Affogato-An Italian Coffee Dessert Recipe

Name: Affogato-An Italian Coffee Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 shot espresso or 1/4 cup strongly brewed coffee; 1 scoop gelato or ice cream; chocolate shavings, for garnish, optional

ByMelissa Riker October 16, 2024

19 Comments

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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

What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?

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.

What kind of glass do you serve affogato in?

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.

How do you eat affogato?

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!