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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Affogato

    Affogato

    Published: September 26, 2021 · Modified: Sep 26, 2021 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    A classic Italian dessert, this Affogato Recipe comes together so quickly and easily. No need to choose between coffee or ice cream after dinner with this rich and decadent dessert. All you need are two simple ingredients, and you can enjoy this affogato coffee in no time.

    Two glasses of affogato with one in front of the other.
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    Pinterest graphic of espresso being poured over ice cream to make affogato.
    Pinterest graphic of a glass of affogato with shaved chocolate on top.
    Pinterest graphic of the overhead view of two glasses of affogato with coffee beans strewn around.
    Pintrest graphic of a glass of ice cream with espresso poured over top.
    Pinterest graphic of a glass of affogato in front of a second one.

    Have you stared at an Italian menu, wondering what an affogato is? Affogato translates to “drowned” or “poached” in Italian so this dessert is a combination of rich vanilla ice cream and dark espresso coffee, where the ice cream is drowned with coffee. It looks super fancy but comes together in a flash, making it the perfect last-minute dessert. 

    Easily made at home, you probably already have both the ingredients! It’s such a delicious way to finish off your meal. If you’re looking for another Italian dessert, try my Tiramisu or Panna Cotta.

    WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

    Ingredients needed to make an affogato.

    Vanilla ice cream — the key to rich and delicious affogato is using good quality ice cream. Full-fat ice cream will yield the creamiest dessert. Low-fat ice cream just isn’t the same!

    Espresso — 100% arabica is best, but you can use the strongest coffee you have.

    HOW TO MAKE AFFOGATO

    Set of two photos showing ice cream being scooped and placed into a cup.

    1. Scoop 1 to 2 scoops of ice cream.

    2. Add the scoops to a small glass.

    Set of two photos showing espresso poured over the ice cream and then chocolate shavings sprinkled on top.

    3. Pour espresso over the ice cream.

    4. Garnish the affogato with shaved chocolate or chopped pistachios if desired.

    A cup of ice cream with espresso poured over.

    PRO TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE

    • The trick to keeping the espresso from melting the ice cream immediately is to serve it in an ice-cold glass. Place the glass in the freezer ahead of time to chill it.
    • To get the prettiest scoops of ice cream, run the ice cream scoop under some hot water. This way, the ice cream will scoop into perfectly round balls and release into the cups without sticking.
    • When purchasing ice cream, make sure you buy real 100% dairy ice cream. There are ice creams labeled as “frozen desserts” made with vegetable oils. It won’t melt as nicely into your coffee.
    • Swap vanilla ice cream for vanilla gelato.
    • This affogato is simple enough not to make ahead of time but to save time, try pre-scooping the ice cream into individual glasses and keeping them covered in the freezer to save time.

    A cup of affogato with chocolate shavings on top.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    How do I enjoy this?

    Enjoy the ice cream in the affogato with a spoon and once the ice cream has fully melted, simply drink it!

    What are some toppings I can put on?

    Try it with a drizzle of chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Crushed biscotti or Italian pizzelle cookies are a delicious option as well. Chopped hazelnuts and pistachios are another great option that adds texture. And for adults, a splash of liqueur like amaretto.

    Can I use a different ice cream?

    If you’re not a fan of vanilla ice cream, you can try chocolate, caramel, cookies and cream, and even coffee flavor ice cream! Play around with it until you find your favorite combination for your affogato.

    If you love this recipe try these out!

    • Ricotta cookies stacked on top of each other with a glass of milk in the background

      Ricotta Cookies

    • A pile of cannoli on a porcelain tray.

      Cannoli

    • An Espresso martini on a gray surface with coffee beans scattered around

      Espresso Martini

    • A glass of chocolate mousse with whipped cream and shaved chocolate with a spoonful eaten and a spoon inside.

      Chocolate Mousse

    • A spoonful of crème brûlée lifted from the ramekin with a cup of tea in the background.

      Crème Brûlée

    If you’ve tried this Affogato recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A cup of affogato with shaved chocolate on top.
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    5 from 3 votes

    Affogato

    Made with two ingredients, this simple and delicious Italian dessert is rich and decadent. Make this Affogato within minutes!
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Italian
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 1 serving
    Calories 137kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Equipment

    • Ice cream scoop

    Ingredients

    • 1-2 scoops vanilla ice cream
    • 1 double shot espresso

    Instructions

    • Add 1-2 scoops of ice cream to a small glass then our the espresso over and enjoy! Garnish with shaved chocolate or chopped pistachios if desired.

    Notes

    • The trick to keeping the espresso from melting the ice cream immediately is to serve it in an ice-cold glass. Place the glass in the freezer ahead of time to chill it.
    • To get the prettiest scoops of ice cream, run the ice cream scoop under some hot water. This way, the ice cream will scoop into perfectly round balls and release into the cups without sticking.
    • When purchasing ice cream, make sure you buy real 100% dairy ice cream. There are ice creams labeled as “frozen desserts” made with vegetable oils. It won’t melt as nicely into your coffee.
    • Swap vanilla ice cream for vanilla gelato.
    • This affogato is simple enough not to make ahead of time but to save time, try pre-scooping the ice cream into individual glasses and keeping them covered in the freezer to save time.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 278IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 1mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
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    Welcome to Preppy Kitchen!

    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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