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?

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Affogato Recipe (Espresso Ice Cream) (2024)

FAQs

What is the best ice cream flavor for affogato? ›

It's also made with Fair Trade vanilla beans, and Jeni's Ice Cream was woman-founded by James Beard Awardee Jeni Britton. A close contender as the absolute best vanilla ice cream for affogato is Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean.

What do you call ice cream with a shot of espresso? ›

The affogato is a dessert made with two main ingredients: vanilla ice cream and espresso. Originally invented in Italy, the word “affogato” literally translates as “drowned” in English. This is fitting, as the affogato is actually a scoop of ice cream “drowned” in espresso.

What is an espresso affogato? ›

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.

What is the most picked ice cream flavor? ›

1. Vanilla. Above all types of ice cream flavors, vanilla is America's favorite for a reason: it's simple and it goes with everything.

What is the difference between espresso and affogato? ›

Affogato is a dessert where espresso is poured over a scoop of ice cream, usually vanilla, sometimes with some crushed nuts as an extra topping. An espresso is a coffee. An affogato is a vanilla ice cream topped with a shot of whisky, or hot chocolate (the Italian fudgy version), or espresso.

What is 2 shots of espresso called? ›

Doppio - Italian for “double,” doppio is a double shot of espresso and is the gold standard. Most coffee shops serve a doppio, or double shot, as the default order when you ask for an espresso.

What is 2 shots of espresso and 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.

Does Starbucks make affogato? ›

Although it's not technically a menu item, you can grab what's essentially an affogato-to-go by getting a little creative with your next frozen drink order. The secret is to start with a classic Vanilla Bean Crème frappuccino.

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.

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.

Does affogato have to be espresso? ›

Some say it requires a fresh pull of espresso and gelato — and only vanilla gelato, at that. Others argue that an affogato can be made at home with a strong shot of Moka pot coffee (or instant espresso) and whatever freezer-burned pint you have handy.

How do you drink espresso affogato? ›

Cold ice-cream + cold cup = ice-cream won't melt. Choose your favourite bean (opt for a bean well-suited to milk) and always use espresso – never, ever instant coffee, though an espresso pot might work at a pinch. Then, when you're ready, pour your coffee directly on to the ice-cream and serve immediately.

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.

Is affogato actually Italian? ›

An affogato (/ˌɑːfəˈɡɑːtoʊ, ˌæf-/), more traditionally known as "affogato al caffè" (Italian for "drowned in coffee"), is an Italian coffee-based dessert.

What is the flavor of affogato? ›

In essence – it's simply the gelato or ice cream flavor of your choice affogato (drowned) in a liquid. Chocolate sauce is a nice choice, but espresso or coffee is the most traditional way to go. Here are some tips to prepare one to perfection at home.

Are you supposed to drink an affogato? ›

It should be sipped slowly, not downed in one shot! It is an ideal liqeur to serve with coffee at the end of a meal.

Are you supposed to eat or drink an affogato? ›

There's no right or wrong way to enjoy an affogato, but many people prefer to let the espresso melt the gelato slightly before digging in. This allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious combination of creamy and bold.

What is a traditional affogato ice cream drowned in? ›

Italian Tradition

One of the great affogato classics is ice cream “drowned” with coffee. A scoop of ice cream is placed in a small cup, then warm, unsweetened coffee is poured over it.

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