Description
Authentic Italian Zabaglione is a light, airy custard made with egg yolks, sugar, and Marsala wine. This velvety dessert is gently cooked over a bain-marie until it triples in volume and is perfect served warm over berries, panettone, or cookies, or chilled with whipped cream for a luscious mousse.
Ingredients
Scale
Zabaglione Ingredients
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Marsala wine (or Vin Santo, Moscato d’Asti)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bain-Marie: Fill a medium saucepan with 2 inches of water and bring to a gentle simmer, ensuring the water does not boil. Place a copper or heatproof glass bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
- Whisk Yolks and Sugar: Off the heat, vigorously whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and thick, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Add Wine and Seasoning: Slowly incorporate the Marsala wine, a pinch of salt, and fresh lemon juice if using, whisking continuously until thoroughly combined.
- Cook Over Gentle Heat: Place the bowl over the simmering water and whisk constantly for 10 minutes, or until the mixture triples in volume and forms soft peaks. Use the 8-second test by lifting the whisk—if the trail the spoon leaves holds for 8 seconds, the zabaglione is ready.
- Serve Immediately: Spoon the warm zabaglione over fresh berries, panettone, or cookies. For a mousse version, let it cool slightly, then gently fold in whipped cream before chilling in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Using a copper bowl helps stabilize the mixture and improve texture.
- Keep whisking continuously once the mixture is over heat to prevent curdling.
- Experiment with different wines for varied flavor profiles: Marsala for classic taste, Vin Santo for deep richness, or Moscato d’Asti for a light floral note.
- For make-ahead options, chill the zabaglione and serve with whipped cream or use a siphon to dispense.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
