Classic Italian Affogato
Classic Italian Affogato is an effortlessly elegant dessert, combining a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream 'drowned' in a shot of hot, strong espresso. It's a perfect balance of hot and cold, sweet and bitter, ready in minutes.
For 1 serving
Choose a small, sturdy glass or a demitasse cup for serving. Chilling the glass beforehand can help keep the ice cream from melting too quickly.
Brew a fresh, hot shot of espresso. Ensure it's strong and aromatic, as this is a key flavor component that will balance the sweetness of the ice cream.
Carefully place one generous scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream into the chosen chilled glass or cup. Aim for a scoop that fits snugly but leaves room for the coffee.
Immediately and slowly pour the hot espresso directly over the vanilla ice cream. Watch as the ice cream begins to melt and create a creamy, coffee-infused sauce.
If desired, garnish with a pinch of grated dark chocolate or serve alongside a small biscotti for dipping. Serve and enjoy immediately with a small spoon to savor the contrasting textures and temperatures.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Quality Matters**: Use the best quality vanilla ice cream and freshly ground, high-quality espresso beans you can find. The simplicity of this dessert means every ingredient shines.
- 2**Temperature Contrast is Key**: Serve the espresso immediately after brewing and pour it over very cold ice cream. The hot-cold sensation is what makes an Affogato so delightful.
- 3**Pre-chill Your Glass**: For a slightly slower melt and a more enjoyable experience, chill your serving glass or cup in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before assembling.
- 4**Don't Over-Scoop**: While tempting, a single, well-sized scoop of ice cream is usually sufficient to balance the espresso without making it overly sweet or diluting the coffee flavor too much.
Adapt it for your goals.
Liqueur Infusion
Add a splash of your favorite liqueur like Amaretto, Frangelico, Kahlúa, or Irish cream to the espresso before pouring for an adult twist.
Flavorful Ice CreamFlavorful Ice Cream
Experiment with different ice cream flavors such as hazelnut, coffee, salted caramel, or even a dairy-free coconut milk vanilla ice cream for a unique spin.
Spiced CoffeeSpiced Coffee
Infuse your espresso with a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or a tiny dash of chili powder for an unexpected aromatic kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Mood Enhancer
The caffeine in espresso can provide a quick boost in mood and alertness, while the sweet treat offers a moment of indulgence and pleasure.
Quick Energy Boost
The combination of caffeine from the espresso and sugar from the ice cream provides a rapid source of energy, making it a perfect pick-me-up dessert.
Calcium Source
Vanilla ice cream, being a dairy product, contributes to your daily calcium intake, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A freshly brewed, strong shot of espresso is traditional and ideal. Its concentrated flavor and rich crema provide the perfect balance to the sweet ice cream. If you don't have an espresso machine, very strong, dark-roast coffee can be used, but ensure it's concentrated.
