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Closeup view of a raspberry semifredo that has been sliced. It's topped with homemade raspberry sauce and fresh berries

Easy Semifreddo Recipe

Ice Cream From Scratch
A classic Italian frozen dessert, Semifreddo is a soft, silky treat that is similar to ice cream, but a bit more special. This is a no-churn recipe that's fun to make.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling/Freezing Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 45 minutes
Course Ice Cream Recipes
Cuisine Dessert
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 359 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the raspberry sauce:

  • 2 cups raspberries
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar

For the semifreddo:

  • 6 large eggs yolks
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper, leaving about 3-4 inches of overhang on all sides. Place the prepared loaf pan in the freezer to chill. 
  • For the raspberry sauce: Add the raspberries, lemon juice, water and granulated sugar to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5-10 minutes or until the raspberries burst and the sauce has thickened. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer. Set aside to cool completely. 
  • In a large glass bowl over a pot of simmering water, add the egg yolks, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and salt. Whisk constantly until the egg yolk mixture is thick and pale and has reached the temperature of 165F. 
  • Remove the egg yolk mixture from the heat. Whisk until the mixture has cooled down. Stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside. 
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the heavy cream. Beat until medium-soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. 
  • Gently fold the heavy cream into the egg yolk mixture. 
  • Spread half of the semifreddo mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon ⅓ of the berry mixture into the semifreddo and swirl with a knife. Top with remaining semifreddo mixture. Swirl another ⅓ of berry sauce into the semifreddo with a knife. Store the remaining ⅓ berry mixture in the refrigerator in an airtight container for serving. Cover the semifreddo with the overhanging plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 6 hours until firm. 
  • When ready to serve, remove the semifreddo from the pan and invert it onto a serving platter. Top with remaining berry sauce and fresh berries for garnish. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Line the loaf pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper for easy removal from the pan. Leave an overhang to wrap up the semifreddo while it freezes and also so you can grab onto the overhang and pull it out of the pan.
  • It’s best to make the raspberry sauce first to allow it to cool completely, so it doesn’t melt the ice cream mixture.
  • Instead of raspberries, you can use strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries. A mix of berries would also be delicious. 
  • Traditionally, semifreddo is made with either an Italian meringue that uses egg whites or with a custard made with egg yolks. I love the flavor of the egg yolk version so that’s what we’ve used here. I think it’s easier to make as well so it’s always my preference. 
  • You can slice semifreddo or scoop it. I think the slices are really pretty so I prefer to slice mine. 
  • Keyword Semifreddo, Semifreddo Recipe, What is Semifreddo