Creamy Limoncello Semifreddo
A creamy, tangy, and boozy semifreddo dessert infused with limoncello and fresh lemon zest, perfect for summer gatherings and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) cold heavy cream (whipping cream with at least 35% fat)
- 1/3 cup (80ml) limoncello
- Zest of 2 fresh lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Separate 4 large eggs, placing yolks in one bowl and whites in another, ensuring no yolk gets into the whites.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the yolks with 1/2 cup (100g) of sugar until pale, thick, and creamy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Gently stir in limoncello, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the yolk mixture.
- Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat with clean beaters until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup (50g) sugar and continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid overwhipping.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the yolk mixture using a spatula, keeping as much air as possible.
- Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the combined mixture in two parts until light and fluffy with no streaks.
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap and pour in the semifreddo mixture, smoothing the top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm but scoopable.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs for better whipping. Ensure bowls and beaters are grease-free for stiff egg whites. Fold gently to keep mixture airy. Freeze at least 6 hours for best texture. Let semifreddo sit 5–10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with chilled coconut cream and use pasteurized eggs or substitutes. Reduce limoncello for less alcohol or replace with lemon juice and extract for alcohol-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/8 of the loa
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 4
Keywords: semifreddo, limoncello, lemon dessert, summer dessert, creamy dessert, Italian dessert, easy semifreddo, frozen dessert