You can feel it in the air as summer approaches: warmer days, end-of-year gatherings and long evenings dining outside. Summer calls for salads, chilled desserts and plenty of time around the barbecue with friends and family. I love a dessert that finishes a meal or even starts one, and when I heard Nespresso had introduced festive flavours this season, I was inspired to create something nostalgic.
Nespresso has released three limited-edition coffee variations for the Christmas season: Variations Confetto Snowball, which combines sweet coconut with a hint of vanilla; Variations Confetto Orangette, featuring the bittersweet zest of orange peel with a touch of chocolate; and Variations Confetto Licorice, a spiced interpretation with candy-like liquorice notes. These coffees are inspired by classic sweets that evoke childhood memories. I was especially drawn to Variations Confetto Orangette, which reminded me of the beloved orange-and-chocolate pairing from my youth.
That memory sparked a dessert idea that would be a hit at any summer table. I created an Orange Chocolate Tiramisu: layers of ladyfingers soaked in Variations Confetto Orangette, creamy orange mascarpone custard and generous dark chocolate flakes. Give the dessert plenty of time to set—ideally prepare it the day before serving for best texture and flavour.
Nespresso’s festive launch also includes refreshed packaging, colourful capsules and seasonal accessories designed in collaboration with artists Craig & Karl. The accessories are striking and make thoughtful gifts for coffee lovers. They are usually made available through Nespresso boutiques and online during the seasonal release.
- Sponge Layer
- 200g ladyfingers (extra if needed)
- 200ml Variations Confetto Orangette (extracted from 3–4 capsules)
- 80ml orange juice
- 2 tbsp orange liqueur
- Orange Custard Layer
- 6 large egg yolks
- 130g caster sugar
- 100ml orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- 200g mascarpone, room temperature
- 250ml cream
- Dark chocolate, for grating
- Prepare the coffee mixture by extracting 3–4 Variations Confetto Orangette capsules to make about 200ml of espresso. Stir in the 80ml orange juice and 2 tablespoons of orange liqueur. Set aside to cool.
- In a heatproof bowl combine the egg yolks, 100ml orange juice and 130g caster sugar. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (bain-marie), ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Whisk on high for about 5 minutes until the mixture has thickened, lightened and increased slightly in volume.
- Remove from the heat and beat in the mascarpone and the zest of one orange until smooth.
- Whip the 250ml cream in a separate bowl to soft peaks, then gently fold it into the orange mascarpone mixture to lighten the custard.
- When the coffee mixture is cool, pour some into a shallow bowl and quickly dip both sides of each ladyfinger. Soak them just enough to colour and soften them without becoming soggy.
- Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in a rectangular dish (about 16cm x 26cm). Spread half of the orange mascarpone custard over the ladyfingers and grate a generous layer of dark chocolate on top. Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, the remaining custard and more grated dark chocolate.
- Cover and chill the tiramisu in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to meld and the texture to set.
- Slice and serve chilled for an indulgent orange-chocolate finish.
GIVEAWAY TIME! – CLOSED
Thanks to Nespresso, I had a box of each of the new limited-edition festive flavours (three boxes total) to give away to one lucky reader.
To enter, tell me which festive flavour you were most excited to try in the comments below:
– Variations Confetto Orangette
– Variations Confetto Licorice
– Variations Confetto Snowball
Entries closed on Saturday 25th November and the winner was drawn at random on Sunday 26th November. The giveaway was open to New Zealand residents only. Thank you to everyone who entered.
WINNER ANNOUNCED!
The festive season brings plenty of treats, and this year Nespresso’s limited-edition flavours were a delicious highlight. Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway. The lucky winner was drawn and announced below.
Congratulations to: Tracey Fleming
Please email your postal details so the flavours can be posted to you. Thanks again for entering.