Name: Coffee Semifreddo: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Indulge
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 8 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup Cane sugar; 1/2 cup Brown sugar; 1 cup Evaporated milk; 1 pinch Kosher salt; 3 tablespoons Butter (melted); 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1 cup Chopped pecans; 1 cup Heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup Powdered sugar; 6 large Egg yolks; 1 cup Strong brewed coffee (cooled); 1/2 cup Crumpled pecan pralines; 1/2 cup Chocolate-covered espresso beans (crushed)

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Coffee Semifreddo is a delightful Italian dessert that perfectly combines rich coffee flavor with a creamy texture. This chilled coffee dessert recipe is a must-try for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. The luscious mixture of coffee and cream creates a heavenly treat that is both refreshing and indulgent. The added crunch of pecan pralines elevates this dessert, making it a standout option for any occasion. Let’s dive into how you can create this irresistible dessert at home!

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Semifreddo

This coffee frozen dessert is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:

Rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for hot summer days as a refreshing treat.
Simple ingredients that are often found in your pantry.
Can be made ahead of time, making it a great dessert for gatherings.
Customizable with various toppings like chocolate or nuts.
It’s a no-bake dessert, which saves you time in the kitchen.
Showcases the delightful flavor of coffee, satisfying any coffee lover.

With its easy coffee semifreddo recipe, you’ll impress friends and family alike! It’s an ideal choice for an Italian coffee semifreddo dessert that will leave them asking for more.

Ingredients for Coffee Semifreddo

Gather these items:

1 cup Cane sugar
1/2 cup Brown sugar
1 cup Evaporated milk
1 pinch Kosher salt
3 tablespoons Butter (melted)
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 cup Chopped pecans
1 cup Heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup Powdered sugar
6 large Egg yolks
1 cup Strong brewed coffee (cooled)
1/2 cup Crumpled pecan pralines
1/2 cup Chocolate-covered espresso beans (crushed)

How to Make Coffee Semifreddo Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Pralines: Line a sheet pan with wax paper. In a pot, cook cream, cane sugar, brown sugar, and salt until it reaches 240°F. Stir in butter, vanilla, and chopped pecans, then spoon the mixture onto the prepared pan to create 6-8 pralines.
Step 2: Line the Loaf Pan: Take a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan and line it with plastic wrap, leaving an overhang. Sprinkle the bottom generously with crumbled pecan pralines and crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans for an extra crunch.
Step 3: Make the Custard: In a glass bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cooled coffee, cane sugar, and salt. Set the bowl over simmering water and whisk until thickened and it reaches 170°F. Beat the mixture until it cools and doubles in volume.
Step 4: Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Refrigerate while you prepare the custard.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard mixture. Layer this creamy delight in the loaf pan, alternating with crumbled pralines and crushed espresso beans. Tap the pan to remove any air pockets.
Step 6: Freeze the Semifreddo: Fold the overhanging plastic wrap over the top to cover the dessert entirely. Freeze for at least 8 hours or overnight to ensure it sets perfectly.
Step 7: Optional: Garnish with additional crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans before serving for an added touch of elegance.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Coffee Semifreddo

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the coffee is cooled before use.
Use a thermometer for precise temperature control.
Store leftovers in the freezer.
For a richer flavor, consider using espresso instead of regular coffee.
Experiment with different toppings like nuts or chocolate for variety.

Best Ways to Serve Coffee Semifreddo

This delightful dessert can be served in various ways:

Slice it and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Pair it with a shot of espresso for an authentic Italian experience.
Top it with crushed nuts or additional pralines for extra texture.

How to Store and Reheat Coffee Semifreddo

Store any leftovers in the freezer, wrapped tightly in plastic to avoid freezer burn. To serve, simply remove it from the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then slice. This makes it an ideal dessert for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it whenever the craving strikes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Semifreddo

What’s the secret to perfect Coffee Semifreddo?

The key to a perfect coffee flavored semifreddo is to ensure your mixture is well-whipped and folded gently to maintain airiness. Using high-quality coffee will also enhance the flavor significantly.

Can I make Coffee Semifreddo ahead of time?

Absolutely! This no-bake coffee semifreddo recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Just freeze it overnight, and it will be ready to serve when your guests arrive.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Coffee Semifreddo?

To avoid mistakes, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately, and ensure your coffee is cooled before mixing. Also, don’t rush the freezing process; letting it set overnight will yield the best results.

Variations of Coffee Semifreddo You Can Try

Feel free to play around with different flavors and ingredients:

Add a splash of liqueur like Kahlua for an adult twist.
Incorporate different nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for a unique crunch.
Try blending in chocolate for a decadent chocolate coffee semifreddo.
Experiment with flavored coffee or even add spices like cinnamon for a warm touch.

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our latest recipes or try making cranberry orange pancakes for a delightful breakfast treat. If you’re looking for a savory option, consider creamy potato soup as a comforting side dish.

Coffee Semifreddo: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Indulge

Author: basmer
Total Time: 525 min
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this Coffee Semifreddo, a creamy dessert pairing rich coffee with crunchy pecan pralines.

Instructions

Prepare Pralines: Line a sheet pan with wax paper. In a pot, cook cream, cane sugar, brown sugar, and salt until it reaches 240°F. Stir in butter, vanilla, and chopped pecans, then spoon the mixture onto the prepared pan to create 6-8 pralines.
Line the Loaf Pan: Take a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan and line it with plastic wrap, leaving an overhang. Sprinkle the bottom generously with crumbled pecan pralines and crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans for an extra crunch.
Make the Custard: In a glass bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cooled coffee, cane sugar, and salt. Set the bowl over simmering water and whisk until thickened and it reaches 170°F. Beat the mixture until it cools and doubles in volume.
Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Refrigerate while you prepare the custard.
Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard mixture. Layer this creamy delight in the loaf pan, alternating with crumbled pralines and crushed espresso beans. Tap the pan to remove any air pockets.
Freeze the Semifreddo: Fold the overhanging plastic wrap over the top to cover the dessert entirely. Freeze for at least 8 hours or overnight to ensure it sets perfectly.
Optional: Garnish with additional crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans before serving for an added touch of elegance.