Affogato-An Italian Coffee Dessert Recipe
With just espresso and a scoop of gelato, affogato delivers big flavor in minutes. The hot coffee melts into the cold ice cream, creating a velvety, coffee-flavored dessert you’ll love.
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I have to admit, within my first six months living in Italy years ago, I gained about twenty pounds—the food was irresistible! One of my favorite things was grabbing gelato after dinner and strolling the streets, just like the locals. That’s also when I discovered Affogato al Caffè, a delicious dessert that means “drowned in coffee.” Let me tell you, it’s still one of my favorites, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Why I love this recipe
- It looks fancy but is super easy to make.
- The mix of warm espresso and cold gelato is heavenly.
- I can change it up depending on my mood or what I have on hand.
What is affogato al cafe?
Affogato is a classic Italian dessert that translates to “drowned.” It typically consists of a scoop of ice cream or gelato topped with a shot of hot espresso. This delightful treat perfectly blends flavors and temperatures, creating a dessert experience that’s both refreshing and comforting. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a real treat!
Need more? Check out our Praline Latte and Chocolate Banana Coffee Smoothie
Ingredients
- espresso or strongly brewed coffee
- vanilla gelato or ice cream
- chocolate shavings
Step by step
- First, scoop the gelato into a small serving dish.
- Pour the shot of espresso or coffee over the gelato.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for best results
- Use high-quality espresso for the best flavor.
- Serve immediately for that delightful contrast of hot and cold.
- Experiment with different flavors of gelato or ice cream.
- Chill your serving dish beforehand to keep everything colder for longer.
- Adjust the sweetness by using flavored gelato if you prefer.
Variations
If you’re in a playful mood, feel free to mix things up! You can explore various gelato or ice cream flavors, such as hazelnut or vanilla. For adult twist, you can even enhance your affogato with a splash of your favorite liqueur, like Amaretto, Bailey’s, Frangelico, or Kahlúa.
For an extra touch, consider adding some nuts, sea salt, or caramel sauce. There are so many ways to personalize your affogato, making it a fun dessert. And if you prefer a chilled version, opt for iced coffee instead of hot. Just keep in mind that the gelato won’t melt as much into the coffee.
Serving suggestions
- pair it with biscotti for a classic Italian combo
- serve alongside Tiramisu or Panna Cotta for a rich, elegant dessert spread
- serve at parties with Italian cannoli for a fun dessert station
Frequently asked questions
Gelato is an Italian version of ice cream made from milk and sugar, combined with flavorings. Gelato comes from the Italian word “gelare,” meaning “to freeze.” Because there is less fat & cream, and fewer eggs in gelato, it has a lighter flavor.
I prefer to use a short glass as you are only using a little bit of espresso. You could also serve it in a small bowl if you prefer.
Use a spoon to eat the gelato then sip the sweet coffee/gelato mixture leftover afterwards!
Storage
If you do have any leftovers, let the coffee cool before you store it in the fridge. For the best flavor, it’s really best enjoyed fresh. Serving it in a chilled cup can help it last a little longer without melting!
If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!
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Affogato-An Italian Coffee Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
With just espresso and a scoop of gelato, affogato delivers big flavor in minutes. The hot coffee melts into the cold ice cream, creating a velvety, coffee-flavored dessert you’ll love.
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso or 1/4 cup strongly brewed coffee
- 1 scoop gelato or ice cream
- chocolate shavings, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Scoop the gelato into a small serving dish.
- Top it with hot espresso or coffee.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Allow the coffee to cool, and/or serve it in a chilled cup to make the drink last longer.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: none
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 246
- Sugar: 36.9 g
- Sodium: 133.5 mg
- Fat: 4.7 g
- Trans Fat:
- Carbohydrates: 43.9 g
- Protein: 8.4 g
- Cholesterol: 15.8 mg
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Yum! We get affogatos from the gelato store on the corner and it’s delicious, but I’m happy to know it’s pretty easy to make at home too!
Ahhhh…the memories your post brings back. I went to Italy on a tour with my bff after high school many years ago, and back in 2008 we went to visit our daughter while she was there for a semester in college. Both times we only visited the ‘tourist’ sections of Italy. I would someday like to return to visit some of the lesser known regions, in particular Bari and Abruzzi, where my family is from.
I saw a similar recipe recently on Food Network and thought..hummm, that’s something I might want to try. I think with seeing your post the universe is telling me I can indeed forego the calories and indulge. 🙂
Isn’t Italy fabulous Doreen? We lived in Vicenza, in the northeast near Venice and Verona. It was amazing to travel around. I think Capri and Florence were our favorite parts!
I also became addicted to affogato when we went to Italy two years ago… that and cafe shakerato (iced espresso shaken with ice & sugar)… and cafe marrochino (chocolate and espresso)… I could keep going! This recipe is really nice for a quick & easy treat. Yum. Gonna have to get me some of this!
Yum, you’re bringing back memories! My standby was always cafe macchiato!
Yummy!! It looks so delicious!!
Delish!! I love coffee in anything – this dessert looks so yummy! Thanks for the recipe!!
This looks awesome! My husband LOVES that International Delight Iced Coffee in the Mocha flavor. If I showed him this, I could get anything I want! I’m going to put this in my pocket for Valentine’s Day (or any day, it’s win-win for me).
So jealous you’ve been to Italy!
What? coupon!? even better! Thanks!
This looks absolutely AMAZING!!! It would make a perfect Valentine’s Day dessert!! Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
YUMMMMM! I can’t wait to try this!!! It’s like a coffee milkshake!
It’s SO good Christine! Definitely try it out! Thanks for stopping by!
Oh. My WORD! WOW Melissa..I will be right over!
Ummmm….yummm. I am seriously licking my lips right now!
Yum!! Love the name…it sounds so romantic :). Thanks for the recipe!!
Ciao! This looks delicious! I do have an espresso maker, so I think I’ll churn out a version of this! Never been to Italy, though, but it’s on my bucket list! Loved seeing your photos!
Oh Jane, Italy is amazing! Move it to the top of the list!