Baked & Prepared

Ladyfinger Biscuit in gelato

Ladyfinger biscuits (Italian savoiardi) are light, dry, egg-based sponge fingers of flour, eggs and sugar. In gelato they serve as a crunchy or soaked inclusion, most famously in tiramisu-style flavors, adding sweetness, sponge texture and a baked, eggy note.

Balancing parameters

Per 100 g of product, verified against independent food-science sources (listed below).

ParameterValue
Total Solids80%
Water20%
Sugars26%
Fat9%
MSNF0%
Protein10.6%
POD (sweetening power)26
PAC (anti-freezing power)26

Typical use: About 5-15% of the finished mix as an inclusion (higher for a pronounced tiramisu/charlotte character).

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How to use it in gelato

Ladyfingers are used as a folded-in or layered inclusion rather than dissolved into the base, so they contribute mainly texture and localized sweetness. Because their sugar is essentially sucrose (POD and PAC near 100), a modest addition raises overall POD/PAC roughly in proportion to the sugar it carries, so account for it when balancing total sugars and serving-temperature hardness. Their high starch fraction absorbs moisture; if soaked (in coffee or liqueur for tiramisu gelato) they soften and can shed sugar and, with alcohol, add anticongelant effect. Add near the end of churning to keep some bite, or pre-soak for a cake-like, spoonable body.

Origin & background

Savoiardi originated in the late 15th century at the court of the Duchy of Savoy, reportedly created to mark a visit by the King of France, after which they were adopted as an official court biscuit and spread through the House of Savoy's territories.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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Substitutes for Ladyfinger Biscuit