Recipe Detail Page

1. For the semifreddo, line a 9-inch (23-cm) square baking pan with a cross of parchment paper so all 4 sides are lined, and the paper extends an inch (2.5 cm) above the edges of the pan. Set the pan aside.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer and using a hand whisk, combine the egg yolks, sugar, rum and nutmeg. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Whisk constantly until the eggs are hot to the touch, being careful not scramble the yolks.

3. Transfer the bowl to the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and whip the mixture until it is room temperature and about doubled in volume.

4. In a separate bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks and fold into the yolk mixture in 3 additions, just until combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, smooth the top and freeze overnight.

5. For the speculoos cookies, sift together the flour, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves and set aside.

6. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolk and mix to combine. On low speed, add the flour mixture and mix just until combined. Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap in plastic wrap and chill until firm, about 1’hour or up to 2 days. Unbaked dough can be made ahead, wrapped well and frozen for up to 2 weeks; defrost overnight in the refrigerator.

7. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

8. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a ⅛- to ¼-inch (3- to 5-mm) thickness. (If using a textured rolling pin, roll the dough to a ¼-inch/5-mm thickness and roll over it again with the textured pin.) Cut out desired shapes and place about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on the baking sheets. (Dough scraps can be gathered together, chilled and re-rolled). Place the sheets of cut-out cookies in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes, then bake on the middle rack for 14 to 15 minutes. It is best to bake 1 sheet at a time. The cookies can be baked 5 days ahead and stored at room temperature in a sealed container or frozen for up to 2 weeks.

9. For the spiced coffee-caramel sauce, pour the whipping cream into a small saucepan and whisk in the instant coffee and cinnamon. Place the pot over medium heat and bring just to the boil. Remove from heat.

10. Meanwhile, place the sugar in another small saucepan. Add ¼ cup (60 mL) of water, without stirring. Cover the pot and place over medium-high heat. Once the mixture boils and the sugar is dissolved, remove the lid and continue cooking the syrup, without stirring, until it reaches a light golden colour. Begin swirling the pot to even out the caramelization and continue cooking to a deep amber colour. Turn off the heat and slowly add the warm cream mixture—it will bubble up—and whisk until smooth. Add the butter, transfer to a heatproof container and cool to room temperature. The sauce can be made 5 days ahead and refrigerated. Rewarm just to room temperature, over low heat, stirring constantly.

11. To assemble the sandwiches, set out half of the cookies on a tray or container that will fit into your freezer. Reserve the remaining half for the tops of the sandwiches. Remove the semifreddo from the pan and peel back the paper from the sides. Using a cookie cutter smaller than the one you used for the speculoos cookies, cut out the semifreddo placing 1 portion in the middle of each cookie. (The semifreddo may become soft, so you may have to place it back into the freezer as you are cutting.) Once the cookies are topped with semifreddo, freeze again until firm.

12. Transfer the caramel sauce to a paper piping cone or a piping bag with a small metal tip. Pipe the sauce overtop the semifreddos, allowing it to drip down the sides. Top each with another cookie and return to the freezer for at least 1 hour. (The sauce can also be simply drizzled using a fork or spoon.) Remove the sandwiches from the freezer 5 to 10 minutes before serving. The sandwiches can be assembled up to 5 days ahead and kept frozen in an airtight container.