Affogato Recipe

Close up of a freshly made affogato on a wooden tray with espresso beans around it and another affogato in the background.

5 from 1 vote

This classic Italian dessert is a simple 2-ingredient dessert that pairs hot espresso with cold ice cream for an elegant treat. Endlessly customizable, and ready quickly!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Dessert, Drinks

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: Serving

Calories: 279kcal

Author: Meredith

Equipment

Handheld Frother
Espresso Brewing Device (Espresso Machine, Moka Pot, Nespresso)

Ingredients

1-2 scoops vanilla ice cream or gelato
2 shots freshly brewed espresso (2 shots = approx. 2 ounces)

Instructions

Place your desired amount of vanilla ice cream into a small glass, mug, or dessert bowl.
1-2 scoops vanilla ice cream or gelato
Optional: if adding a drizzle of caramel, or spiking your affogato, add your desired ingredient(s) to the glass here (see variation ideas below).
Brew a double-shot of espresso using your espresso machine or Moka Pot (or by making very strong brewed coffee).
2 shots freshly brewed espresso
Slowly pour the hot espresso down the side of the glass (instead of directly on top of the ice cream). This helps the ice cream hold it's shape and stay cold a bit longer before it starts melting.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Optional step: chill your glass beforehand! Chilling your glass for 5-10 minutes before using helps keep the ice cream from melting too quickly and makes that contrast between hot espresso and cold ice cream last longer.

Variation Ideas:

Make it boozy. Add a shot of amaretto (our recommendation), Frangelico, Kahlua, Baileys, or any liqueur you love alongside the espresso for an adult dessert twist.
Drizzle with caramel. Add a drizzle of caramel or salted caramel sauce over the ice cream before pouring the espresso for extra sweetness.
Try different ice cream flavors. Swap vanilla for coffee, chocolate, pistachio, or any flavor you enjoy that would pair nicely with espresso.
Top with chocolate, cocoa powder, or biscotti. Sprinkle generously with dark chocolate shavings, add a dusting of cocoa powder, or top with some crushed biscotti for added texture and flavor.
Use decaf espresso. If you want to enjoy affogato in the evening without caffeine, simply use decaf espresso instead of regular. It tastes just as delicious!

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