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Whenever I serve Italian Affogato I reminisce about the four very happy days I once spent in Assisi in beautiful Umbria.
I was travelling with my mum, Faye. Our accommodation was on via San Francesco, the main thoroughfare between the Basilica of St Francis and the Piazza del Comune. Our room had the traditional shuttered windows. When opened, they revealed breathtaking, picture perfect, postcard views of the Umbrian countryside. Frequently, when looking down on via San Francesco, we enjoyed the sight of Franciscan monks walking the ancient streets of Assisi. It was a sight that felt timeless, making it easy to imagine we were back in the time of St Francis.
Now, this gorgeous, classical feeling is leading us to something much more modern. I’m talking about Affogato, the perfectly delicious and simple way to end a meal.
We have a great deal for which to thank the Italians, those masters of style. Thinking just in terms of food, they gave us pizza, prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, risotto and tiramisu. Not to mention, every kind of pasta imaginable and sauces to complement. Included in this wealth of deliciousness is Affogato. The full name in Italian is “Affogato al Caffe”, which translates to “drowned in coffee”. The name really suits the dessert, as it consists of a scoop of ice cream/gelato with a shot of hot espresso poured over the top. So, in essence, the shot of hot espresso “drowns” the cold ice cream. This lesson in simplicity provides a maximum reward for minimum effort and is the perfect solution to the post-meal coffee or dessert dilemma.
Interestingly, it’s often the simple classics that have the strongest impact. It’s the ultimate dish of opposites; the rich, dark espresso and simple, white, vanilla ice-cream; the play of temperature, the hot with the cold. Affogato is a yin-yang affair, which results in pure culinary pleasure.
Creating traditional Affogato is easy and I have a few simple tips to optimise the recipe. It is important to chill the glass for the ice cream.
In fact, if I have space, I add the ice cream to the serving glasses and place them in the freezer. This is especially useful when entertaining and ensures that when I add the hot coffee the ice cream does not immediately melt. I am able to enjoy the wonderful juxtaposition of the hot and the cold. You will obtain the best flavour by using a good quality ice cream. It is delicious served with our home-made No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream. It is also essential to use good quality coffee. My choice is for a freshly prepared espresso. You can also use a French press (a plunger) but instant coffee is not suitable, it just doesn’t have sufficient strength.
I also like to serve a shot of Frangelico with the ice cream. The nut flavours of Frangelico work extremely well with the ice cream and coffee. Frangelico evokes nostalgic memories, reminding me of the beautiful city of Assisi. If you‘re unfamiliar with Frangelico it is a hazelnut liqueur, smooth and delicious. It’s packaged in a distinctive bottle in the shape of a monk in a brown robe and each bottle of the liqueur comes with a rope tied around the waistband. You could, of course, serve a different liqueur or serve it without. As all ingredients are soft and smooth I provide textural contrast by serving with my home-made Chewy Amaretti Cookies.
Please let me know in the comments below if you try this easy, delicious recipe. Enjoy!
Alex xx
Affogato
Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla bean ice cream good quality *
- 1 shot espresso coffee or very strong plunger coffee *
- 1 shot your favourite liqueur optional
Instructions
- Place the desired amount of ice-cream in a chilled café latte glass or similar. *
- Pour a shot of hot espresso over the ice-cream.
If using, pour over a shot glass of your favourite liqueur.Or if you prefer, serve each ingredient separately to your guests for them to add as preferred. Serve immediately and eat with a spoon. I like to serve Affogato with my crispy, Chewy Amaretti for textural contrast.
Notes
Nutrition
I LOVE everything about this!! So simple and 2 of my favorite things!! Will be trying this today!!
It’s such a simple, delicious dessert. I do hope that you enjoy it. 🙂
This looks so delicious and easy to make, I definitely need to give this a go.
I encourage you to try it Ellie. It is so simple and delicious. 🙂
this is the easiest recipe I’ve seen.. Gotta do it this weekend.. perfect for pajama party.. yey
This would be a hit at a pyjama party. Enjoy! 🙂
My guy is italian. I will ask him to make it for me..
I feel confident that you will enjoy this dessert. 🙂
Wow, haven’t heard of this before. This sounds really cool. I will try this with my friends.. ?
I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it Owen. It is a great dessert to share with friends. 🙂
It is the second time I comment in your blog. I need to tell you, last time was the spinach. I tried at home and it was not so beautiful but was delicious. I don´t know if I can do this one, but at the weekend I will try it!
