Affogato Coffee Ice Cream is a super easy and classic Italian dessert made using just two main ingredients: vanilla ice cream and hot espresso! This simple and delicious coffee dessert is both rich and creamy.
If you love ice cream desserts or coffee, then this affogato has your name written all over it.
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This coffee dessert recipe uses espresso. However, if you don’t have an espresso machine, you can still make it using strong brewed coffee, or even instant coffee mixed with hot water.
I have shared step-by-step picture instructions and a video recipe on how to make affogato at home with all the important tips and tricks.
About Affogato Recipe
Affogato is an Italian dessert that combines creamy vanilla ice cream or gelato with hot espresso. The hot espresso melts the ice cream, making a sweet and creamy mix that’s incredibly delicious.
You just need some ice cream, coffee, and optional toppings like dark chocolate shavings to make it look more enticing and add a bit of bittersweet texture. This ice cream dessert is a wonderful way to enjoy a cold treat with a hot twist!
It is simple and easy to make, perfect for coffee lovers, and takes just minutes to prepare. Plus, it’s a vegetarian and gluten-free dessert that can also be made vegan by using vegan ice cream.
This gourmet looking ice cream coffee treat is sold in cafes and restaurants all over Italy. It might look very fancy, but making this dessert is child’s play. It’s one of those simple recipes that can be done in just a minute.
All you need to do is scoop some vanilla ice cream into a serving glass and top it with hot espresso. That’s it! Your super creamy and delicious affogato is ready!
If you love coffee and ice cream, this will become your new favorite dessert.
What is Affogato
In Italian, “Affogato” means “drowned,” and in this recipe, the ice cream is literally drowned in hot coffee to make a rich, creamy, and deliciously melty dessert. Hence, it’s called affogato.
Why Will You Love This Recipe
This Affogato
✔️ is quick and easy to make
✔️ takes only 1 minute
✔️ can be made with any coffee
✔️ is great for coffee lovers
✔️ can also be made vegan
✔️ tastes like a gourmet dessert
✔️ is easily customizable
✔️ can be made with various toppings
Ingredients
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Vanilla ice cream or gelato: You will need 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to make 1 serving. For a creamy, extra rich, and smooth base, it’s recommended to use full-fat ice cream.
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Hot espresso: It’s the star ingredient of this recipe. It adds bold, delicious flavors and warmth to this tasty dessert. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use espresso powder, instant coffee, or strong brewed coffee.
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Shaved dark chocolate (optional): As a final garnish, shaved dark chocolate adds a rich and bittersweet flavor to the dessert.
The Best Ice Cream for Affogato
Traditionally, vanilla ice cream is used for making affogato. You can either use homemade vanilla ice cream or store-bought to make it taste authentic. You can also use vanilla gelato for a more traditional Italian experience.
How to Make Affogato
Making affogato at home is very simple and easy. To make it:
Scoop two servings of vanilla ice cream into a glass or a bowl. Pour espresso or strong brewed coffee over the ice cream.
Garnish with chocolate or other toppings and enjoy it right away.
Variations
Non coffee affogato
If you don’t drink coffee but still want to enjoy this treat, you can replace the espresso with decaf coffee. You can also make a kid-friendly version using hot chocolate instead of espresso.
Vegan affogato
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, simply use coconut coffee ice cream or dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Flavored ice cream
For a fun twist, you can use other ice cream flavors like chocolate hazelnut ice cream, mint chocolate chip ice cream, salted caramel ice cream, butterscotch ice cream, or dulce de leche cream.
Affogato Toppings
I have used dark chocolate shavings in this recipe, but you can try other fun toppings, such as:
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Caramel sauce
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Chocolate sauce
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Toasted nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios
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A splash of liqueur (Kahlua, Amaretto) for an adult version
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Unsweetened cocoa powder
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White or milk chocolate curls
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Crushed cookies or biscotti
Serving Suggestions
Affogato tastes best when served immediately after pouring the hot coffee. This way, you can enjoy the mix of hot and cold. It’s generally served in a glass cup or bowl to show off the beautiful layers of ice cream and coffee.
You can enjoy it as is or pair it with Cream Cheese cookies, Lemon White Chocolate cookies, butter cookies or snowball cookies for some added crunch.
Storage Suggestions
Affogato shouldn’t be stored since it tastes best when freshly made. The great thing is that you can whip up this dessert in just 1 minute whenever you have freshly brewed coffee.
Important Tips & Tricks for Making the Best Affogato
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Coffee temperature: Make sure to use hot espresso or coffee before it cools down. The idea is to pour it while it’s still hot to melt the ice cream just enough for the right texture.
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Serving: Serve immediately for the best experience. Affogato melts fast, so enjoy it right after pouring the coffee. If it’s a hot day, use chilled glasses to slow down the melting process.
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Good quality coffee: For strong, rich flavors, use the best quality coffee you can find.
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Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or nuts for different flavor variations.
FAQ
What Can I Use Instead of Espresso?
Espresso is traditional for affogato, but you can use any hot, strongly brewed coffee, instant coffee, or espresso powder mixed with hot water.
Can You Make Affogato Ahead of Time?
You can scoop the ice cream into a serving glass, cover it, and freeze it ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour hot espresso over the ice cream.
Be cautious when using frozen glass—pour the hot coffee over the ice cream, not directly onto the glass, to avoid cracking.
Affogato Recipe (Step-by-step photo instructions)
How to Make an Affogato Recipe
- Scoop two generous servings of vanilla ice cream or gelato into a glass. Pour the hot espresso or over the ice cream. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use strong brewed coffee.
- Optionally, top with shaved dark chocolate for extra flavor. Enjoy your quick and delicious Italian dessert! Serve right away and enjoy!
Recipe Card
Affogato Recipe [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 8 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Desserts | European | 1 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 240 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Affogato Recipe
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream or gelato
- 1 shot hot espresso or strong brewed coffee
- Shaved dark chocolate (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to Make an Affogato Recipe
- Scoop two generous servings of vanilla ice cream or gelato into a glass. Pour the hot espresso or over the ice cream. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use strong brewed coffee.
- Optionally, top with shaved dark chocolate for extra flavor. Enjoy your quick and delicious Italian dessert! Serve right away and enjoy!
WATCH RECIPE VIDEO: Click the play button and video will load ...
NOTES:
- This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily double or triple it if you want to make more! The basic rule is 1 shot (1 oz) of espresso for every scoop of ice cream.
- Feel free to add your favorite toppings like caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or nuts for different flavor variations.
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/affogato-recipe/
