If you are looking for a simple, easily prepared, delicious dessert look no further than this traditional Affogato Recipe. It is a lesson in simplicity which provides maximum reward for minimum effort. No culinary skills are required to produce this crowd-pleaser.
Why we love this recipe:
There are few things that are so simple and yet so deliciously satisfying as this dessert and everyone loves it.
This lesson in simplicity provides a maximum reward for minimum effort and is the perfect solution to the post-meal coffee or dessert dilemma. How clever of the Italians to combine the two!
This Affogato Recipe is a great pick-me-up for summertime. The ice cream/gelato cools you down whilst at the same time you enjoy your shot of hot espresso.
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.
Ingredients in this recipe:
Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.
This simple Affogato Recipe requires just three ingredients:
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- Espresso Coffee
- Liqueur of choice (optional)
Step by Step Instructions:
- Place the desired amount of ice-cream/gelato in a chilled café latte glass or similar. Then, pour a shot of hot espresso over the ice-cream.
- If using, pour over a shot glass of your favourite liqueur. Serve immediately and eat with a spoon.
Tips for Success and FAQs:
When ingredients are as few as this, it is essential that they be of good quality. Use a premium quality ice cream/gelato as this is the base of the dessert.
I prefer to chill the ice cream glasses prior to serving to avoid the ice cream melting quickly when adding the coffee.
If you are making these for a crowd, you can prepare the ice cream an hour or two ahead. Just add ice cream/gelato to suitable glasses and store in the freezer. Top with espresso when you are ready to serve.
Although optional, you may like to serve it with a shot of your favourite liqueur.
Espresso coffee is traditional and is preferred. Make the shot just as you are ready to pour it onto the ice cream/gelato. Eat immediately with a spoon.
More delicious recipes for you to try:
Our Affogato Recipe is delicious served with our No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream.
For a little sweet to enjoy on the side, you could also serve the Affogato with one of these treats:
- Almond Cookies
- Chilli Chocolate Clusters
- Chocolate Almond Cookies
- Chocolate Orange Bliss Balls
- Chewy Amaretti Cookies
- Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Pinwheels
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- Pecan Puffs
- Toffee Crisps
I encourage you to try this classic Italian dessert, Affogato. You could spend hours making something more elaborate but I doubt it would be received as enthusiastically as this simple, delicious dessert.
Alex xx
Affogato Recipe
Recipe Measurements:
For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results.
Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla bean ice cream/gelato See Note 1
- 1 shot espresso coffee (or very strong plunger coffee) See Note 2
- 1 shot your favourite liqueur – optional
Instructions
- Place the desired amount of ice-cream in a chilled café latte glass or similar. – see Note 3
- 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 a few biscuits on the side for textural contrast.
Notes
- Use the best quality ice cream you can buy, or try our delicious No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream.
- Espresso is traditional and is preferred. However, you could try plunger coffee, also known as French press coffee. Don’t use instant coffee, it doesn’t have sufficient strength.
- I prefer to chill the ice cream glasses prior to serving to avoid the ice cream melting quickly when adding the coffee.
- Please note, the nutritional information is based on one serving. The nutritional information is an estimate only.
Nutrition Estimate:
Nutritional Disclaimer:
The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.
Vegz
Never heard and tried this before. I have
Screenshot the ingredients and instructions. I’m gonna make one myself
Alexandra
I look forward to hearing how you enjoy this lovely dessert. 🙂
Binge on Basics
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.
Alexandra
Thank you, I look forward to hearing. 🙂
Blairvillanueva
This is the first time I heard about this delicious delight. I’m glad I visited your page. Hope we also have this nearby.
Alexandra
Thank you, it’s so easy to make yourself, I do hope that you try it. 🙂
emma iannarilli
This actually sounds like my idea of heaven, I love anything coffee flavoured and could quite happily be drowned in coffee!
Alexandra
Haha, your comment makes me smile. I am a coffee fan too! I think you’re going to enjoy this one 🙂
Farrah Less
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.
Alexandra
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. 🙂
brie
I know it’s almost summer but this looks like a drink I would have around christmas. Haha still looks yummy!
Alexandra
Thank you Brie, it is a delicious dessert and I serve it year round. It’s certainly terrific at Christmas time. 🙂
Alexandra
You must remedy this as soon as possible; Affogato is a delicious dessert. I do hope you try it. 🙂
Sarah Bailey
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.
Alexandra
This is a great dessert to serve to a number of people and it is always popular. 🙂
Tara Pittman
Coffee and ice cream are made for each other. This is a dessert that I would to make
Alexandra
I love the juxtaposition of the hot coffee against the cold ice cream. Delicious! 🙂
Dalene Ekirapa
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.
Alexandra
It is the perfect end to a meal; coffee and dessert combined. 🙂
GiGi Eats
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!
Alexandra
GiGi, it’s a great dessert made better by the use of homemade ice cream. Enjoy! 🙂
Amber Myers
I’ve never had this before. I’ll have to try it for sure. It looks like something I’d enjoy.
Alexandra
It’s fabulous Amber, I do hope you get to try it soon. 🙂
Krysten Quiles
YES. This is one of my favorite desserts and it’s such a lovely combination. Thanks for sharing!
Alexandra
How good is it Krysten? One of my favourites. 🙂
Ola @ WanderWithOla
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
Alexandra
Yes Ola, one of the simplest desserts but one of the easiest. It’s always popular. 🙂
Lynnette
This sounds like a great dessert drink to make for the holidays
Alexandra
Thanks, Lynnette! Perfect for the festive season, I agree 🙂
Koral Dawn
Will have to try this! Sounds so great I’m also drooling a bit haha.
Alexandra
Ah, I love it! Thank you 🙂