Full of lemon flavor, this lemon semifreddo is a refreshing treat, perfect for summer. It is almost like an ice cream cake garnished with a brilliant yellow lemon syrup, making it a wonderfully refreshing dessert.
To make the lemon semifreddo, you make a creamy mixture involving heavy cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Then, the entire mixture gets poured into a loaf pan to freeze until solid. After that, it gets garnished with a lemon syrup, lemon slices, and mint for an elegant lemony dessert.
What is Lemon Semifreddo?
Semifreddo is a type of Italian dessert that is similar to ice cream, except that it has more of a mousse-like texture. This version is infused with lemon flavor through both lemon zest and juice which impart both the fragrance and tanginess of lemon. Garnished with lemon slices and mint, it can be sliced and served similar to an ice cream cake.
Pro Tips
- Soften the cream cheese to help it mix into the cream mixture easily.
- When grating the lemon zest, make sure you grate only the yellow part as the white pith can add some bitterness.
- When making the lemon syrup, continuously whisk it to prevent it from scorching.
- Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap as this will ensure you can easily from the lemon semifreddo from it at serving time.
- For variation, feel free to replace the lemon zest and juice with zest and juice from limes or oranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Main Ingredients in Semifreddo?
Traditionally, semifreddo includes egg yolks, heavy cream, and sugar, along with different flavorings. This version is a little different as it includes sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, and no eggs.
How Long Can You Keep Semifreddo in the Freezer?
Semifreddo is best eaten within a few days of making it for the best texture and flavor. However, it will keep for several weeks.
What Does Semifreddo Mean?
Semifreddo is an Italian term that means half cold. While it is frozen until it is set, it has a lighter and airier texture than traditional ice cream or gelato.
How to Store Lemon Semifreddo
To store the semifreddo, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap before storing it in the freezer.
Ingredients
How to Make Lemon Semifreddo
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with the heavy cream until combined.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with the heavy cream until combined.
Beat in the powdered sugar and sweetened condensed milk until combined.
Beat in the powdered sugar and sweetened condensed milk until combined.
Beat in the lemon zest and lemon juice, and continue mixing until it is thick and creamy.
Beat in the lemon zest and lemon juice, and continue mixing until it is thick and creamy.
Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap. Add the cream mixture, spread it into an even layer, and top it with additional plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer until set, about 4 hours.
Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap. Add the cream mixture, spread it into an even layer, and top it with additional plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer until set, about 4 hours.
For the syrup, combine the sugar, cornstarch, water, lemon juice, and yellow food colouring in a small saucepan. Cook it over low heat, while stirring, until it is thickened. Place plastic wrap on its surface and allow it to cool.
For the syrup, combine the sugar, cornstarch, water, lemon juice, and yellow food colouring in a small saucepan. Cook it over low heat, while stirring, until it is thickened. Place plastic wrap on its surface and allow it to cool.
Once the semifreddo is set, invert it onto a platter and garnish it with the lemon slices and mint.
Once the semifreddo is set, invert it onto a platter and garnish it with the lemon slices and mint.
Slice and serve!
Slice and serve!
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