Tempting, luscious lemon semifreddo whips up in 5 minutes from only THREE ingredients! 
Stop missing out on homemade ice cream! If you thought that you could only make mouthwatering homemade ice cream recipes with an ice cream maker, think again. Once you’ve tried this quick semifreddo, you’ll be hooked!
If you’ve been hanging out with me lately, you’ve probably noticed I’ve got a thing for citrus- as in, I can’t get enough! It started with key lime curd and later key lime pie cheesecake ice cream. Today we’re relying on lemons to put together the easiest dessert recipe ever, lemon semifreddo.
Semifreddos are an Italian frozen dessert made up of frozen cream and a flavorful counterpart. They’re smooth and velvety and lighter on the tongue than typical American ice cream. It’s like a frozen mousse. I added some crisp ginger cookies for texture and the flavor combo was perfect.
Semifreddos are generally made as loaves and sliced like bread. How’s that for curious? Since my heart still longs for Francavilla, you bet I’ve got another Italy-inspired recipe for ya!
You’ll be amazed at how laughably simple it is to put this semifreddo together. My two year old helped and could’ve done most of the work herself, but if you’ve got a toddler, you know how much semifreddo would’ve wound up in her mouth rather than on the serving platter.
- 2 cups whipping cream, chilled
- 1 cup lemon curd Use this recipe substituting ½ cup lemon juice and 1 tablespoon zest for limes
- 1 cup crushed ginger cookies
- Prepare a standard loaf pan by lining with plastic wrap. You want about a 4 inch overhang on both of the long sides. Sprinkle crushed ginger cookies in the bottom of the pan. Set aside.
- Place lemon curd in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Whip cream to stiff peaks. Fold ⅓ of the whipped cream into the curd to lighten it up. Gently fold in the remaining cream and pour into the lined loaf pan.
- Pull plastic wrap snugly over the top, encasing the semifreddo and freeze at least 4 hours.
- To serve, tug on plastic wrap to release, and turn semifreddo out onto a serving platter. Slice and serve.
If you’ve got the gadgetry, try more of my favorite ice cream recipes! This is the Cuisinart ice cream maker I’ve got and we use it all the time. You might remember why…
Lemon is probably my favorite flavor this time of year! I love how refreshing it is. I also am a huge fan of the ice cream maker, but some days (ahem, make that any day but the weekend in summer 😉 ) there just isn’t time! Semifreddo sounds amazing, but not nearly as time consuming. You have the best desserts, Jelli!
You’re right, the ice cream maker does require a little more attention and summertime is NOT that time for staying indoors to watch it churn- though I must admit I like to stick my spoon in to check the consistency. It’s a great excuse to preview the ice cream, haha. Thanks for coming over this weekend, Mary Frances. Have a great Sunday.
We don’t have an ice-cream maker so I love this idea.Thanks for sharing it-I’ve just pinned your recipe.
If you have a minute to spare I’d be thrilled if you could share your post at my Say G’day linky party. This would be a fabulous addition.
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Natasha, thank you so much for visiting and sharing the post. I really appreciate it. Hope you have a wonderful week.
So easy…pinned and stumbled!
Thank you, Patti, for sharing the post. You’re right, this semifreddo is ridiculously easy. I mean, if you pick up a jar of lemon curd, it’s nothing more than mixing it all together and shoving the whole thing into the freezer. Gotta love that!
This looks delicious! I love that it is easy and fast and the ginger cookies on top sound amazing! We may be trying this soon!
There’s hardly a dessert that’s as quick to make, Chelsea. You really can’t go wrong with lemon curd and cream, right? I love semifreddos because people think it took ages to make, and it tastes that way too. The chef is the only one who knows the secret!
I definitely didn’t realize how simple it is to make this! Now if only I can recruit a adorable lil’ helper…;). I’m obsessed with all things citrus too! Love the addition of ginger cookies too
Min, the whole idea of semifreddo is scandalous. I mean, it makes homemade ice cream waaay too easy. Once you try it, you’ll be finding every excuse to keep right on making it and making it… Thank you so much for stopping by this week. It’s great to see you around!
I just discovered ice cream without an ice cream maker too! Amazing isn’t it! ohhh the possibilities! I love this lemon version! Looks Delish!
Lemon is a perfect summer flavor, isn’t it? So happy to hear you’ve tried the amazingness that is gadgetless homemade ice cream too. Isn’t it the best? Thanks so much for visiting, Mallory.
Oh that looks so yummy! We try to make our homemade soy ice cream often since it’s hard to find in the stores. The kids love it and have a blast adding their toppings.
Looks amazing! Thanks for sharing on the #mondayfundayparty !