An affogato is an Italian dessert made with two easy substances: scorching espresso and chilly gelato. It is the proper straightforward, scrumptious deal with for a scorching day!
Let’s make an affogato! This basic 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 straightforward as pouring scorching espresso over chilly ice cream). However as a result of I feel an affogato is one of the simplest 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 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 spite of everything, to make an affogato, you primarily drown ice cream in espresso!
The important thing factor to notice about an affogato is that the espresso must be scorching and the ice cream must 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!
How you can Make an Affogato
This affogato recipe begins with two easy substances:
- Espresso – Brew it utilizing an espresso machine or a stovetop moka pot. For those who don’t have an espresso maker, you possibly can merely use sturdy brewed espresso.
- Ice cream or gelato – Fior di latte gelato, which is basically milk-flavored, is the conventional alternative in Italy. At residence, my go-to is vanilla. Any good-quality store-bought vanilla gelato or ice cream can be nice right here, however this do-it-yourself ice cream takes an affogato to a different stage.
The ratio of espresso to ice cream you utilize is as much as you. I at all times 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 entire recipe with measurements under.
How you can Serve an Affogato
Make certain to serve an affogato immediately. The mixture of cold and warm substances is a big a part of what makes one so scrumptious, so dig in whereas the ice cream continues 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 possible begin by consuming with a spoon after which swap to ingesting partway via.
Kick issues up a notch by pairing your affogato with biscotti. A crunchy cookie is the proper companion for this creamy espresso dessert!
Variations
- Use a distinct ice cream taste. The sky’s the restrict! So many flavors can 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. For those who 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 at liberty to make use of decaf espresso or espresso on this recipe.
Extra Straightforward Summer time Desserts
For those who love this recipe, strive one in all these straightforward 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 at liberty to make use of scorching, sturdy brewed espresso as an alternative.
- 1 to 2 scoops vanilla ice cream or gelato
- 1 shot freshly brewed espresso, or 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) sturdy scorching espresso
- Amaretto, optionally available
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish, optionally available
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.