Affogato Recipe (Espresso Ice Cream) (2024)

Affogato Recipe (Espresso Ice Cream) (1) Jessica Randhawa

4.90 from 55 votes


Last Updated | 2 Comments


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The Affogato is a classic Italian dessert consisting of sweet vanilla ice cream topped, or “drowned” with hot espresso coffee. A sweet mid-afternoon treat or after dinner pick-me-up, this espresso ice cream is just what you need to survive the hot summer months (thank you, Italy).

Affogato Recipe (Espresso Ice Cream) (2)

When thinking about my favorite things (aside from family and travel and giant, over-sized, walk-in pantries, of course) I usually think about fresh strong espresso and dessert. Given this love for caffeine and sugar, you can imagine my excitement when I discovered the Affogato while traveling through Italy.

What is the Affogato?

Italian for “drowned”, theAffogato is a coffee-based Italian dessert slash post-dinner caffeine pick-me-up. This fusion of sugar and caffeine makes this espresso ice cream Affogato the perfect solution for anyone struggling to make it through the afternoon or survive beyond dinnertime.

Or maybe that’s just me?

No matter how you interpret the Affogato, it is one more brilliant Italian creation that I would not want to live my life without.

Seriously, though, those Italians know how to do food- from the fresh pasta noodles to the multitude of fresh, homemade pasta sauces, then there’s the pizza. Have you ever hadreal Italian pizza? It will literally blow yourmind. My only regret while traveling in Italy is not eating more. More pizza, more gelato (oh my, the gelato!), morefresh and homemade pasta noodles. The difference is real.

Affogato Recipe (Espresso Ice Cream) (3)

Ingredients in Affogato

  • Ice cream, or gelato
  • Espresso (or strong coffee)
  • Flavored liqueur or Port wine (optional)

The list islong, I know. But I think we can do it.

Traditionally, this espresso ice cream treat was served with just ice cream and espresso. However, at some point in time, someone decided it would be fun to spike these delicious coffeedesserts with some booze. Of course, this is totally optional. But, probably not recommended at 3 pmor anytime where your bed is not in your immediate future.

Additional modifications to this Espresso Ice Cream recipe include the use of different ice cream flavors. Why not try chocolate? Caramel? Coffee-flavored ice cream? Some people have even ditched the coffee espresso altogether and poured hot matcha tea over ice cream instead.

Personally, you’ll find me enjoying the classic. Maybe with some chopped hazelnuts or shaved dark chocolate on top if Ireally want to go crazy.

How to make an Affogato (Espresso Ice Cream)

  1. Place the desired number of glasses in the freezer to chill- if you remember (I did not). This will help keep the ice cream cold. That said, it is not arequiredornecessary step. Only if you want to be really fancy.
  2. Add 1-2 tightly packed scoops of ice cream to each glass.
  3. Pour 2 ounces (double shot) of freshly brewed espresso directly over the ice cream.
  4. Best enjoyed immediately.

Affogato Recipe (Espresso Ice Cream) (4)

My favorite espresso makers

There are several ways to make fresh espresso. Budget and space have always been the ultimate determining factors when making my final decision…

  1. The Breville Barista Express– I have used this machine every single day, 2-3 times a day, for over two years and it is still both my husband and my favorite. You can read my review here.
  2. Nespresso Essenza Mini Machine– Another awesome option, especially if your kitchen footprint is smaller or you’re looking for a machine that is less hands-on. The only down-side is that it does require the mini pods which you will have to continually purchase (plus the unnecessary waste), BUT, Nespresso has really stepped up their game when it comes to making their products as earth-friendly as possible. Read my review here.
  3. Moka Pot– You can never go wrong with a Moka pot. Inexpensive, compact, easy.

Check out these other delicious dessert recipes!

  • Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe
  • Two Coffee co*cktail Recipes
  • Big Crumb Rhubarb Coffee Cake
  • Raspberry Banana White Chocolate Chip Muffins
  • Espresso Overnight Oats with Almond Butter
  • Best Ever Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Bites

Affogato Recipe (Espresso Ice Cream) (5)

RECIPE CARD

Affogato Recipe (Espresso Ice Cream)

4.90 from 55 votes

AuthorAuthor: Affogato Recipe (Espresso Ice Cream) (7)Jessica Randhawa

The Affogato is a classic Italian dessert consisting of sweet vanilla ice cream topped, or "drowned" with hot espresso coffee. A sweet mid-afternoon treat or after dinner pick-me-up, this espresso ice cream is just what you need to survive the hot summer months (thank you, Italy).You may substitutefreshly brewed strong coffee if you do not have access to an espresso maker.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Drinks

Cuisine Italian

Servings 1 Affogato

Calories 273 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vanilla ice cream - (2 scoops)
  • 2 fl oz hot espresso

Instructions

  • Brew the hot espresso just before serving. Add 1-2 large scoops of ice cream to a glass cup or bowl and carefully pour the espresso over the ice cream. Garnish with shaved chocolate or chopped hazelnuts, if desired (not shown).

