Description
Chocolate Semifreddo is a classic Italian frozen dessert with a smooth, airy texture between ice cream and mousse, made with whipped cream, chocolate, and cocoa for a rich yet light treat.
Ingredients
- 500 ml heavy cream (about 2 cups), cold
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 g)
- 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate (120 g), slightly cooled
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
- Fresh berries (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap leaving extra hanging over the sides.
- In a large bowl whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form and place it in the refrigerator.
- In a heatproof bowl whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and whisk continuously for 4–5 minutes until thick and smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder, melted chocolate, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Allow the chocolate mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture in batches until smooth and airy.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Lift the semifreddo out using the plastic wrap and slice with a warm knife.
- Serve garnished with chocolate shavings, berries, or cocoa powder if desired.
Notes
- Fold in toasted hazelnuts for a chocolate hazelnut variation.
- Add orange zest for a chocolate orange flavor.
- Swirl raspberry or strawberry puree for a fruity version.
- Mix in instant espresso powder for a mocha semifreddo.
- For a marbled effect reserve some whipped cream mixture without cocoa and swirl it with the chocolate base.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
