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Raspberry-Cardamom Yogurt Semifreddo

5.0

(2)

Overhead shot of semifreddo swirled with ribbons of raspberry being scooped out of a tray.
Photograph by Scott Semler, Food Styling by Judy Kim, Prop Styling by Stephanie Yeh

Some semifreddo recipes use eggs to create a fluffy, frozen mousse-like texture. Instead, this version comes together more like a no-churn ice cream, with yogurt or labneh serving as a tangy base. Folding in whipped cream keeps the mixture light and easy to scoop.

The combination of sweet-tart raspberries and earthy-floral cardamom is inspired by a favorite jam of mine. Together they cook down into a bright pink mixture that ribbons through the creamy semifreddo. Swap the fruit and spice with our other combinations: Plum–Black Pepper Yogurt Semifreddo and Mango-Sumac Yogurt Semifreddo. —Kendra Vaculin

Recipe information

  • Yield

    6–8 servings

Ingredients

1 lb. fresh raspberries (about 2⅔ cups)
⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt
1 tsp. ground cardamom
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
½ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt or labneh
½ tsp. vanilla extract
1 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 cups heavy cream

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook 1 lb. fresh raspberries (about 2⅔ cups), ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring often and smashing fruit with a wooden spoon, until thick and jammy, 15–18 minutes. Stir in 1 tsp. ground cardamom. Let raspberry mixture cool.

    Step 2

    Whisk 1 cup sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt or labneh, ½ tsp. vanilla extract, and a big pinch of salt in a medium bowl to combine, then stir in 1 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped.

    Step 3

    Using an electric mixer on medium-high, beat 2 cups heavy cream in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form. Transfer 1 cup whipped cream to bowl with yogurt mixture and gently fold to combine. Scrape yogurt mixture into bowl with remaining whipped cream and gently fold to combine (be careful; you don’t want to deflate the cream).

    Step 4

    Transfer a third of cream mixture to a 9x5" loaf pan and spread into an even layer. Top with a third of raspberry mixture and swirl to create ribbons and pockets throughout cream mixture. Repeat process of layering and swirling 2 more times, dividing remaining cream mixture and raspberry mixture evenly between layers. Smooth surface and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Freeze until solid, at least 8 hours.

    Step 5

    Let semifreddo sit at room temperature 10 minutes before scooping into bowls.

    Do ahead: Semifreddo can be made 5 days ahead. Keep frozen.

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