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Semifreddo is easily made with just a few simple ingredients, but the creamy texture and rich flavor make it impossible to turn down.
Semifreddo is a classic Italian frozen dessert that is cool, creamy, and absolutely delicious. This egg-free recipe is simple and can be easily customized to your liking. It’s the perfect summertime treat!
My quick and easy method takes just minutes! The only hard part will be waiting for it to freeze!
JUMP TO RECIPEWhy This Recipe Works
Semifreddo is made with just a few simple ingredients, but the results are excellent.
- The sour cream adds a delicious tang that helps balance the sweetness.
- Whipping cream gives the creamy richness you expect in a Semifreddo.
- Vanilla adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.
The creamy texture and rich flavor will have you coming back for more.
Ingredient Notes
Heavy Whipping Cream: Make sure your whipping cream is cold before starting. Chilled cream will help it whip up to the right consistency.
Sour Cream: I like to use full-fat sour cream for this recipe, but you can use light if you prefer.
Sugar: Use confectioners’ sugar or powdered sugar. Alternatively, you can use superfine sugar in its place.
Cherries: I used frozen cherries for this recipe, but you can use blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Or, for a more indulgent treat, try using crushed Oreos or chocolate chips.
Vanilla: I used vanilla bean paste, but you can use vanilla extract or substitute it with almond extract.
Step By Step Instructions
Add the cream, sour cream, sugar, salt, and vanilla to a food processor or mixer. and mix until thick.
In a separate bowl, add the honey to the cherries.
Mix to coat and fold the cream and cherry mixtures together.
Spread the mixture into a loaf pan.
For easy removal from the pan, line a loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving an overhang on all four sides. Then just left it by the overhang to slide it right out.
Freeze until set. This will take about 4 hours.
Remove the semifreddo from the pan, and top with the decoration of your choice (I melted some cherry jam and drizzled it on once it cooled then topped with fresh cherries), and slice to serve.
Erren’s Top Tips & Variations
- Use cold sour cream and cream for best results.
- Be careful not to overwhip the cream. You want to whip until it forms soft peaks.
- There is no need to mix the cherries thoroughly into the cream – some marbling will not only look pretty but helps maintain a creamy consistency.
- I used cherries for this recipe, but you can use blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries. For a more indulgent treat, try using chopped chocolate chip cookies, caramel, or chocolate chips.
Rate This Recipe
Recipe
Semifreddo
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup cold sour cream
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
- 1¼ cold heavy cream or whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cup cherries (pitted)
- 1 tablespoon pure honey
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons Cherry Jam (melted and cooled)
- fresh cherries
Instructions
- Line an 8-by-4-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving an overhang on all four sides.
- Add the sour cream, confectioner’s sugar, whipping cream, vanilla, and salt to a food processor or mixer. Whip until it forms peaks (You want it to be stiff but not overwhipped).
- In a separate bowl, coat the cherries with honey.
- Fold the cherry mixture into the whipped cream mixture. It doesn’t have to be mixed in, and some marbling is fine.
- Transfer to prepared pan. Freeze until set, at least 4 hours.
- Invert the semifreddo onto a platter; discard plastic. Top with the jam and cherries or decorations of your choice.
Tips
- Use cold sour cream and cream for best results.
- Be careful not to overwhip the cream. You want to whip until it forms soft peaks.
- There is no need to mix the cherries thoroughly into the cream – some marbling will not only look pretty but helps maintain a creamy consistency.
- I used cherries for this recipe, but you can use peaches, blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries. For a more indulgent treat, try using chopped chocolate chip cookies, caramel, or chocolate chips.
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