Thank you for letting me know Raul. I am certain that you will also enjoy the affogato, it is very easy and VERY delicious. Enjoy!
They say once youve tasted affogato then that will now be the benchmark of what a quality dessert is. Your post got me craving for dessert.
It is definitely a favourite dessert. Please let me know if you try it. 🙂
Dessert is my bf’s favourite meal. he would love this after lunch especially with how hot it has become.
This is perfect for hot weather Nelly. I do hope that you and your boyfriend enjoy this dessert. 🙂
Wow thanks for sharing the recipe, I’m a big fan of Italian food. Hope i could succeed to make it on my first try.
You will definitely succeed Erika, this is very easy to make and so delicious. 🙂
I would love to try a genuine affogato in Italy someday!
Yes Akriti, how good would that be? 🙂
Sounds so yummy and easy to make…I look forward to trying it
It is a great dessert, I am sure that you will enjoy it. 🙂
The perfect combination of sweet and savory. So excited to give it a try.
Alexandra, I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it. 🙂
This would be a delicious treat to try n a hot day. So refreshing!Thanks for the recipe
It certainly is a great hot weather dessert. I do hope that you try it. 🙂
I never tried this before but it sure looks good. I would love to try it .
It is a lovely dessert and so easy to put together. I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it. 🙂
I’ve never had this before, but it sounds positively amazing! I love the fact that it’s something I can make on my own, I can’t cook at all. So a desert like this, is perfect for me! Thank you so much for sharing, I’m definitely going to try this!
This is a great dessert – and no cooking is required so you will be fine. 🙂
If ya gotta go- drowning in coffee would be aight! But I’d want to finish off that esspresso covered ice cream first! What a cool combo!
I confess to enjoying a coffee – or three. 😉 Put some Frangelico and ice cream with it and it’s a winner! 🙂
I love anything with coffee flavour.This looks delicious .I am going try AFFOGATO recipe
I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it Sudipa. 🙂
Thanks for sharing I am definitely going to have to try this out! Glad I found your page!!
Thank you Dan for the lovely comments. I am sure that you will enjoy the Affogato. 🙂
I have never taste this kind of dessert before but it looks really delicious and so easy to prepare. I will definitely try this for our weekend activities.
This is a delicious, easy dessert. I am sure that you will enjoy it. 🙂
Ooh, yum! I absolutely love affogato, but I’ve never tried to make it myself. As it’s warming up here in the UK, I can’t wait to try it for brunch one weekend!
I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it. 🙂
Affogato is one of my go to when I want to have desserts but also need to wake up.
Haha, Kathy, I love that thought. Enjoy! 🙂
This is one of my faves!! OMG so good. I want it now.
This is always a winner Adriana. I hope that you treat yourself. 🙂
Never heard and tried this before. I have
Screenshot the ingredients and instructions. I’m gonna make one myself
I look forward to hearing how you enjoy this lovely dessert. 🙂
I am always up for a good dessert and this seems to be the perfect thing for summers. I am going to try it out soon and will let you know how I find it.
Thank you, I look forward to hearing. 🙂
This is the first time I heard about this delicious delight. I’m glad I visited your page. Hope we also have this nearby.
Thank you, it’s so easy to make yourself, I do hope that you try it. 🙂
This actually sounds like my idea of heaven, I love anything coffee flavoured and could quite happily be drowned in coffee!
Haha, your comment makes me smile. I am a coffee fan too! I think you’re going to enjoy this one 🙂
What a creative dessert. I’m going to try to find a way to make it alcohol free. (Maybe that’s just called a root beer float! JK) How quickly does the ice cream melt when you add the hot expresso?
Hello Heidi! You can just leave out the alcohol – it is served separately in a shot glass here, but entirely optional! The ice cream starts to melt straight away, but you part drink/eat the dessert. It’s a good one. Do let me know if you give it a try 🙂
Is affogato same process as gelato? Any deserts that has coffee flavor is a big plus for me. This looks so delicious it seems like less dairy compare to regular ice cream which is good.
Farrah, you can use gelato in the affogato. That is certainly how it would be made in Italy. I have used my homemade Vanilla Ice Cream. It is a delicious dessert, please let me know if you try it. 🙂
I know it’s almost summer but this looks like a drink I would have around christmas. Haha still looks yummy!
Thank you Brie, it is a delicious dessert and I serve it year round. It’s certainly terrific at Christmas time. 🙂
This is a lovely dessert. Easy to make and can look better to serve it for guests 🙂
It is so easy to make and always popular. 🙂
I have never tried this before but it looks so yummy! I will definitely have to try this!
