Desserts > Frozen Desserts > Italian > Semifreddos

Coffee and Amaretto Semifreddo Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Plastic wrap
- Freezer

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside in the refrigerator.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, brewed coffee, amaretto liqueur, egg yolks, and salt until well combined.
3. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Continuously whisk the mixture until it thickens and reaches 160°F.
4. Remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled coffee mixture until well combined.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9x5 inch loaf pan lined with plastic wrap. Smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds on top of the mixture.
8. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
9. To serve, remove the semifreddo from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Freezing time: 4 hours or overnight
Temperature:
Simmering water: 212°F
Coffee mixture: 160°F
Freezer: 0°F
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 290
Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 80mg
Sugar: 22g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- If you don't have amaretto liqueur, you can use almond extract instead.

Variations:
- Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the coffee mixture for a mocha flavor.
- Substitute the amaretto liqueur with Bailey's Irish Cream for a different flavor profile.
- Use hazelnuts instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the bowl with the coffee mixture does not touch the simmering water to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown for added flavor.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the semifreddo for clean cuts.

Storage instructions:
- Store the semifreddo in the freezer, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 1 week.

Reheating instructions:
- There is no need to reheat the semifreddo. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the semifreddo on a chilled plate with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Garnishes:
- Toasted sliced almonds
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream

Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot coffee or espresso for a complete coffee experience.

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate biscotti

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the coffee mixture curdles, remove it from the heat and whisk vigorously until it becomes smooth again.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the eggs are cooked to 160°F to prevent any risk of foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Semifreddo is an Italian dessert that translates to "half-cold." It is a frozen dessert that is similar to ice cream but has a lighter texture.

Flavor profiles:
- The semifreddo has a creamy and smooth texture with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of almond from the liqueur and sliced almonds.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the semifreddo as a dessert after a dinner party or as a sweet treat on a hot summer day.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Rich, Sweet, Creamy, Nutty, Coffee, Coffee-Flavored