Some may call this chocolate summer fruit tiramisu a trifle. But whatever you want to call it, it's delicious and perfect for feeding a crowd. Think chocolate sponge, layered with caramelised nectarines and other summer fruit then topped with whipped cream? Who could resist?
Whisk the eggs and sugar together with electric beaters until tripled in volume.
4 large eggs, 200 g golden caster sugar
Sift in the flour and cocoa powder, then fold them into the egg mixture being careful not to knock the air out of the sponge.
170 g plain flour (all purpose flour), 30 g cocoa powder
Spoon into a large large baking tray 26x38 cm and bake at 180℃ (350℉, Gas 4) for 12 minutes.
Leave to cool then cut into fingers.
Line a large shallow bowl or serving dish with the sponge fingers.
Fruit Layer
Slice each nectarine into 16 pieces, taking the stone out as you do so.
3 nectarines
Dip the slices in rose sugar then place in a buttered ovenproof dish and roast at 200℃ (400℉, Gas 6) for 10 minutes.
25 g golden caster sugar
Scatter the slices over the sponge fingers whilst still warm.
De-glaze the dish with the fruit liqueur and 4 tbsp of rose syrup.
100 ml fruit liqueur, 4 tbsp rose syrup
Drizzle half of this over the sponge fingers.
Roll the blueberries (minus 18 for decoration) in the rest of the glaze then scatter and drizzle everything over the sponge fingers, making sure you scrape out the pan well.
250 g blueberries
Cream Cheese Layer
Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and beat into the mascarpone and rose syrup.
1 vanilla bean, 250 g mascarpone cheese, 1 tbsp rose syrup
Whisk the cream with electric beaters until soft peaks form.
600 ml double cream (heavy cream)
Fold the cream into the mascarpone and spoon over the fruity sponge.
Grate or shave the chocolate and scatter over the top.
25 g dark chocolate
Use the remaining blueberries and a few sprigs of redcurrants to decorate, if liked.
redcurrant strigs
Notes
Swap the rose syrup for elderflower cordial if you prefer and use raspberries or strawberries as well as, or instead of, the blueberries.Please note: calories and other nutritional information are per serving. They’re approximate and will depend on serving size and exact ingredients used. Please refer to my nutrition disclaimer for further information.