It is a simple, delicious dessert Nicole. I do hope that you try it. 🙂
Now I 100% know some people who would love to have a glass or two of this. I shall have to serve some up at our next get together.
This is a great dessert to serve to a number of people and it is always popular. 🙂
Coffee and ice cream are made for each other. This is a dessert that I would to make
I love the juxtaposition of the hot coffee against the cold ice cream. Delicious! 🙂
Perfect way to end a meal indeed! And as you say, the name Affogato itself just speaks of a delish dessert! Feel like I need an Italian dessert too.
It is the perfect end to a meal; coffee and dessert combined. 🙂
This sounds absolutely HEAVENLY!!!!!! I haven’t had ice cream in a LONGGGG time but I need to make it happen in my life here soon. I love making my own!
GiGi, it’s a great dessert made better by the use of homemade ice cream. Enjoy! 🙂
I have lived in Italy (and part of my family is from Italy) but I never had an affogato. i feel like i have missed something! Sounds like a great dessert idea!
You must remedy this as soon as possible; Affogato is a delicious dessert. I do hope you try it. 🙂
I’ve never had this before. I’ll have to try it for sure. It looks like something I’d enjoy.
It’s fabulous Amber, I do hope you get to try it soon. 🙂
YES. This is one of my favorite desserts and it’s such a lovely combination. Thanks for sharing!
How good is it Krysten? One of my favourites. 🙂
Affogato has been one of my favourite desserts. It’s actually so simple, and yet so yummy! I need to make this soon! ~ Ola @ WanderWithOla
Yes Ola, one of the simplest desserts but one of the easiest. It’s always popular. 🙂
This sounds like a great dessert drink to make for the holidays
Thanks, Lynnette! Perfect for the festive season, I agree 🙂
Will have to try this! Sounds so great I’m also drooling a bit haha.
Ah, I love it! Thank you 🙂
This is so yummy…I’m already drooling…?
Thank you so much, Mansi! 🙂
We’re not a massive fan of coffee but love Amaretti. Would be good to serve up to the family though x
Hi Bella! Just the ice cream and Amaretti is fine too 😉 xx
Oh wow, this one is a winner. This will be a huge hit. This will disappear at home in no time.
Thank you, Preet! 🙂
oh my now this look seriously so good !!! you are giving me ideas as to what i can prepare for family events
That’s awesome, Pati! So happy to hear that 🙂
I have never tried to make this recipe but it looks so delicious and look so easy to prepare.
It definitely is!! Super easy, but so good! 🙂
I absolutely love affogato. I tried it in Italy last year. Such a simple recipe and yet oh so delicious. Sometimes people put a dash of liquer, like Frangelico or Kahlua. Delish.
Frangelico is my favourite with this! Great minds think alike 😉
I’ve never heard of this and I have never tried it but it has some of my favorite things. I will be trying this.
Thanks so much for stopping by! I shall look forward to hearing what your thoughts are on it 🙂
Omg can we say yum?!?! I just love trying new desserts! I will be giving this a try
Thanks, Courtney! 🙂
Ooh this looks so delicious and simple to make! I am an ice cream lover so I will have to try it 🙂
Thanks, Shar!!! Hope you will love this 🙂
Oh, so delicious! I love affogatos too but I’ve never considered making them at home. I must try this!
It’s so easy, Claire! You will love it 🙂
I have never had affogato before but it looks delicious! I will definitely have to give it a try for the holidays, thanks for sharing!
Hi Nicole, enjoy! 🙂
hmmm, I looks delicious! Do you think, the dessert will be also good for a kids ?
Hi Andrzej, if your kids don’t mind the taste of coffee, you could always try a decaffeinated version!
Otherwise, they might prefer a less traditional spin, with the ice cream and some hot chocolate poured on top 🙂
I just something about Affogato and I cannot wait to try it! I had seen it before in the movies but never thought about it. Credit to your picture, i am going to try it soon.
That makes me so happy to hear, Anna! Thanks so much! I hope you will absolutely love it!
I have never heard of this before, but totally interested in trying it!! Would be a nice alternative dessert for my family.
Hi Jackie! Thanks for stopping by 🙂 Hope you and the family will enjoy it!
This sounds absolutely perfect with the holidays coming up. Taking a simple vanilla ice cream and making it a bit more special. Love how easy it is too.
Appreciate you stopping by, Marianna! And I hope you’ll give this a try over the holidays for sure 🙂
We are italian so we feel this recipe so much hahaha One thing is sure, nothing is like our icecreams, the best in the world. We appreciate that you liked our traditions!
