Coffee Semifreddo

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Semifreddo is a classic Italian dessert (semifreddo al caffè) that is as beautiful to look at as it tastes. You can skip the nuts for a nut-free version. Serve the semifreddo with whipped cream, cocoa powder or grated chocolate, and cookie crumbs.

Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
5 hrs
Total Time:
5 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • ¼ cup strong brewed coffee

  • 6 ½ tablespoons white sugar

  • 5 egg yolks

  • 3 ½ ounces mascarpone cheese

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream

  • 2 tablespoons crushed candied walnuts, or to taste

Directions

  1. Combine coffee and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally so sugar does not stick to the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat.

  2. Whisk egg yolks in a heatproof bowl until frothy. Add sweetened coffee 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking vigorously to prevent egg yolks from curdling.

  3. Place bowl on top of a pot with simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Continue whisking vigorously until mixture thickens and gets creamy, 4 to 6 minutes.

  4. Remove bowl from heat and place over a bowl of ice; whisk until cooled. Fold in mascarpone cheese.

  5. Beat cream in a chilled glass or metal bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Stir 2 tablespoons of whipped cream into the coffee mixture to thin it out. Fold in remaining cream carefully with a spatula until just combined. Fold in walnuts.

  6. Pour mixture into 4 serving or ice cream glasses and freeze until firm, at least 5 hours.

Cook's Note:

Remove serving glasses from the freezer about 10 minutes before serving, to allow semifreddo to thaw slightly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

579 Calories
52g Fat
24g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 579
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 52g 67%
Saturated Fat 29g 145%
Cholesterol 409mg 136%
Sodium 58mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 21g
Protein 7g 15%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 120mg 9%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 97mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.