Coffee Semifreddo

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.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 579 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup strong brewed coffee
• 5 egg yolks
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 6 ½ tablespoons white sugar
• 3 ½ ounces mascarpone cheese
• 2 tablespoons crushed candied walnuts, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 4

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

Step 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.

Step 6

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