An affogato is an Italian dessert made with two easy elements: scorching espresso and chilly gelato. It is the right simple, scrumptious deal with for a scorching 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 scorching espresso over chilly ice cream). However as a result of I believe an affogato is one of the best ways to get pleasure from espresso on a scorching day, I couldn’t resist sharing this easy 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, 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 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 take into account an affogato a dessert, I’ve additionally seen it on many espresso menus at cafés in Italy. Be happy to get pleasure from one any time a craving strikes!

Learn how to Make an Affogato
This affogato recipe begins with two easy elements:
- Espresso – Brew it utilizing an espresso machine or a stovetop moka pot. If you happen to don’t have an espresso maker, you possibly can 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 house, my go-to is vanilla. Any good-quality store-bought vanilla gelato or ice cream shall be nice right here, however this do-it-yourself 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 recent espresso or robust brewed espresso on high, and serve instantly!
Discover the entire recipe with measurements beneath.

Learn how to Serve an Affogato
Be sure to serve an affogato immediately. The mix of cold and hot elements is a large 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 possible begin by consuming with a spoon after which swap to ingesting partway by way of.
Kick issues up a notch by pairing your affogato with biscotti. A crunchy cookie is the right 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. If you happen to like espresso martinis and have Kahlúa available, it might be good right here too.
- Costume it up. I really 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 happy to make use of decaf espresso or espresso on this recipe.

Extra Simple Summer season Desserts
If you happen to 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, 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-compulsory
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish, non-compulsory
Stop 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.
