Dark Chocolate Semifreddo

A luxurious frozen Italian dessert featuring rich dark chocolate and a light, airy meringue folded with whipped cream. This elegant semifreddo has a silky smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor.

8 servings
4 hr 50 min

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
  • cups heavy cream
  • 3 large egg whites
  • cup sugar
  • 1 piece candy thermometer

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Combine chocolate, vanilla, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a medium heatproof bowl. Heat 1 1/2 cups cream in a small saucepan over medium until barely simmering. Pour hot cream over chocolate mixture and let sit until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes. Whisk chocolate mixture until combined and smooth. Chill, stirring occasionally, until cold, about 1 hour.

    65 min

  2. 2.

    Beat egg whites and a pinch of salt on high speed in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment until soft peaks form.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, cook sugar and 1/3 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Clip thermometer to the side of saucepan; increase heat to medium. Bring to a boil without stirring and cook until thermometer registers 250°F.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    Working quickly and with motor running, pour syrup into egg whites in a steady stream, avoiding whisk so syrup doesn't splatter. Beat until glossy, stiff peaks form (be careful not to overbeat).

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Using an electric mixer, beat chilled chocolate mixture until soft peaks form. Gently fold in meringue, leaving a few streaks. Scrape into a large loaf pan and cover. Freeze until solid, at least 3 hours and up to 3 days.

    180 min

  6. 6.

    Just before serving, let semifreddo sit at room temperature 15 minutes. Beat remaining 1 cup cream in a small bowl until soft peaks form. Serve scoops of semifreddo in small bowls with whipped cream.

    20 min