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Mascarpone Semifreddo

17/11/2023

Mascarpone semifreddo is a cold, creamy, and rich dessert that’s typical of Italian cuisine. Here is how to make it:

Ingredients

  • 250 g of mascarpone
  • 100 g of sugar
  • 3 eggs (yolks and whites separated)
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 100 ml of whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or seeds from a vanilla pod (optional)
  • Dry biscuits or ladyfingers for the base (optional)
  • Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for decoration (optional)

Preparation

  1. In a bowl, start working the mascarpone with the sugar until you get a homogeneous mixture.
  2. Add the egg yolks one at a time, continuing to mix well after each addition.
  3. If you wish, you can incorporate vanilla extract or vanilla seeds at this point to flavor the mixture.
  4. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
  5. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture, using slow, bottom-up movements so as not to deflate them.
  6. In another bowl, whip the cream until it is firm.
  7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mixture as well.
  8. If you want to prepare a crunchy layer, chop the dry biscuits or ladyfingers and lay them as a base at the bottom of the molds you have chosen to use for the semifreddo.
  9. Pour the mascarpone mixture into the molds over the layer of biscuits, if you have prepared it, and level the surface with a spatula.
  10. Cover with cling film and put in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until the semifreddo is well solidified.
  11. Before serving, take the semifreddo out of the freezer and leave it in the fridge for 10-20 minutes so it can soften slightly.
  12. Decorate the semifreddo with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings before bringing it to the table.

Curiosities

Mascarpone is a fresh Italian cheese, originating from Lombardy, with a delicate flavor and creamy texture, suitable for both sweet and savory preparations. In this dessert, its soft texture and rich flavor perfectly combine with the freshness of the whipped cream and the lightness of the whipped egg whites, creating a tasty and refined balance.

Mascarpone Semifreddo