Fig and Walnut Semifreddo

Name: Fig and Walnut Semifreddo
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: Cow's milk ricotta cheese 1 cup; Fresh liquid cream 1.1 cups; Purple figs (4 figs) 8 oz; Sugar ½ cup; Walnut kernels ½ cup; Vanilla bean ½; Figs 1; Mint to taste

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Gluten Free
Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Serving: 6
Cost: Low
Note + freezing times (6 h)

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Lulù Gargari

Fig and walnut semifreddo is a classic Italian dessert that brings the creamy texture everyone loves in a fig semifreddo recipe together with the crunch of walnuts. And look, across Italy, there are countless takes on semifreddo. But this one? It stands out by using ricotta and whipped cream, skipping the usual raw eggs—pretty simple, right? This keeps things light and smooth, but you still get that semifreddo richness. Plus, the main stars are ripe figs. Really, really sweet figs that blend perfectly with the crunchy bite of walnuts. It's a kind of fig and nut dessert that feels both fresh and special, perfect for a warm evening or a big celebration.

Semifreddo is famous for its easy, no-churn style—more like a frozen mousse than ice cream. So here's the thing, it's easy to see why Italians have loved it for generations. In various regions of Italy, you’ll find semifreddo with ingredients ranging from pistachios to berries, but this walnut semifreddo dessert feels extra summery with figs. I mean, what really makes this dessert fun is its simplicity—no fancy tricks, just quality ingredients and some time in the freezer. When you slice into it, the moist, tender layers reveal bits of walnut and fig, making every bite feel like a treat.

Fans of homemade semifreddo often say it’s the best way to enjoy an Italian frozen dessert without much hassle, and to be honest, this version is a shining example. You get that silky texture, a little golden hue from the figs, and flavors that be different because nothing is masked by heavy ingredients. For anyone seeking an easy semifreddo recipe that still captures authentic Italian flavor, this one hits all the right notes. Really, the mix of tangy fig and nutty walnut is just right, and after a good rest in the freezer, it’s ready to be the star of any summer gathering. Enjoy this super tasty treat, and you'll see why it remains a beloved choice in Italian kitchens.

INGREDIENTS

for 6 semifreddos: Cow's milk ricotta cheese 1 cup (250 g); Fresh liquid cream 1.1 cups (250 g); Purple figs 8 oz (225 g) - (4 figs); Sugar ½ cup (100 g); Walnut kernels ½ cup (50 g); Vanilla bean ½

for decoration: Figs 1; Mint to taste

Preparation

How to prepare Fig and Walnut Semifreddo

To prepare the fig and walnut semifreddo, first peel the figs 1 and then cut them into slices 2 and then into cubes 3.

Set the figs aside for a moment 4 and coarsely chop the walnuts with a knife 5. Now pour the ricotta into a bowl 6.

Add the sugar and cold heavy cream 7, then work with electric beaters 8. You should get a semi-whipped consistency. Now add the figs 9.

Also add the crumbled walnuts 10, the seeds you have removed from the vanilla pod 11, and mix everything with a spatula 12.

Transfer the mixture into the appropriate molds with the help of a spoon 13. We used a silicone mold for 6 desserts with a capacity of approximately 2.6 oz each, with a diameter of about 3 inches and about 1.6 inches high. Level the surface well 14 and freeze for at least 6 hours 14. When you are ready to serve them, remove the semifreddos from the molds 15.