Rusks: Choosing Consciously for a Healthier Dessert

I know that sometimes, when we talk about rusks, someone frowns thinking of an industrial and unhealthy product. And it’s true, not all rusks are the same! The good news is that, with a little attention in choosing, they can be a great base for our desserts (and more).
The secret lies in reading labels carefully! When choosing your rusks for this layered dessert, or for everyday breakfast, look for those that have:
Less added sugars: Many versions contain high amounts of sugar. Opt for those with a low sugar content per 100g.
Whole grain flour: Whole grain rusks are a great choice because they are richer in fiber, which helps prolong the feeling of fullness and supports intestinal health.
Few simple ingredients: The fewer ingredients there are, the better! Avoid those with refined vegetable oils, various syrups, or artificial preservatives.
Without palm oil: It has become a standard for many, preferring healthier oils like extra virgin olive oil or high oleic sunflower oil.
There are many options available for whole grain rusks, without added sugars, or with sourdough, perfect for this recipe and they will allow you to enjoy your layered dessert with even more lightness and awareness. In this way, you transform a simple ingredient into an intelligent choice for your health, without giving up taste!

My Guide to Healthy Rusks: What to Look For (and What to Avoid!)

Here are some brands that tend to offer whole grain rusks with less added sugar and a good attention to ingredients, ideal for those looking for a healthier option:
Misura – Fibrextra Line (especially the “No Added Sugars”): Misura is a well-known brand for wellness-oriented products. Their whole grain rusks from the Fibrextra line, especially those explicitly indicated as “No Added Sugars”, are a great choice because they have a good fiber content and a more balanced nutritional profile compared to classic versions. They often use sunflower oil.
Probios: This is a brand specialized in organic and healthy products. They offer several varieties of whole grain rusks, often with extra virgin olive oil and without added sugars. Their references with whole wheat, spelt, or ancient grains are generally of high quality and with very clean ingredient lists.
Nattura: Nattura also focuses on organic and wellness. Their whole grain rusks “No Added Sugars” are a good option, often with a good fiber content and without undesirable ingredients like palm oil or lactose.
Mulino Bianco – Whole Grain Rusks (classic): Although Mulino Bianco has a very wide range, their classic whole grain rusks are still a decent choice among the more popular brands. Always check the label to ensure the percentage of whole grain flour is high and that sugars are not too high for your standards. They have removed palm oil from most of their products.
An extra tip: Regardless of the brand, my suggestion is always to compare labels when you’re at the supermarket. Take a look at the nutritional table and ingredient list: less sugars, more fiber, and a short and clear ingredient list are always indicators of a better choice.

NOTES

RUSKS No matter what type of rusks you have in the pantry, they will be fine, be they Classic Rusks, Cereal, Whole Grain, or Malt ones, but also dry cookies. Remember that you need to dip the rusks in the coffee and milk soak but not soak them too much or they would crumble, just moisten them lightly.

MILK Instead of cow’s milk, feel free to use a plant-based beverage like Soy or Almond milk, preferably those without added sugars.

COFFEE If you want to serve the dessert to children, replace it with barley coffee or a chocolate beverage.

YOGURT For this recipe, Greek yogurt is the most suitable because it is thicker, creamier, and less liquid. Mine was natural with 5% fat but flavored types are fine too.

DECORATION Decoration is not mandatory if you don’t want it, but to turn your Fettamisu into a complete breakfast, I recommend adding fresh fruit cut into pieces.

VARIATIONS For a super indulgent version, and if you have no dietary restrictions, replace the yogurt with mascarpone cream; it will become a real FETTAMISU’!

STORAGE

The layered dessert with rusks can be stored in the refrigerator, well covered with plastic wrap, for up to 2-3 days. It’s perfect to prepare the night before for breakfast the next day or for a quick dessert. I recommend against freezing it, as the yogurt would tend to separate and lose its creamy texture.

Alternative and Creative Variations

Let yourself be inspired and customize your layered dessert with rusks in countless ways!
With Fresh Fruit: Add a layer of seasonal fresh fruit between the layers of yogurt and rusks. Excellent choices are: strawberries in pieces (50g), blueberries (30g), raspberries (30g), kiwi in cubes (50g) or banana slices (1/2 banana).
Exotic Touch: Instead of coffee, soak the rusks in coconut milk and add shredded dried coconut between the layers. For a tropical explosion, try with mango cubes (50g) or crushed pineapple (50g).
With Nuts: In addition or instead of chocolate chips, you can sprinkle with almond, hazelnut, or pistachio grains (20-30g).
Jam or Spread: For extra flavor, spread a thin layer of fruit jam (e.g., berries, apricot) or a spread (e.g., hazelnut cream, pistachio cream) on one of the yogurt layers.
Protein Boost: To increase the protein quota, add 1 scoop of protein powder (vanilla or neutral flavor) to the yogurt cream and mix well.

Usage and Pairings

This layered dessert with rusks is a true all-rounder in the kitchen, perfect for any time of day!
Energizing Breakfast: Start the day on the right foot! It’s a complete and filling breakfast, ideal with a glass of orange juice or a cup of tea.
Invigorating Snack: Perfect for a sweet and nutritious break in the mid-morning or afternoon, especially after a workout, thanks to its protein content.
Light Dessert: A fresh and delicious alternative to the classic dessert at the end of a meal, without weighing you down.
Snack for Kids: With milk or barley soak and perhaps the addition of fruit, it’s a healthy and fun snack for little ones.
Casual Brunch: Served in small portions, it’s a delicious and informal addition to your brunch table.

History and Curiosities

The concept of a “layered dessert” is not new at all; on the contrary, it has roots in the tradition of many culinary cultures. The idea of alternating a solid element, often a cookie or sponge cake, with creams, fruits, or sauces is an age-old technique, born from the need to enhance ingredients and create desserts that were both nutritious and satisfying.

Its popularity exploded with the advent of modern spoon desserts, which made these sweets accessible and quick to prepare. The beauty of our layered dessert with rusks lies precisely in its ingenious simplicity and its ability to reinvent common ingredients. The rusks, born as twice-baked bread for better preservation, transform here from a simple breakfast element into a versatile and surprising base for a dessert.

This recipe is a tribute to “smart” cooking: that which, with few ingredients and a pinch of creativity, creates something new, light, and incredibly tasty. It is the demonstration that you don’t have to be expert pastry chefs or use complex ingredients to bring a dessert to the table that can win over everyone. An idea that unites the desire for lightness and wellness with the irresistible pleasure of a sweet treat, at any time of the day.