Pera Bella Helena Recipe

Name: Pera Bella Helena
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3/4 cup chilled whipping cream; 1 pint vanilla ice cream, slightly softened; 1/2 cup chopped husked toasted hazelnuts; 3 tablespoons Frangelico or other nut liqueur; 1 ounce bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, finely grated; 1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel; 1/4 cup whipping cream; 1/4 cup Frangelico liqueur; Pinch of salt; 6 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped; 1/4 cup light corn syrup; 6 cups water; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 8 1x3-inch orange peel strips; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 small firm ripe Anjou, Bartlett or Comice pears, peeled; 1/4 cup chopped husked toasted hazelnuts; 4 orange slices

Servings: persons

3/4 cup chilled whipping cream
1 pint vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
1/2 cup chopped husked toasted hazelnuts
3 tablespoons Frangelico or other nut liqueur
1 ounce bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, finely grated
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/4 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup Frangelico liqueur
Pinch of salt
6 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup light corn syrup
6 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
8 1x3-inch orange peel strips
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 small firm ripe Anjou, Bartlett or Comice pears, peeled
1/4 cup chopped husked toasted hazelnuts
4 orange slices

1
Line 8-inch square pan with plastic.
2
Whip 3/4 cup cream to soft peaks in medium bowl.
3
Mix ice cream, hazelnuts, liqueur, chocolate and orange peel in large bowl just until blended.
4
Gently fold in whipped cream.
5
Transfer mixture to prepared pan; smooth top.
6
Cover and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.
7
(Can be prepared 4 days ahead.
8
Keep frozen.)
9
Bring cream, liqueur and salt to boil in heavy small saucepan.
10
Remove from heat and add chocolate.
11
Let stand 3 minutes.
12
Whisk until chocolate is melted and sauce is smooth.
13
Whisk in corn syrup.
14
(Can be prepared 3 days ahead.
15
Cover and refrigerate.)
16
Stir first 4 ingredients in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
17
Bring to boil.
18
Reduce heat, add pears and simmer until pears are just tender, about 20 minutes.
19
Remove pears from poaching liquid.
20
Cool pears and syrup separately.
21
Return pears to syrup and refrigerate until cold.
22
(Can be prepared 8 hours ahead.)
23
Stir chocolate sauce over low heat until warm.
24
Cut semifreddo into 4 squares.
25
Place 1 semifreddo piece in each of 4 bowls.
26
Remove pears from syrup with slotted spoon.
27
Place pears atop semifreddo.
28
Spoon chocolate sauce over pears to coat, letting extra sauce drizzle onto semifreddo and plate.
29
Sprinkle with nuts.
30
Garnish with orange slices and serve.

1000

kcal

Calories

Fat

149

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3/4 cup chilled whipping cream, 1 pint vanilla ice cream, slightly softened, 1/2 cup chopped husked toasted hazelnuts, 3 tablespoons Frangelico or other nut liqueur, and more.

Yes, Pera Bella Helena falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Pera Bella Helena

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions