An affogato is an Italian dessert made with two easy components: sizzling espresso and chilly gelato. It is the proper straightforward, scrumptious deal with for a sizzling day!
Let’s make an affogato! This traditional 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 sizzling espresso over chilly ice cream). However as a result of I feel an affogato is the easiest way to get pleasure from espresso on a sizzling day, I couldn’t resist sharing this easy affogato recipe—my most popular 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 time, no journey to Italy required!
What’s an affogato?
First, a little bit 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 ought to be sizzling 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 contemplate 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 components:
- Espresso – Brew it utilizing an espresso machine or a stovetop moka pot. Should you don’t have an espresso maker, you may 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 will likely 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 employ 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 high, and serve instantly!
Discover the entire recipe with measurements beneath.
The way to Serve an Affogato
Ensure that to serve an affogato straight away. The mix of cold and warm 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 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 way 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 distinct ice cream taste. The sky’s the restrict! So many flavors could be glorious 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. Should 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 high.
- Make it decaf. If you wish to get pleasure from an affogato after dinner however don’t wish to load up on caffeine, be at liberty to make use of decaf espresso or espresso on this recipe.
Extra Straightforward Summer season Desserts
Should you love this recipe, strive one among these straightforward summer time desserts subsequent:

Affogato Recipe
Serves 1
Discover ways 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 at liberty to make use of sizzling, 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 sizzling espresso
- Amaretto, elective
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish, elective
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 high. Add a splash of amaretto, if desired, and high with chocolate shavings, if utilizing.
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Serve instantly.