Affogato is a super simple and delicious Italian dessert. In Italy, it is served especially during the summer months, but of course, it can be enjoyed year-round.
The classic version is made with only two ingredients: good, strong espresso and vanilla gelato (or ice cream). Some variations include a splash of liquor (such as amaretto, Cointreau, or brandy), different gelato flavors (such as caramel, coffee, or chocolate), or even a biscuit/cookie on top.
You can enjoy it as a dessert after a meal or as an afternoon treat. It only takes a few minutes to make and is so worth it!
The name affogato means “drowned” in Italian because the cold gelato is “drowned” in hot espresso. To make a good affogato, you’ll need good-quality ingredients, but the process is incredibly easy.
If you’re familiar with German Eiskaffee, you’ll notice some similarities. Both are made with coffee and ice cream, but Eiskaffee is sometimes made with drip coffee and usually includes whipped cream. It is believed that Italian immigrants brought the concept to Germany and made it popular.
Ingredient Notes
- Finely ground coffee – You can use regular or decaf coffee with equally good results, just make sure you choose a good brand. You want to make espresso, so avoid instant coffee.
- Vanilla Gelato or Ice cream – Traditionally, affogato is made with vanilla gelato, but any cream-based gelato or ice cream will work. Other flavors that go really well with coffee are caramel, chocolate, cookies, and coffee (of course). Avoid using fruit-flavored gelato.
- Liquor – Optional, but can be a nice addition for adults. My favorite is Amaretto liqueur. Cointreau and brandy are also popular.
- Biscuits – Optional garnish. Any crunchy biscuit you like will do. In the US, you’d call this a cookie. For more of a treat, you could even add a chocolate chip cookie or any cookie of your choice (not traditional, but why not).
Recipe Tips
- Affogato is traditionally made with espresso, which is very strong. If you are not a fan of black coffee, don’t worry, since it mixes beautifully with the gelato. Since coffee is one of the main ingredients, choose a good quality one.
- The coffee needs to be warm but not hot; otherwise, the gelato will melt immediately. Keep this in mind if you want to make a few for a party or friends.
- When it comes to the mug/glass, it doesn’t really matter what you use. I like to use clear glasses or mugs to be able to see the coffee swirling around the ice cream, but it’s entirely up to you.
How to Make Affogato – Step-by-Step Instructions
First, make the coffee. You can use an espresso machine if you have one. Otherwise, a moka pot also works well. Then let the coffee sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.
Add one to two scoops of gelato or ice cream to a glass or mug.
Then pour the coffee over the ice cream.
Top with a biscuit/cookie and serve right away. Enjoy!
Storage Tips
Affogato has to be made right before being consumed. Leftovers can’t be stored since the gelato/ice cream would melt.
Related Recipes
Here are some more Italian recipes – all of which are sweet, delicious desserts!
Affogato (Italian Coffee Dessert)
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso
- 1-2 scoops gelato or ice cream, vanilla or any cream-based flavor
- splash of liquor, optional
- biscuit/cookie, optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the coffee using an espresso machine or a moka pot. Then let it sit for 10 minutes until it reaches a lower temperature but is still warm.1 shot espresso
- In a glass or coffee mug, add 1-2 big scoops of gelato or ice cream (depending on how large your glasses are and your taste). Pour in the liquor if using.1-2 scoops gelato or ice cream, splash of liquor
- Pour the coffee on top of the ice cream.
- Top with a biscuit/cookie (optional) and serve right away.biscuit/cookie
Notes
- Since coffee is one of the main ingredients, choose a good quality one.
- The coffee should be warm but not hot; otherwise, the gelato will melt immediately.
- A splash of liquor can be a nice addition for adults but is completely optional. Amaretto liqueur works well. Cointreau and brandy are also popular options.
- You can use mugs/glasses of your choice. Clear glasses or mugs allow you to see the coffee swirling around the ice cream, but it’s entirely up to you.
Nutrition
This nutritional information has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator. It should only be seen as a rough calculation and not a replacement for professional dietary advice.
