An affogato is an Italian dessert made with two easy components: scorching espresso and chilly gelato. It is the right straightforward, scrumptious deal with for a scorching day!
Let’s make an affogato! This basic Italian dessert is a scrumptious marriage of two easy components: espresso and gelato or ice cream.
You barely want a recipe to make one (it’s as straightforward as pouring scorching espresso over chilly ice cream). However as a result of I feel an affogato is one of the best ways to take pleasure in 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 take pleasure in this pleasant Italian deal with for the remainder of the summer time, no journey to Italy required!
What’s an affogato?
First, somewhat background! The phrase affogato means “drowned” in Italian, which is a becoming identify for this dessert. In spite of everything, to make an affogato, you basically drown ice cream in espresso!
The important thing factor to notice about an affogato is that the espresso ought to be scorching and the ice cream ought to be chilly. The espresso melts the ice cream right into a creamy foam, making a scrumptious interaction of temperatures and textures.
Although I think about an affogato a dessert, I’ve additionally seen it on many espresso menus at cafés in Italy. Be at liberty to take pleasure in one any time a craving strikes!
The best way to Make an Affogato
This affogato recipe begins with two easy components:
- Espresso – Brew it utilizing an espresso machine or a stovetop moka pot. If you happen to don’t have an espresso maker, you’ll be able to merely use robust brewed espresso.
- Ice cream or gelato – Fior di latte gelato, which is basically milk-flavored, is the conventional alternative in Italy. At dwelling, my go-to is vanilla. Any good-quality store-bought vanilla gelato or ice cream will likely 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 recent espresso or robust brewed espresso on prime, and serve instantly!
Discover the whole recipe with measurements under.
The best way to Serve an Affogato
Be certain that to serve an affogato straight away. The mixture of cold and hot components 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 finest for this recipe in order that the combination swimming pools on the backside. You’ll probably begin by consuming with a spoon after which swap to ingesting partway by means of.
Kick issues up a notch by pairing your affogato with biscotti. A crunchy cookie is the right companion for this creamy espresso dessert!
Variations
- Use a unique 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. If you happen to like espresso martinis and have Kahlúa available, it will be good right here too.
- Costume it up. I really like a dusting of cocoa powder or sprinkle of chocolate shavings on prime.
- Make it decaf. If you wish to take pleasure in an affogato after dinner however don’t need to load up on caffeine, be happy to make use of decaf espresso or espresso on this recipe.
Extra Straightforward Summer season Desserts
If you happen to love this recipe, strive one in every of these straightforward summer time desserts subsequent:

Affogato Recipe
Serves 1
Learn 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, robust brewed espresso as a substitute.
- 1 to 2 scoops vanilla ice cream or gelato
- 1 shot freshly brewed espresso, or 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) robust scorching espresso
- Amaretto, non-obligatory
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish, non-obligatory
Forestall your display screen 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.