Coffee Semifreddo

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Semifreddo is a classic frozen dessert from Italy (semifreddo al caffè) that is made without an ice cream maker. It tastes delicious and is easy to make.

Ingredients

1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
6 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
5 egg yolks
3 1/2 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 1/2 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.