
Ricotta and Berry Semifreddo Bonbons
A chic, ice cream–style dessert that’s effortlessly homemade – no ice cream machine required!
Ricotta and Berry Semifreddo Bonbons
Course: Dulciuri, Retete RapideCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy30
pieces15
minutes6
hours115
kcal6
hours15
minutesThere are desserts that take time and patience, and then there are desserts that bring you instant joy.
These Semifreddo Bonbons fall into the second category: a silky mix of cream, velvety ricotta, and fragrant berries, all wrapped in a thin chocolate shell – or not, depending on your mood. Want to know a secret? I love them both ways.
And the best part? You don’t even need an ice cream machine. All you need is the desire for a special treat that’s simple to make – exactly what I was craving.
What I love most about these little “frozen bites” is that you can keep them in the freezer and grab one whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. One is enough… but stopping at just one? Impossible. Trust me on this one – it’s the kind of dessert that makes you smile even before the first bite.
What is Semifreddo?
Semifreddo comes from Italian and literally means “half-frozen.” Unlike classic ice cream, it doesn’t require a special machine and never freezes rock solid. Its texture stays airy and creamy, somewhere between mousse and ice cream, thanks to whipped cream and other creamy ingredients.
In short, it’s the perfect dessert when you crave an ice cream-like treat, but want an easier, no-fuss recipe.
And because words don’t cool you down (and certainly can’t be eaten), let’s get straight to it: ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
(This recipe was also featured on Chef Adrian Hădean’s blog, alongside many other dishes I prepared during my internship.)
Ingredients
For the semifreddo:
300 ml heavy cream (minimum 30% fat, very cold)200 ml sweetened condensed milk
180 g ricotta (well-drained, smooth and creamy)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or seeds from ½ vanilla bean)
100–150 g frozen berries
1 tablespoon sugar (for the berries)
For the coating:
150 g chocolate (dark or milk, depending on your preference)2 tablespoons olive oil (or a neutral oil, for a smoother texture)
30 g butter
a pinch of flaky sea salt (optional, for an interesting flavor contrast)
Preparation method :
- Note: You can adjust the amount of berries depending on how intense you want their flavor. If you prefer a semifreddo without the chocolate shell, simply skip this step – serve them plain or with fresh berries instead.
- Preparing the berries
Place the frozen berries in a small saucepan together with the sugar. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until they soften slightly and release a bit of juice. Remove from the heat and let them cool completely.
For a smooth, creamy texture in your semifreddo, strain the mixture to remove the seeds, leaving you with a vibrant, flavorful syrup – a pop of color and taste that elevates the dessert. - Whipping the cream
In a chilled bowl, gently whip the heavy cream until it becomes soft and airy. Be careful not to overwhip – otherwise, you’ll end up with butter instead. - Semifreddo base
In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, ricotta, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped cream using an upward folding motion to keep the mixture light and airy. - Freezing
Pour the mixture into a 24 cm (9-inch) pan lined with plastic wrap, or into small silicone molds (bonbon or muffin-sized). Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight, until the mixture is fully set. - A pop of color
Once the berry syrup has cooled completely, drizzle it over the semifreddo mixture before freezing. Gently swirl it with a skewer or toothpick to create a beautiful marbled effect. - Portioning
Turn the semifreddo out onto a clean surface, peel off the plastic wrap, and cut into small, bite-sized cubes.
Tip: If it doesn’t come out easily, place the pan upside down on a warm towel for 1–2 minutes to loosen it. - Preparing the glaze
Melt the chocolate together with the oil and butter, using a double boiler or microwave, until smooth and glossy. Add a pinch of salt for a subtle flavor contrast. - Glazing the bonbons
Dip the semifreddo cubes into the chocolate glaze, place them on parchment paper, and freeze for another 10–15 minutes, until the chocolate coating hardens.
Pro tip: Sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt right after glazing really makes a difference! - The result? Cool bonbons with a silky interior and a crisp chocolate shell – a small dessert with a big “wow” factor. Close your eyes and let the flavors take over. Shh… I promise any guilt melts away after the very first bite.
- How to personalize your semifreddo
The beauty of this dessert is that you can easily adapt it to your taste and the season. The possibilities are endless — here are some ideas:
Fruits: raspberries, blueberries, mango, peaches — fresh or as a coulis.
Crunch: pistachios, toasted almonds, or cookie crumble.
Flavors: a splash of liqueur (Amaretto, Baileys, Limoncello), a hint of orange zest, or a pinch of cinnamon can completely change its personality.
Chocolate: flakes mixed in, delicate glazes, or even wafer sheets.
Basically, semifreddo is your personal playground — always cool, always surprising. - Simple yet seemingly sophisticated, this dessert is perfect whenever you crave something special. You can even impress your guests—if you’re willing to share!
Keep a few bonbons in the freezer and enjoy them anytime you need a little indulgence. Store them in airtight containers, layering parchment paper between batches.
If you try the recipe, let me know how it turned out and which flavor combos you chose—I can’t wait to see your ideas!
Wishing you sweet and refreshing moments, Big hugs, Ely