  • Best served immediately. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 262mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 555IU | Calcium: 169mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Affogato Recipe, How to make an Affogato?, What is an Affogato?

Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

Affogato Recipe (Espresso Ice Cream) (2024)

FAQs

What ice cream flavors are good for affogato? ›

Affogato purists may say you must use vanilla gelato. But across the U.S., vanilla gelato is not always easily accessible. So, use vanilla ice cream. And while you're at it, why not try affogatos with lavender, chocolate, coffee, Oreo, or other flavors of ice cream?

What is the correct way to eat affogato? ›

Grab your spoon and dig in! If you prefer, sip it straight from the bowl. The sweetness of the gelato tempers the bitterness of the coffee, while the contrasting temperatures eventually balance each other out. Don't leave it too long, or you will find that you have with coffee-gelato soup!

What is the difference between affogato and espresso? ›

An affogato is a combination of smooth, creamy gelato or ice cream topped off with freshly brewed espresso. It's the perfect way to indulge your taste buds after dinner without feeling too guilty about it. This classic Italian treat is easy to make at home and can be enjoyed any time of year.

What does affogato mean in Italian? ›

Affogato translates to "drowned" in Italian and is one of the simplest desserts you can create. It's a big scoop of vanilla ice cream with a hot espresso shot poured over it. When the affogato is ready to serve, the ice cream looks as if it has drowned in the coffee.

Are you supposed to drink an affogato? ›

Affogato – coffee, dessert and your after dinner drink, all rolled into one. This is what you have when you're “too full for dessert”! Just pour espresso coffee over vanilla gelato or ice cream, enjoy the melty swirls and dig in. The Italians are genius.

How do Italians eat affogato? ›

Ideally, coffee is poured on top of the ice cream before serving. Many prefer to use the spoon, while some slowly sip the concoction instead. Whichever method you use, ensure that you eat it before it melts. In Italy, the Affogato is typically served after lunch or dinner.

Do affogato shots go on top of whipped cream? ›

The espresso shot often goes above or under the whipped cream topping of the Frappuccino. To ensure your drink is prepared to your preference, make sure to let the barista know when you place your order.

What is a Starbucks affogato? ›

Cold, sweet ice cream meets hot, roasty espresso. The affogato is easy to make and a treat for the senses.

What is espresso with milk called? ›

A latte, or also called a caffè latte, is the big brother of the cappuccino, where everything revolves around the soft, silky foam. Usually the latte is made with a single or double shot of espresso (1/3 of your drink) and 2/3 of your drink is steamed milk with a small layer (around 1 cm) of frothed milk.

What is a substitute for affogato? ›

For a caffeine-free affogato alternative, simply steep a concentrate of our Organic Chaga Chicory and while it is still warm pour over the gelato, creating a delicious treat to savor at any time of day.

How to order an affogato in Italy? ›

"Vorrei un affogato al caffè, per favore." The "affogato" could be considered a dessert by many, but it is the perfect choice for a hot summer day. Make sure to order it "al caffè" as there are many variatons of it.

What ice cream pairs well with coffee? ›

The beloved affogato pairs cold gelato with hot espresso, and the result is a melty and delicious combination, but the pairing might not be enjoyable if you prefer your gelato to stay cold and solid and your espresso to stay piping hot.

Does Starbucks do affogato? ›

To ensure your drink is prepared to your preference, make sure to let the barista know when you place your order. Enjoying an affogato at Starbucks is a great way to add a delightful flavor twist and extra caffeine kick to all your favorite Frappuccinos.

Can you put ice cream in hot coffee? ›

However you decide to classify the treat, it's one of the best things to happen to coffee. It consists of a few scoops of vanilla ice cream and a shot of hot espresso. Add a dash of cinnamon if you're feeling especially daring, and you won't need another reason to give this a try.

Does Baskin Robbins have affogato? ›

Try a classic affogato with Vanilla ice cream, or customize with your favorite flavor. Now you can get this decadent treat that will transport your taste buds to Italy at Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins combo stores nationwide for only $3.49.

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