Salted Caramel Semifreddo
Category: Desserts
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Caramel (for the biscuit) | 70g |
| Fresh liquid cream | 240g |
| Mascarpone cheese | 500g |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Caramel (for the semifreddo) | 150g |
| All-purpose flour | 500g |
| Butter | 300g |
| Brown sugar | 40g |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Water | 60g |
| Sugar | 235g |
| Egg whites | 85g |
| Caramel (for garnish) | to taste |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit
To begin the preparation of your Salted Caramel Semifreddo, start with the biscuit. In a food processor, place the sifted flour, cold butter cut into small pieces, a pinch of salt, and brown sugar. Pulse for a few seconds until the mixture forms a sandy texture. Transfer this crumbly dough into a bowl and add the caramel sauce. Mix by hand until all the ingredients are combined into a dough.
Next, roll the dough out on a clean surface and cut it into 12 rectangular biscuits, each measuring approximately 11 x 4 cm. With the remaining dough, return it to the food processor. Transfer the dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the pieces are crispy and golden.
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Set aside some of the biscuits for decoration. Crush the remaining biscuits into a crumble and set it aside as well for later use.
Step 2: Make the Meringue
Now, let’s focus on the creamy part of your semifreddo. Start by preparing the meringue. In a saucepan with a thick base, combine sugar and water. Heat the mixture and bring it to a temperature of 120°C (248°F).
Meanwhile, begin whipping the egg whites in a stand mixer or with an electric whisk until they form soft peaks. Once the sugar-water mixture reaches the target temperature, slowly pour it into the egg whites while continuing to beat. This process will help stabilize the meringue. Keep whipping until the meringue has cooled completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Mixture
In a separate bowl, add the mascarpone cheese. To this, incorporate the prepared salted caramel sauce. Next, gently fold in the cooled meringue until smooth and fully combined.
In a clean stand mixer (or using an electric mixer), whip the fresh liquid cream until soft peaks form. Then, fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone-caramel-meringue mixture. This will create the rich and fluffy cream for your semifreddo.
Step 4: Assemble the Semifreddo
Now, begin assembling your semifreddo. Start by spreading a layer of the cream mixture in a suitable mold, making sure to smooth it out with a spatula for an even surface. Follow with a second layer of cream. Be sure to level the surface well.
Place the molded semifreddo in the freezer and allow it to set for at least 2 hours, ensuring it becomes firm and easy to slice.
Step 5: Serve the Semifreddo
Once the semifreddo has set, carefully turn it out onto a serving plate. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle with the biscuit crumble you set aside earlier. The combination of rich cream, caramel, and crunchy crumble will create a delightful contrast.
Now, your Salted Caramel Semifreddo is ready to serve and enjoy! The creamy texture, balanced with the sweetness of the caramel and the slight saltiness, makes it an indulgent and unforgettable dessert.
Tip: For an extra special touch, serve the semifreddo with additional caramel sauce and crushed biscuit crumbs.
Enjoy your sweet creation, the perfect way to end a meal on a decadent note!
