Tropical Banana Almond Semifreddo
Indulge in the creamy, frozen delight of this Tropical Banana Almond Semifreddo. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the rich depth of dark brown sugar, and a hint of tropical rum and zesty lime, this dessert is both refreshing and satisfying. The toasted almonds provide a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the silky smooth banana mixture. Perfect for warm evenings or any celebration, this semifreddo is a delightful treat that your guests will love. Serve it in elegant ramekins and garnish it for a professional touch, making it a standout finish to any meal.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Almonds
1/2 cup (Toasted and coarsely chopped)
Bananas
1 lb (Peeled and sliced)
Dark Brown Sugar
1/4 cup (Firmly packed)
Dark Rum
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Lime Juice
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Heavy Cream
1 cup (N/A)
Granulated Sugar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Salt
1 pinch (N/A)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the whole almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or until they become fragrant and crisp. Be sure to check frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven, let cool completely, and coarsely chop.
2
2. In a food processor, combine the peeled and sliced bananas, firmly packed dark brown sugar, dark rum, and lime juice. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly pureed.
3
3. Transfer the banana puree to a large mixing bowl.
4
4. In a separate small bowl, whip the heavy cream until it becomes frothy. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and a pinch of salt, beating until soft peaks form. The cream should be light and fluffy.
5
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the banana mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream. This will keep the semifreddo light and airy.
6
6. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the coarsely chopped almonds for garnish. Fold the remaining chopped almonds into the banana mixture to incorporate the crunch.
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7. Spoon the mixture into 8 individual ramekins or dessert cups. Cover each with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 1.5 hours, or up to 3 days. The longer it freezes, the more time it will need to soften before serving.
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8. To serve, remove the ramekins from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until softened to a smooth and creamy consistency. Before serving, sprinkle the reserved chopped almonds on top for a delicious crunch.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
18.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Banana Almond Semifreddo?
It is a creamy, frozen Italian-style dessert made with ripe bananas, dark brown sugar, tropical rum, lime, and whipped cream, featuring toasted almonds for texture.
How many calories are in one serving of this semifreddo?
There are 400 calories per serving.
Is this banana semifreddo a no-bake dessert?
Mostly, although it requires briefly toasting the almonds in the oven at 400°F.
How many ingredients do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ingredients: whole almonds, bananas, dark brown sugar, dark rum, lime juice, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and salt.
How do I prepare the almonds for the semifreddo?
Toast whole almonds at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 10 minutes until fragrant, let them cool, and then coarsely chop them.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 30g of fat.
How long should the semifreddo freeze before serving?
It needs to freeze for at least 1.5 hours, but it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 days.
Do I need to let the dessert sit out before eating?
Yes, remove the ramekins from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to reach a creamy consistency.
Can I substitute the dark rum in this recipe?
While dark rum provides a tropical depth, you can omit it or use a splash of vanilla extract if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There is 18.75g of sugar per serving.
What is the best way to puree the bananas?
Use a food processor to combine bananas, brown sugar, rum, and lime juice until the mixture is completely smooth.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to fill 8 individual ramekins or dessert cups.
What type of cream should I use?
You should use heavy cream, whipped until soft peaks form, to ensure the dessert is light and airy.
Why is lime juice included in the recipe?
Lime juice adds a zesty brightness that balances the sweetness of the bananas and brown sugar.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, but dark brown sugar is recommended for its rich depth and molasses flavor.
What should I do with the salt in the recipe?
Add a pinch of salt to the heavy cream while beating it to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Is there protein in this dessert?
Yes, there is approximately 2.5g of protein per serving, largely from the almonds.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this dish?
Each serving contains 27.5g of carbohydrates.
How do I prevent the whipped cream from deflating?
Gently fold the whipped cream into the banana mixture using a spatula rather than stirring vigorously.
Should the almonds be added to the puree or the final mix?
Fold the chopped almonds into the final mixture after the whipped cream has been incorporated, reserving some for garnish.
Can I store the semifreddo longer than 3 days?
The recipe recommends up to 3 days for best quality; beyond that, it may require more time to soften.
What is the serving suggestion for the topping?
Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of toasted, chopped almonds on top just before serving for added crunch.
What consistency should the whipped cream reach?
Beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form, so it remains light and fluffy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the listed ingredients, this recipe does not contain gluten.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a food processor?
Yes, a blender will work well to puree the bananas and other liquid ingredients until smooth.
How much banana is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 pound of bananas, which should be peeled and sliced before pureeing.
Do I need to cover the ramekins in the freezer?
Yes, cover each ramekin with plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer.
What oven temperature is needed for the almonds?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What tags describe this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as a frozen dessert, banana, semifreddo, almond, tropical, easy dessert, and no-bake dessert.
Can I use sliced almonds instead of whole almonds?
Yes, you can use sliced almonds, but keep a close eye on them while toasting as they will brown much faster than whole almonds.