Mocha Semifreddo

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Show: Everyday ItalianEpisode: Everyday Desserts

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (40)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(40)

Cook Time:
5 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
8 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: 8 hr 0 min
Cook: 5 min
Total:: 8 hr 25 min

Recipe Tools:

Select a Card Size

Add To My Recipe Box

Success

This recipe was added to your Folder_Name folder.

Do not show this message again

Add To My Recipe Box

Please sign in to add this recipe to your Recipe Box.

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
8 ounces purchased amaretti cookies (about 23 cookies)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup sugar
8 large egg yolks
1/3 cup brewed espresso
2 tablespoons dry Marsala wine
Pinch salt
1 cup whipping cream

Directions

Spray a 9 1/4 by 5 1/4 by 3-inch metal loaf pan lightly with nonstick spray. Line the pan with plastic wrap. Finely grind the cookies in a food processor. Add the melted butter and process until the crumbs are moistened. Press the crumb mixture onto the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Refrigerate.

Whisk 1/2 cup of sugar, egg yolks, espresso, Marsala, and salt in a large metal bowl to blend. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (do not allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the water). Whisk the egg mixture until it is thick and creamy and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the mixture registers 160 degrees F, about 5 minutes. Set the custard over another bowl of ice to cool completely.

Using an electric mixer, beat the cream and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in another large bowl until firm peaks form. Using a large rubber spatula, fold the whipped cream into the custard. Spoon the mixture atop the prepared crust. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until frozen, at least 8 hours or up to 3 days.

Unfold the plastic wrap. Invert the semifreddo onto a platter. Remove the plastic wrap. Cut the semifreddo into 1-inch slices and serve.

Next Recipe

More recipes? Try these recommendations:

Similar Recipe

Meringue "Eggs" with Pistachio Custard and Chocolate Drizzle

Similar Recipes

Recipes Like This

All About…

Recipe Collections

Showing 1-6 of 6

View all 6 Italian Dessert Collections

Comments & Reviews

recipe Mocha Semifreddo
null null, null 07-26-2009
Flag

Help!
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I have made this twice now and the flavor is amazing, but mine won't freeze like Giada's did on T.V. I am not sure what I am... doing wrong... as soon as I flip it over out of the pan, it starts to turn very liquidy at the bottom. Has anyone else had this problem? Read more
recipe Mocha Semifreddo
shane arkport, NY 07-23-2009
Flag

substitute
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

do you have to use wine or is there there something else because i'm not old enough to anything with wine in it
recipe Mocha Semifreddo
Sam Alexandria, VA 07-22-2009
Flag

Awesome coffee flavored cream with a crunch
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Great dessert!!! I actually used McDonalds Mocha for my espresso and it was a big hit with my guest after dinner. Thanks for... the recipe. Read more
recipe Mocha Semifreddo
Wanda Louisville, KY 06-22-2009
Flag

A favorite summer dessert - and super easy!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I rediscovered this on a hot late-spring day this weekend, after making it once last year and remembering I loved it, but... I've tried to use restraint because it is a rich dessert. Like others, I can never find amaretto cookies without making an extra long trip to the specialty food store, so I used Peppridge Farm Chocolate Chessmen cookies, which compliments the coffee flavor so well that I don't even think I'll bother to try the amaretto cookies when I make it the next time...(that might solve the "mocha" controversy too). It's very simple to make; and although I thought I might have messed it up because after letting the custard chill over ice for awhile after cooking the egg mixture, it had sort of separated with the foam on top and liquid underneath. I decided to go ahead and make it anyway, just stirred the egg mixture together again and folded the whipped cream into it, and it came out perfect! Probably my favorite summer dessert. I really love your show, Giada!!Read more
recipe Mocha Semifreddo
Agneris Burbank, CA 12-30-2008
Flag

Loved it!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

If you enjoy the flavor of coffee, you will love this as much as I did. The cookies also add a nice touch. YUM! I have made... it twice and both times, it has been a huge success! Thanks Giada!Read more
recipe Mocha Semifreddo
Nataly Calgary, AR 10-07-2008
Flag

just for the record.....
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

For all you folks that are so hung up on the term "mocha" here's the exact definition (maybe you'll be able to sleep... tonight) Mocha is famous for being the major marketplace for coffee from the 15th century until the 17th century. Even after other sources of coffee were found, Mocha (also called Sanani (meaning from Sana'a) or Mocha Sanani) beans continued to be prized for their relatively chocolaty flavor?and remain so even today. How bout we all just enjoy the results instead of all the minor details.....Read more