Affogato Recipe (Espresso Ice Cream) (2024)

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

4.90 from 55 votes


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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 kind of ice cream is best for affogato? ›

While the classic affogato calls upon the use of vanilla gelato or ice cream, try it with chocolate or fruit-flavored ice cream or gelato like coconut, mango, pineapple, and strawberry.

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.

How many shots are in an affogato? ›

All you need for affogato is a shot of hot espresso (coffee), ice cream or gelato and optional half a shot of liquor (Frangelico, amaretto, rum). A little more information on each of these below! Espresso – This is a small concentrated shot of hot coffee.

How do you eat affogato with espresso? ›

The best way to eat an affogato is to enjoy it slowly, allowing the hot espresso to melt the cold gelato and create a creamy, flavorful combination. Use a spoon to scoop up a bit of the gelato and espresso together for the perfect bite. Can I customize my affogato? Absolutely!

What flavor gelato is best for affogato? ›

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.

Does Starbucks sell affogato? ›

Starbucks will feature three Frappuccino blended beverages Affogato-style: Vanilla Bean, Caramel and Mocha, although any Frappuccino can be ordered Affogato-style with a shot of espresso poured on top.

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.

Are you supposed to eat or drink an affogato? ›

There's no right or wrong way to enjoy affogato, but many people prefer to eat it with a spoon, ensuring they get a bit of gelato and espresso in each bite. Some may also choose to drink the remaining espresso from the cup once the gelato is finished, savoring every last drop of the delicious combination.

What does affogato mean in English? ›

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 affogato shot at Starbucks? ›

Add a shot of espresso to your frappuccino

It is, indeed, the perfect base for an affogato. All you need to do to turn your frap into an Italian-style, drinkable dessert? Request a shot of espresso to be poured over the top.

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 is an espresso with cream called? ›

Espresso con panna ( lit. 'espresso with cream') is a single or double shot of espresso topped with whipped cream. In France and in the United Kingdom it is known as café viennois.

What is espresso over ice called? ›

Affogato. The affogato is simply a shot of espresso coffee poured over a (usually small) scoop of ice cream, gelato, or vegan frozen dessert.

Do Italians eat affogato? ›

The origins of the affogato in Italian history are unknown, but it gained popularity in Italy during the 1950s. This coincided with the industrialization of ice cream production.

What is a traditional affogato ice cream drowned in? ›

It usually takes the form of a scoop of plain milk-flavored (fior di latte) or vanilla gelato or ice cream topped or "drowned" with a shot of hot espresso. Some variations also include a shot of amaretto, Bicerin, Kahlúa, or other liqueur.

What's the difference between gelato and affogato? ›

The affogato is an Italiano creation that translates to “drowned.” An affogato is essentially one to two scoops of vanilla gelato or ice cream doused by a shot of fresh espresso. This marriage of sweet ice cream and bitter coffee mingle, melting into a puddle of goodness.

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.

What's the difference between gelato and ice cream? ›

Gelato has a lower milk fat content than ice cream, usually 4 to 9%, yielding a softer, denser texture and smaller ice crystals. That's a result of the base, which typically includes less cream and more milk, as well as a slower churning process that introduces less air into the final product.

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