An affogato is an Italian dessert made with two easy elements: sizzling espresso and chilly gelato. It is the right simple, scrumptious deal with for a sizzling day!
Let’s make an affogato! This basic Italian dessert is a scrumptious marriage of two easy elements: espresso and gelato or ice cream.
You barely want a recipe to make one (it’s as simple as pouring sizzling espresso over chilly ice cream). However as a result of I feel an affogato is the easiest way to take pleasure in espresso on a sizzling day, I couldn’t resist sharing this straightforward affogato recipe—my most popular 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, slightly background! The phrase affogato means “drowned” in Italian, which is a becoming title for this dessert. In any case, to make an affogato, you basically drown ice cream in espresso!
The important thing factor to notice about an affogato is that the espresso must be sizzling 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 elements:
- Espresso – Brew it utilizing an espresso machine or a stovetop moka pot. When you 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 residence, my go-to is vanilla. Any good-quality store-bought vanilla gelato or ice cream might be nice right here, however this home made ice cream takes an affogato to a different degree.
The ratio of espresso to ice cream you employ 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 robust 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 straight away. The mix of cold and warm elements 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 greatest 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 consuming partway via.
Kick issues up a notch by pairing your affogato with biscotti. A crunchy cookie is the right associate for this creamy espresso dessert!
Variations
- Use a unique ice cream taste. The sky’s the restrict! So many flavors could be wonderful right here. Attempt chocolate ice cream, espresso ice cream, caramel, cherry, or hazelnut.
- Add a liqueur. Make a boozy affogato by drizzling in a tablespoon of amaretto. When you like espresso martinis and have Kahlúa available, it will be good right here too.
- Gown it up. I 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 wish to load up on caffeine, be happy to make use of decaf espresso or espresso on this recipe.
Extra Simple Summer season Desserts
When you love this recipe, strive one in every of these simple summer season desserts subsequent:

Affogato Recipe
Serves 1
Learn to make an affogato! This Italian dessert is just espresso poured over gelato or ice cream. If you do not have an espresso maker, be happy to make use of sizzling, 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 sizzling espresso
- Amaretto, non-obligatory
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish, non-obligatory
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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.