An affogato is an Italian dessert made with two easy substances: sizzling espresso and chilly gelato. It is the proper straightforward, scrumptious deal with for a sizzling 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 sizzling 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 sizzling 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, slightly 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 basically drown ice cream in espresso!
The important thing factor to notice about an affogato is that the espresso needs to be sizzling and the ice cream needs 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!
Learn how to 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 actually milk-flavored, is the conventional selection in Italy. At house, my go-to is vanilla. Any good-quality store-bought vanilla gelato or ice cream can 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 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 new espresso or sturdy brewed espresso on prime, and serve instantly!
Discover the entire recipe with measurements under.
Learn how to Serve an Affogato
Ensure to serve an affogato instantly. 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 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 associate for this creamy espresso dessert!
Variations
- Use a distinct 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. For those who like espresso martinis and have Kahlúa readily available, it will be good right here too.
- Gown it up. I really like a dusting of cocoa powder or sprinkle of chocolate shavings on prime.
- 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 Simple Summer time Desserts
For those who love this recipe, attempt one in all these straightforward summer season 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 a substitute.
- 1 to 2 scoops vanilla ice cream or gelato
- 1 shot freshly brewed espresso, or 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) sturdy sizzling espresso
- Amaretto, non-compulsory
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish, non-compulsory
Forestall your display from going darkish
-
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.
-
Serve instantly.