Oh, I cannot argue you with you there! I think everything tastes better in Italy though, mind you! I cannot wait to return next year 🙂
Ohhh my gosh! This sounds so delicious!
Thank you, Becky 🙂
This looks amazing! I’m from a big Italian family and have actually never heard of this dessert before. I look forward to making it 🙂
Hope you will love it, Samantha! Let me know when you give it a try 🙂
I can’t believe I have never had this having Sicilian in-laws. We have ice cream, espresso and liquors after every dinner but never together. I am going to give this a try next time and look fancy!
Hi Alisa!! That sounds like a great plan to me – I hope you’ll love the combination! 🙂
Omg I can almost taste these flavors, Affogato sounds unbelievably good! A lot of my family went to Italy this past summer and I am planning to get there someday. You’re right, we do have a lot to thank the Italians for.
Thank you so much, Deanna. I am so glad you agree! I hope you’ll get to visit there soon – it is just amazing! 🙂
This looks so good and I love how it’s so simple to make.
Thank you so much! Simple really can be the best! 🙂
So delicious. You’re very right about this being the perfect end to a meal ☀️
Thank you so much, Karletta! Appreciate you stopping by, and glad you agree! 🙂
This would be perfect after Christmas Eve dinner!! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Samantha! Enjoy 🙂
Wow this Italian Affogato looks yummy and delicious I can’t wait to try this for myself <3
Thanks, Maysz! Enjoy 🙂
I have never even heard of this recipe before. It looks so good though.
Hi Eliza! You’ll have to give it a try 🙂
Oh wow what a gorgeous decadent treat. I don’t think I’ve ever seen or tasted italian affogato but now I need to cause it looks delicious.
Thank you, Jennifer! Let me know what you think!! I hope you will love it 🙂
Maximum reward for minimum effort sounds good to me. We make a version of this in summer but use a little more coffee. Now I have that ‘view’ in my head to go with it!
Definitely, Jayne! The amounts are absolutely up to you – it’s a great flexible dessert 🙂
Smart idea to chill the glass for the ice cream. It sounds really good to me.
Thank you, Rosey 🙂
Oh my,,, I love affogatto. And I prefer mine with liquer, thank you! haha Seriously, this is so good!
Thank you so much, Sigrid 😀 Enjoy!
I have never had italian affogato. This looks super tasty and simple. Perfect recipe for a young mama of two to try!
I think so, too! Enjoy, Cecilia! 🙂
Wow this looks and sounds amazing! I love recipes that are so simple about turn out so yummy!
Thanks so much, Shar! Exactly what I aim for, too 🙂
oh, my! I am drooling. What a perfect combination. I would love to try it that’s for sure!
Awesome! Thanks so much 🙂
I never even thought of this as a dessert to serve! Thanks for such an easy and cute idea!
Xo Chelsea | https://completelychelsea.com/
Hi Chelsea! My pleasure! Enjoy 🙂
Chill the glass first… a very important tip for a noob like me! Thanks 🙂
Haha! Glad to help 🙂
My Italian grandmother would put a drop of ice cream in her coffee. Probably a variation of this. So delicious!!
Thank you so much, Patti! 🙂 Yes, I think she was doing something very similar to this. It’s delicious!
Wow this looks so good! I’ll have to make it!
Thanks, Erin! Enjoy 🙂
you had me at Frangelico, lol! I love coffee flavored anything so this ice cream sounds good!
It’s a lovely liqueur, isn’t it!? Enjoy, Jasmine!
I can’t imagine how the temperatures would mix but I but the flavors would be amazing and I would love to try this!!!
Hi Liz, you must try this!! And let me know what you think 🙂
I have made this but I didn’t know it had a name! It is something we like to do when our favorite ice cream shop makes their fancy vanilla ice cream.
Hi Terri! That is great! It’s a delicious combination, isn’t it?
Oh how delicious!
Thank you, Teresa!
Oh this looks amazing. I can imagine my friends and family on a Sunday afternoon enjoying this new receipe. Thank you!
Hope you’ll all enjoy this one, Andrea! 🙂
I have never made Affogato at home and always had it in the restaurant as I thought it was hard, but looking at your post, I could do this at home
Yes, you absolutely can do this at home!! 🙂 Enjoy!
Wow, that dessert looks really delicious. I can see that it’s hard to do but I will still try it, thanks for sharing!
