italian desserts

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  • Italian Crostata (Jam Tart)
  • Italian Ricotta Doughnuts
  • Chocolate Budino (Budino al Cioccolato)
  • Torta Caprese (Flourless Italian Chocolate Cake)

More Italian Desserts

  • Italian Mimosa cake (Torta Mimosa)
  • Crema Fritta (Deep Fried Custard)
  • Amaretto Red Wine Poached Pears
  • Ice Cream Stuffed Mini Panettone (Cherry and Chocolate)

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Italian Zabaglione Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are zabaglione made of? ›

Zabaglione is a simple Italian dessert made of egg yolks, sugar, and Marsala wine. It is usually served warm, though it can be served cold, as a sauce, or even frozen.

What is the difference between sabayon and zabaglione? ›

"Sabayon" is a French transliteration of the Italian "zabaglione," originally made with one tablespoon sugar and two tablespoons Marsala per egg yolk; French versions typically use white wine instead of the sweeter Marsala, and increase the liquid by 50% for a softer, lighter cream."

What is a substitute for Marsala wine in zabaglione? ›

At times it can be difficult to procure what I always considered the correct ingredient for Zabaione - Marsala. However, I have discovered that I can use other fortified wines or spirits. Wikipedia suggests Cognac - which got me thinking about a good smooth whiskey - such as - Redbreast.

What does zabaione mean in Italian? ›

Zabaione (Italian: [dzabaˈjoːne]) or zabaglione (UK: /ˌzæbəlˈjoʊni/, US: /ˌzɑːb-/, Italian: [dzabaʎˈʎoːne]) is an Italian dessert, or sometimes a beverage, made with egg yolks, sugar, and a sweet wine (usually Moscato d'Asti or Marsala wine). Some versions of the recipe incorporate spirits such as cognac.

Is it safe to eat zabaglione? ›

When dealing with egg yolks, safety is always a concern. Here why this Zabaglione recipe is safe: Salmonella bacteria is killed when eggs reach 140 degrees for more than 3 minutes. For the custard to thicken, it will necessarily reach that temperature for that amount of time.

Why is my zabaglione grainy? ›

The mixture must not get too hot during cooking or it will become grainy. If it begins to feel warmer than body temperature, remove the pan briefly from the heat, beating continuously, until the mixture cools. Then return the pan to the heat and continue cooking.

Why won't my zabaglione thicken? ›

It is necessary bring the temperature down a bit, which will help the zabaglione thicken further. I understand you might be tired at this point, but who can't use a little more arm toning? How long to whisk it off heat depends on how you wish to serve it.

Why is my zabaglione not thickening? ›

A perfect zabaglione (sabayon) will be smooth, fluffy and rich hold the whisk trail for few seconds. The flavour is delicate and aromatic with liqueur, wine or fruit juice. Reasons: not cooked enough, cooked too quickly so egg doesn't thicken; egg overcooked and about to curdle; too much liquid flavouring.

What does zabaglione taste like? ›

According to The New York Times, zabaglione is a thick but smooth emulsion that balances the rich froth of egg-based custard with the flavor of wine.

Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of Marsala wine? ›

To make the perfect marsala wine substitute for chicken marsala, replace ½ cup of marsala wine with ½ cup chicken stock, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and one teaspoon of sugar. Mix the chicken broth mixture into your recipe exactly the same way you would add the marsala.

Can I use Moscato instead of Marsala? ›

If you're preparing a sweeter dish, she suggests reaching for sherry, Moscato, or Port as an easy swap. You could even try a potent dry red tossed in with a bit of sugar and an orange peel as a comparable substitute.

Can I use vermouth instead of Marsala? ›

Possible substitutes would be a dry Madeira wine or a darker sherry such as Oloroso. If you don't have these then you could also use port or red vermouth.

What do they call ice cream in Italian? ›

Gelato is a frozen dessert of Italian origin, similar to ice cream. In fact, “Gelato” simply means “ice cream” in Italian.

What is big girl in Italian? ›

en. big girl = ragazzona.

What does Leche mean in Italian? ›

Italian translation of 'milk'

What's the difference between eggnog and zabaglione? ›

Zabaione is more of a creamy dessert, with the main ingredients of egg yolks, sugar and Marsala, whereas Eggnog is a drink, that is made with milk, eggs, sugar and nutmeg and or other spices, it can be made with or with alcohol such as Rum, Brandy or Bourbon.

What does zabaione taste like? ›

The custard is full-bodied and lightly sweet from the aged sherry, the hints of hazelnut earthy and warm. It's perfect spooned over a handful of ripe figs. Or have a little fun, and try a zabaglione using beer. A Belgian ale with its delicate, light flavor will give the custard a nice, malty finish.

How would you describe zabaglione? ›

nounItalian Cooking. a foamy, custardlike mixture of egg yolks, sugar, and Marsala wine, usually served hot or chilled as a dessert.

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