An affogato is an Italian dessert made with two easy substances: scorching espresso and chilly gelato. It is the proper simple, scrumptious deal with for a scorching day!
Let’s make an affogato! This traditional Italian dessert is a scrumptious marriage of two easy substances: espresso and gelato or ice cream.
You barely want a recipe to make one (it’s as simple as pouring scorching espresso over chilly ice cream). However as a result of I feel an affogato is one of the best ways to get pleasure from espresso on a scorching day, I couldn’t resist sharing this straightforward affogato recipe—my most well-liked ratios and variations included. I hope you’ll take it as an invite to get pleasure from this pleasant Italian deal with for the remainder of the summer season, no journey to Italy required!
What’s an affogato?
First, just a little background! The phrase affogato means “drowned” in Italian, which is a becoming title for this dessert. In any case, to make an affogato, you primarily drown ice cream in espresso!
The important thing factor to notice about an affogato is that the espresso needs to be scorching and the ice cream needs to be chilly. The espresso melts the ice cream right into a creamy foam, making a scrumptious interaction of temperatures and textures.
Although I take into account an affogato a dessert, I’ve additionally seen it on many espresso menus at cafés in Italy. Be at liberty to get pleasure from one any time a craving strikes!
The way to Make an Affogato
This affogato recipe begins with two easy substances:
- Espresso – Brew it utilizing an espresso machine or a stovetop moka pot. Should you don’t have an espresso maker, you possibly can merely use sturdy brewed espresso.
- Ice cream or gelato – Fior di latte gelato, which is actually milk-flavored, is the conventional selection in Italy. At house, my go-to is vanilla. Any good-quality store-bought vanilla gelato or ice cream can be nice right here, however this home made ice cream takes an affogato to a different stage.
The ratio of espresso to ice cream you utilize is as much as you. I all the time use 1 shot of espresso and 1 or 2 scoops of ice cream relying on whether or not I’m within the temper for a sweeter or extra coffee-forward deal with.
To make an affogato, place the ice cream in a serving bowl or glass. Pour the new espresso or sturdy brewed espresso on prime, and serve instantly!
Discover the whole recipe with measurements beneath.
The way to Serve an Affogato
Be sure that to serve an affogato instantly. The mix of cold and warm substances is a big a part of what makes one so scrumptious, so dig in whereas the ice cream remains to be considerably agency and the espresso nonetheless has some heat.
Small serving bowls or glasses are greatest for this recipe in order that the combination swimming pools on the backside. You’ll doubtless begin by consuming with a spoon after which change to consuming partway by means of.
Kick issues up a notch by pairing your affogato with biscotti. A crunchy cookie is the proper accomplice for this creamy espresso dessert!
Variations
- Use a special ice cream taste. The sky’s the restrict! So many flavors could be glorious right here. Strive chocolate ice cream, espresso ice cream, caramel, cherry, or hazelnut.
- Add a liqueur. Make a boozy affogato by drizzling in a tablespoon of amaretto. Should you like espresso martinis and have Kahlúa readily available, it could be good right here too.
- Costume it up. I like a dusting of cocoa powder or sprinkle of chocolate shavings on prime.
- Make it decaf. If you wish to get pleasure from an affogato after dinner however don’t wish to load up on caffeine, be happy to make use of decaf espresso or espresso on this recipe.
Extra Straightforward Summer season Desserts
Should you love this recipe, strive certainly one of these simple summer season desserts subsequent:

Affogato Recipe
Serves 1
Discover ways to make an affogato! This Italian dessert is solely espresso poured over gelato or ice cream. If you do not have an espresso maker, be happy to make use of scorching, sturdy brewed espresso as a substitute.
- 1 to 2 scoops vanilla ice cream or gelato
- 1 shot freshly brewed espresso, or 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) sturdy scorching espresso
- Amaretto, non-obligatory
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish, non-obligatory
Forestall your display from going darkish
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Place the ice cream in a serving glass or bowl and pour the espresso on prime. Add a splash of amaretto, if desired, and prime with chocolate shavings, if utilizing.
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Serve instantly.