Hi Emma! Don’t worry – it isn’t difficult at all 🙂 You can use shop bought ice cream and cookies if you like, and then all you have to do is make the coffee – simple 🙂 Enjoy!
I’d love to try this! Awesome recipe!
Thanks, Moriah! If you do, I would love to know your thoughts 🙂
I’ve never tried this but it looks exquisite! I love all things Italian, and this looks like it would certainly be a crowd pleaser!
Thanks, Kim! You must give this a try sometime – if you like all things Italian, I am certain you will love this also! 🙂
This is so simple for a dessert and a great way to impress your guests! I really love your tip with the amaretto cookie too! I think I will use this recipe during the holidays when I will have friends over!
D, xo || from https://livedreamcreate-d.com
Thanks, D! I hope this is something you’ll all enjoy!
Yum! I love affogato! There is a local coffee shop that serves it and it is so yummy!
Thanks, Amanda! 😀
This WOULD be the perfect way to end a delicious Italian meal! I might just have to attempt it this weekend. 🙂
Please do, Sarah! Let me know what you think 🙂
Italian Affogato OMG!!! I’ve never tried baking it before, this is going to be my weekend project lol! Thank you so much for all the inspiration.
Awesome, thanks, Chad! 😀
Wow..a simple ultimate dish. It looks lovely. Thank you for the recipe. It would be perfect with friends coming over.
It is a great dessert to share with friends; I do hope that you try it. 🙂
Woah, your trip sounds amazing. I need to try this recipe and transport myself there haha
Thanks, Jenna! Hope you’ll love it!
Oh my goodness! This is one of my favorites. I don’t know why I always go out and pay for it when it’s so easily made at home. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Jenny, yes, so easy to make at home! 😀 Enjoy!
I tried my first affogato when I was in Italy. And it was so good that I wanted to learn how to make at home. I always forget to find the right recipe and you got me on this!
Thanks so much! So glad to bring back a great memory from your trip 🙂
Delicious.. looking healthy and tasty ?
Thank you, Shirin 🙂
I have never heard of this before but it sounds delicious
Thanks, Kara 🙂 I hope you will get a chance to try it!
Oh, this looks amazing! I will definitely need to try this 🙂
Thanks, Jordan! Enjoy!!
Yummmm! I’m Italian and am always looking for new things to cook! I’ve never made affogato, but am sure it would be a hit with my family this holiday season!
Hi Cayla! Thank you for stopping by! I hope your family will love it!
This looks absolutely delicious! and when something brings back awesome memories too, it is always a winner!
That’s right, Kelly! Thank you so much 🙂
Oh wow! I’ve never heard of affogato before. It looks and sounds so delicious! I have to make this.
Thanks, Stacie! Love to know what you think when you do 🙂
Yum, this looks so good! Anything Italian is a win in my book. I must try this.
Agree completely – Italian food is my favourite! 🙂
What an amazing combination! I love it! Can’t wait to try it!
Thank you, Diane! 🙂 Enjoy!
I have never tried affogato before even though I have seen it on numerous menus. Your description of it makes it sound like it is right up my alley – a play on hot and cold. Also, I want to dip your amaretti cookies into the dessert. Yum!
Hi Laurie! Thanks for stopping by 🙂 The cookies are great to dip in this dessert 😀 Enjoy!
Yummy. I love affogato. With your ice cream and biscuits, even better.
Thank you so much, Alice 🙂
My all time favourite dessert. Delicious.
Thank you, Brian! 🙂
An all time favourite and a must for anyone who likes coffee and dessert! It is a must to have this. Everyone likes free ice-cream. SO WHOOOOOO. I love Ice cream, but not the season for me to enjoy this. 🙁 . But thank you for the recipe.
Hello 🙂 Well, when the weather warms up for you – perhaps you can give this a try 🙂
*happy chappy
happy happy or happy chappy – either or 😉 xx
It was like McDonald’s float. But coffee instead. Sounds really great to try Affogato, thanks for sharing this.. ?
It is a lovely dessert, please let me know if you try it. 🙂
It may not be traditionally Italian, but I’d serve it with dairy free ice cream and be a happy happy ?
Whatever makes you happy hun 🙂 xx
I have never tried this before! It looks absolutely fantastic. Thanks for sharing – I will have to try your recipe soon!
Thanks, Nicole! Love to know what you think when you do 🙂
this is an all time fave and a must for anyone who likes coffee and dessert! the first time i had it was in napoli italy and it is now stuck with me and i love it!
Oh that is just lovely!!! It is a great combination, isn’t it!? 🙂