This Chocolate Cranberry Semifreddo is half ice cream, half mousse. It doesn't require any special equipment, it is make-ahead and deliciously decadent.
What a perfect dessert for the holidays, or any time for that matter!
This chocolate, cranberry combination lends itself to fall and winter holiday flavours. In the summer you could use other flavours like pistachio and cherries without the cocoa. Strawberries and toasted almonds... Use your imagination!
Semifreddo means 'half-frozen' in Italian. The texture is half way between ice cream and mousse. You don't have to take it out of the freezer before serving like you do for homemade ice cream.
This dessert is rather rich. The recipe says it is for 12 servings but if you are serving it at the end of a big meal and perhaps passing a tray of holiday cookies as well you could get 24 servings by halving it up the middle lengthwise before cutting.
The sugared cranberries for decoration are optional but the contrast of the sweet and tart goes really well with this dessert. Plus... you can make a few extras for snacks!
FAQs
Semifreddo is a light dessert of Italian origin that combines elements of a mousse recipe with elements of an ice cream recipe, without the need for special equipment.
You can omit the eggs, salt and whipping cream as stated in the recipe card. You will need 12 oz of silken tofu (shelf stable) and 1 cup of plant base whipping 'cream' instead. 1. Prepare the cranberries and brandy as described. 2. Melt the chocolate as described and add the ⅓ cup of sugar. Stir til sugar is dissolved and then blend in the tofu thoroughly. 3. Whip the 1 cup of plant-based cream with the vanilla. Proceed with the recipe from Step 6.
You can substitute raisins or dried apricots for the ⅔ cup of cranberries in the recipe. Omit the sugared cranberry garnish.
Related Recipes
Chocolate Cranberry Semi Freddo
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Save Print Pin FacebookEquipment
- 1 9" X 5" loaf pan
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup dried cranberrries
- 2 Tbsps brandy Sub water if you don't want alcohol
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped
- 1 ½ cups whipping cream
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ½ cup shelled pistachios
- cocoa powder for dusting
- sugared cranberries optional
Instructions
- Rough chop dried cranberries. Add brandy and heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds. Set aside while you make the rest of the semifreddo.
- Set a heat proof glass bowl in a sauce pan with a few inches of water on the bottom. Bring water to a gentle simmer. Stir chocolate pieces often to help them melt. Set aside when fully melted. (Reserve sauce pan with water.)
- Whip cream to soft peaks and store in the fridge till needed.
- In a separate bowl whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt. Place bowl in the sauce pan of simmering water and whisk with a whisk or beat with beaters a couple of minutes until volume has doubled and the beater leaves a ribbon when lifted. Remove from heat.
- Gently stir in the melted chocolate till well incorporated. Allow mixture to cool about 10 minutes.
- Line a 9 X 5 " loaf pan with plastic wrap. Tuck it deep into the corners for the best shaped loaf. Fold whipped cream into the chocolate mixture in 2 batches. Fold gently until evenly mixed.
- Gently fold in the cranberries and pistachios. Ensure they are evenly distributed in the loaf. Pour into the loaf pan. Cover and freeze 8 hours at least or until ready to serve.
- To serve, invert the loaf pan onto a plate. You may find it easier to work with if you let it rest 5-10 minutes after removing from the freezer. Sift cocoa on top and sides. Decorate with sugared cranberries if using.
- Cut with a sharp warm knife and wipe knife after each cut.
Ralph H.
Excellent