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Get your caffeine fix AND satisfy your sweet tooth with my affogato recipe. Featuring bold espresso and sweet vanilla gelato, it’s a match made in heaven!
Love all things coffee? Try my salted caramel cream cold brew, peanut butter coffee, or caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino next.
The first time I tried espresso and gelato, I couldn’t believe I never paired the two before. The balance of dark, bitter espresso with sweet ice cream is heavenly, and to this day, it’s my go-to dessert whenever we get Italian!
What is a traditional affogato dessert?
Affogato, which translates to drowned in Italian, is a classic coffee dessert consisting of a scoop of vanilla gelato ‘drowning’ in an espresso shot.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Such a simple dessert. All you need is a scoop of gelato and coffee.
- Customizable. Keep it simple or completely transform the flavor with different ice creams and fun toppings.
- Get your buzz on! I LOVE coffee desserts, and this is the creme de la creme (or creme de la espresso?).
- Quick. Like with my coffee mousse, If you have ice cream in your freezer, you only have to brew some coffee to serve this dessert.
Ingredients needed
- Vanilla ice cream. This dessert is traditionally served with gelato, which is a thicker, creamier type of ice cream, but I used ice cream because that’s what I had on hand.
- Espresso. Choose a good-quality espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew a strong batch of coffee.
How to make an affogato
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Scoop the ice cream. Add one scoop of vanilla ice cream to two glasses.
Step 2- Add espresso. Pour one shot of espresso over each scoop of ice cream, then serve immediately.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use instant coffee instead of espresso. I know this isn’t exactly ‘good quality,’ but I find instant coffee to be bold and less bitter, making it the perfect addition to this treat.
- Chill your glasses. Chill your serving bowls or glasses in the freezer so the ice cream takes longer to melt.
- Make it decaffeinated. Use decaf coffee so you’re not buzzing all night!
- Make it vegan. Use oat milk ice cream or almond milk ice cream instead.
Affogato variations
- Swap the vanilla ice cream. Try mint, coffee, or chocolate ice cream instead.
- Make it boozy. Add a shot of Frangelico, Bailey’s, Kahlua, or amaretto for a subtle almond flavor.
- Add toppings. Like crushed hazelnuts, shaved chocolate, whipped cream, or crushed cookie crumbs.
- Garnish. Top with a sprinkle of sea salt or chocolate sauce for a salty-sweet flavor.
- Serve it with cookies. A little almond flour biscotti or Italian almond cookies make the perfect accompaniment.
Frequently asked questions
Definitely, you can also brew your espresso coffee in a moka pot. Or use a strong coffee made using a French press.
More coffee-inspired treats to try
Affogato
Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1/4 cup Espresso divided
Instructions
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to two glasses.
- Pour 30 ml of hot espresso over each one.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Originally published July 2023, updated and republished August 2024
I never tried affogato before. It should tasty good. Maybe I put chocolate protein ice cream.
I know Italians drink this a lot but I never tried. In my country its called “ice coffee”.