An Italian Dessert – The Zabaglione

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This delicious traditional Italian dessert, Zabaglione, is not only simple to make but somewhat healthier than your average desserts too!

 Zabaglione dessert with strawberries and blueberries

Packed with vibrant summer fruits and with a velvety custard base, plus a touch of sherry, this is the perfect summer dessert!

side on shot of Zabaglione an Italian dessert

Zabaglione is a traditional, light Italian dessert that’s great for summer entertaining.

It uses 3 main ingredients (eggs, sugar, sherry, but shh we added a little vanilla to ours too) and is fairly simple to make.

This delicious Zabaglione recipe has a whipped cream/custard texture and is topped with strawberries and blueberries. It makes a pretty delicious and somewhat healthier after-dinner treat!

Zabaglione, Italian dessert, with strawberries, blueberries and gold flatware.

The colors make it a perfect dessert for the 4th of July and you can make the custard earlier in the day, then chop the strawberries to store in the fridge for a ready-made dessert! Just make sure to assemble right before serving. Enjoy!

How To Make This Italian Dessert – Step By Step

  • Mix the egg yolks and sugar with an electric mixer on high, 4-5 min.
  • Lower the speed of the mixer and add in the sherry and vanilla extract.
  • Place the bowl, with the mixture, over a simmering pot, making sure the boiling water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl.
  • Whisk the mixture until thick like pudding.
  • Let the mixture cool, then layer with strawberries and blueberries. Enjoy!!
Zabaglione in a glass layered with fruit and custard.

What Is A Zabaglione?

 A Zabaglione or Zabaione is an Italian dessert, or sometimes a beverage, made with egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine. Some versions of the recipe incorporate spirits such as cognac.

The dessert version is a light custard, whipped to incorporate a large amount of air.

Since the 1960s, in restaurants in areas of the United States with large Italian populations, zabaione is usually served with strawberries, blueberries, peaches, etc. in a champagne coupe. 

photo of strawberries and blue berries in a glass on white wood

In France, it is called sabayon, while its Italian name is zabaione or zabaglione (or zabajone, an archaic spelling).

The dessert is popular in Argentina and Uruguay, where it’s known as sambayón (from the piedmontese sambajon). It is a popular ice cream flavor in Argentina’s ice-cream shops. In Colombia, the name is sabajón.

In Venezuela, there is also a related egg-based dessert drink called ponche crema. This is consumed almost exclusively at Christmas time.

A Simple Dessert For The Summer

With its bright colors and light, creamy texture this Italian dessert is perfect for the summer! Especially on the 4th of July!

Not only that, but it’s also simple to whip up and great if you’re entertaining. These refreshing glasses of fruity yumminess will make any summer spread pop!

A Healthy Dessert

Ok, this Italian dessert does have a splash of sherry, but otherwise, you’re looking at a delicious dish that’s actually pretty healthy.

Loaded with blueberries and strawberries, the whole dessert comes in at around 300 calories. Nice!

Zabaglione with strawberries and blueberries.

Plus blueberries are pretty darn super! Here are some health benefits of blueberries:

  • The blueberry is a very popular berry. It is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K.
  • Blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of all the popular fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids appear to be the berries’ antioxidant with the greatest impact.
  • Several studies suggest that blueberries and blueberry juice reduce DNA damage, which is a leading driver of aging and cancer.
  • Regular blueberry intake is tied to lower blood pressure in numerous studies.

Tips For Making This Italian Dessert

  • Use fresh fruit if available.
  • When placing the bowl, with the mixture, over a simmering pot, making sure the boiling water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl.
  • Make sure the mixture is cool before adding the fruit.
  • Serve immediately.
Italian dessert, Zabaglione in a glass.

Check Out These Other Delicious Summer Desserts

How to Make an Easy Fruit Platter

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods

Easy Dessert Charcuterie Platter

Ice Cream Bar

If you have tried this Italian Dessert recipe, then please rate it and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

Italian Zabaglione Recipe

This delicious Zabaglione recipe has a whipped cream/custard texture and is topped with strawberries and blueberries. It makes a pretty delicious and somewhat healthier after-dinner treat!
3.86 from 27 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
cool: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 320kcal
Author: Eden

Ingredients

  • 6 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup sherry
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 container fresh strawberries, roughly chopped
  • 1 container blueberries

Instructions

  • Mix the egg yolks and sugar with an electric mixer on high, 4-5 min.
  • Lower the speed of the mixer and add in the sherry and vanilla extract.
  • Place the bowl, with the mixture, over a simmering pot, making sure the boiling water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl.
  • Whisk the mixture until thick like pudding.
  • Let the mixture cool, then layer with strawberries and blueberries. Enjoy!!

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 391mg | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 250mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 520IU | Vitamin C: 70mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 1.6mg
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