If you are a dessert lover and love the unique flavors of tiramisu, then you will love this semifreddo recipe. If you want to experience the coffee and marsala wine flavors of tiramisu without the soggy texture of ladyfinger cookies, then this dish is perfect for you. Semifreddo is a light, smooth, and frozen mousse-like dessert that can be easily made at home without an ice cream maker or expensive equipment.
What makes semifreddo special?
Semifreddo means “half frozen dessert,” and its texture is as creamy and light as ice cream. It is a great option for those who want to make great desserts at home with less effort. All you need are a few bowls, a whisk (or electric mixer), and a little patience.
The biggest advantage of semifreddo is that it is not very technical. If you whip the cream and egg whites by hand, it is more controlled and the risk of over-whipping is reduced. Over-whipped cream can turn into butter, while overwhipped whites can become dry and grainy, making them difficult to mix.
Ingredients
To make this fabulous dessert, you need:
- 4 large eggs (yolks and whites separated)
- 2 ½ teaspoons dark roast instant coffee (such as Starbucks® Dark Italian Roast)
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon Marsala wine
- ¼ pinch of salt (very mild, omit if desired)
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
How to Make the Egg Yolk Base:
In a metal bowl, whisk the egg yolks, instant coffee, Marsala wine, and sugar until smooth.
Cook in a double boiler:
Place the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens. The right consistency is when the mixture dripping from the whisk runs like a ribbon across the surface for about 1 second. You can also cook directly over low heat, but be careful not to let the mixture turn into scrambled eggs.
Beat the egg whites:
In a glass or metal bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Then add the salt gradually and continue beating until you get stiff peaks.
Beat the cream:
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream until medium-stiff peaks.
Combine:
First, add the yolk mixture to the whipped cream. Then add half of the whites and fold in gently. Add the rest of the whites and mix well, but be sure to keep the consistency light.
Freeze:
Pour the mixture into 4-ounce jars or plastic-lined loaf pans. Place in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serve and garnish:
Garnish with shaved chocolate, cookie crumbs, or crushed candy bars and serve.
Cook’s Tips
- Use dark roast instant coffee to deepen the coffee flavor.
- Keep the salt content very light or omit it.
- Freeze the mixture in a loaf pan for serving slices.
- Adding chocolate shavings or cookie crumbs can make the dessert even more decadent.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 173
- Fat: 13g (saturated fat 8g)
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 43mg
CONCLUSION
This tiramisu-inspired semifreddo is perfect for those who want a restaurant-style dessert without the effort. The combination of coffee and Marsala wine makes this an elegant treat that can be served for special occasions.