Description
Cool Italian Zebra Semifreddo swirls creamy layers of chocolate and vanilla into a mesmerizing frozen dessert. Elegant stripes create sweet drama for summer gatherings, inviting you to savor each luxurious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream (36% fat)
- 1 cup (240 ml) sweetened condensed milk (full-fat)
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) dark chocolate (high quality)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
- Create a smooth chocolate base by microwaving dark chocolate in 15-second intervals, stirring between each burst until fully melted and glossy.
- Whip heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft, billowy peaks emerge, creating a light and airy texture.
- Incorporate sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream, gently folding to maintain the cream’s delicate volume.
- Separate egg whites and whisk vigorously until stiff, glossy peaks form, indicating perfect meringue consistency.
- Delicately fold the stiff egg whites into the cream mixture, preserving the airiness and creating a silky smooth base.
- Pour alternating layers of white cream mixture and melted chocolate into the prepared pan, creating distinctive zebra-like stripes.
- Use a thin skewer or knife to create gentle swirls, blending the layers without completely mixing them.
- Carefully place the pan in the freezer, ensuring a level surface for even freezing.
- Freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight until the semifreddo becomes firm and sliceable, with distinct chocolate and cream layers.
- Remove from freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to allow slight softening for easier slicing.
Notes
- Stabilize egg whites by adding a pinch of cream of tartar while whisking to prevent deflation and ensure a light, airy texture.
- Temper chocolate carefully to avoid seizing by using low microwave power and stirring between short bursts, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help mixtures blend more smoothly and incorporate air more effectively, creating a silkier semifreddo.
- For a gluten-free version, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the chocolate and condensed milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg