Pasquale Marigliano, adapted by JojoM

Apricot–sparkling wine crème on hazelnut-praline crunch, soft sponge, and jewel-like fruit finish—crisp, creamy, celebratory and perfect for summer.
A celebration of sunshine and sparkle — Summer Symphony brings together silky apricot mousse kissed with sparkling wine, layered over hazelnut-praline crunch and soft sponge. The result? A refined Italian entremet that’s crisp, creamy, and irresistibly summery.
Inspired by Pasquale Marigliano’s La Sinfonia d’Estate, this dessert sings with light textures, golden hues, and the brightness of orchard fruit — perfect for garden soirées or elegant dinner finales. ✨
This cake embodies the Italian art of balance — where fruit and texture coexist in harmony. The airiness of the apricot–sparkling wine mousse contrasts beautifully with the feuilletine crunch, while the tender sponge acts as a soft bridge between the two. Each bite captures a fleeting summer moment — effervescent, fragrant, and full of joy.
Each layer contributes to a sensory crescendo — a true summer symphony of taste and texture.
Cut into sleek rectangular bars for a modern patisserie look, or small squares for an afternoon tea platter. Top each with glossy apricot slices, blueberries, and delicate chocolate curls. Serve on white porcelain to make the summer colours pop.
This isn’t just a cake — it’s an experience. The first spoonful releases the fragrance of fruit and fizz, followed by velvety mousse and nutty crunch. Light yet indulgent, refined yet comforting — a dessert that defines la dolce vita in every bite.
The mousse and sponge layers set beautifully overnight, making this ideal for parties or celebrations. Prepare in advance, garnish before serving, and enjoy your stress-free showstopper.
Author: Pasquale Marigliano, adapted by JojoM
🍑✨ Celebrate summer’s golden glow — one apricot note at a time.
Apricot–sparkling wine crème on hazelnut-praline crunch, soft sponge, and jewel-like fruit finish—crisp, creamy, celebratory and perfect for summer.

Bake sponge just until lightly golden; overbaking dries it out.
Cook the crème anglaise to 82–84°C; don’t boil or it may curdle.
Cool the crème to about 32°C before folding in whipped cream for a light mousse.
If using powdered gelatine: 6 g ≈ 2 tsp; bloom in 5× water by weight.
No feuilletine? Use finely crushed cornflakes for a similar crunch.
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Heat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line two trays with silicone baking paper.
Whisk yolks and whole eggs with sugar (1) until pale and thick.
In a mixer, whisk egg whites to soft peaks; gradually rain in sugar (2) to glossy meringue.
Fold yolk mixture into meringue, then sift in potato starch and flour; fold just to combine.
Spread two 1 cm-thick squares slightly larger than 18×18 cm. Bake 7–10 minutes until light gold.
Turn out onto a wire rack, peel paper, and cool. Keep at ~20°C.
Boil water and sugar; cool to room temperature.
Stir in apricot liqueur and set aside.
Melt milk chocolate gently; stir in feuilletine.
Add hazelnut paste and praline; mix until evenly coated. Keep at ~20°C.
In a heatproof bowl, whisk yolks, sugar, lemon juice, apricot nectar, and half the sparkling wine.
Cook over a bain-marie, stirring, to 82–84°C (179–183°F).
Remove from heat; dissolve squeezed gelatine. Cool to ~32°C (90°F).
Fold in softly whipped cream, then the remaining sparkling wine. Use immediately.
Line the square frame on a tray. Spread in half the crunchy base. Top with a sponge trimmed to fit.
Add the remaining crunchy base. Spread ~1.5 cm layer of crème; cover with half the sliced semi-confit apricots.
Place second sponge; brush generously with syrup. Add a ~1 cm layer of crème; top with remaining semi-confit apricots.
Chill to set. Brush fruit with clear glaze. Refrigerate until firm (or briefly freeze to accelerate).
Unmould; cut the square into two, then into 12 neat bars. Decorate with fresh apricots, blueberries, tempered chocolate, and a smear of apricot jam.
10/12/2025
Elegant look for a dinner party. Next time I’ll add a touch more lemon for extra brightness.
10/12/2025
Swapped feuilletine for crushed cornflakes—still super crunchy and budget-friendly.
10/12/2025
Used a dry Prosecco—balanced the sweetness nicely. Slices held beautifully after an overnight chill.
10/12/2025
That apricot–sparkling wine mousse is so airy! The feuilletine base adds the perfect crunch.
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Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12 of cake)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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