Name: Affogato Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 small scoops vanilla gelato or ice cream; 1 shot (about 1 ounce) hot espresso; Shaved dark chocolate or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)

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If you’ve ever yearned for a dessert that’s both sophisticated and unbelievably easy to pull off, Affogato is about to become your new best friend. This dreamy Italian classic delivers creamy vanilla gelato drenched with steaming-hot espresso, creating a marriage of hot and cold, sweet and bitter, in every luscious spoonful. With only a handful of ingredients and mere minutes of prep, you’ll be serving up Affogato like an Italian café pro in no time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Vanilla Gelato:
- 2 small scoops vanilla gelato or ice cream
Hot Espresso:
- 1 shot (about 1 ounce) hot espresso
Garnish:
- Shaved dark chocolate or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)

How to Make Affogato

Step 1: Scoop the Gelato

Start by placing two small scoops of vanilla gelato into your favorite glass or dessert cup. If you want to try something a little different, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors like hazelnut or chocolate—they both pair beautifully with espresso.

Step 2: Brew Your Espresso

While your gelato chills, brew a fresh, piping-hot shot of espresso. The fresher, the better; that aromatic steam is part of the whole Affogato experience. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a stovetop moka pot or a strong brew from an Aeropress will do in a pinch!

Step 3: Pour Espresso Over Gelato

Pour the hot espresso directly over your gelato. Watch as the velvety ice cream begins to melt into the coffee—it’s pure magic happening right before your eyes. This step delivers that signature hot-cold contrast classic to Affogato.

Step 4: Add Garnish

If you’re feeling fancy, finish with a shower of shaved dark chocolate or a delicate dusting of cocoa powder. The garnish melts just slightly, giving each bite a little extra richness and flair.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Affogato shines brightest when served right away. Grab a spoon and dive in—the sooner, the better, so you can enjoy the mix of freezing gelato and bold, warm espresso before it all melts together.

How to Serve Affogato

Garnishes

The classic garnish is a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings—simple, but utterly perfect. You can also dust lightly with cocoa powder for a more elegant look. Feeling adventurous? Try a few crushed biscotti, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel or coffee liqueur for grown-up flair.

Side Dishes

Affogato is stunningly good on its own, but pairing it with delicate almond cookies or a simple biscotti truly elevates the experience. A crisp wafer or a piece of dark chocolate alongside brings balance and turns your Affogato break into a little Italian café moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn Affogato from everyday to extraordinary! Try serving it in clear espresso cups or dainty glass bowls for maximum visual appeal. For a dinner party, prepare a tray with mini scoops and let guests pour their own espresso—interactive fun and supremely stylish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Since Affogato is meant to be enjoyed as soon as it’s assembled, leftovers aren’t common. If you do end up with extra gelato, simply pop it back into the freezer. Any espresso left over can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but the flavors are always brightest when freshly brewed.

Freezing

Gelato or ice cream can be frozen as usual until you’re ready to make your Affogato. Avoid freezing assembled Affogato, as the hot-cold magic just doesn’t survive a trip to the freezer—plus, the textures change.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! If you want to prepare the espresso ahead, reheat it gently just before serving so it’s nice and hot—this keeps the beautiful contrast with the cold gelato that Affogato is famous for.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?

Espresso is traditional and adds bold, deep flavor, but if you don’t have an espresso maker, a very strong brewed coffee will work in a pinch. The effect will be a bit lighter, but still delicious!

What’s the best gelato flavor variation for Affogato?

Classic vanilla is unbeatable, but Affogato is also fantastic with chocolate, hazelnut, or even pistachio gelato. Go wild and try something unique, like salted caramel or a spiced gelato for a modern twist.

Can I make Affogato dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Use your favorite dairy-free ice cream or gelato, and stick with dark chocolate shavings for garnish. Just be sure your gelato is firm and creamy for the best experience.

How do I make Affogato for a crowd?

Scoop the gelato into glasses ahead of time and store them in the freezer. Brew espresso just before serving, then pour it over the gelato and pass the cups around—fast, easy, and sure to impress!

Is it really important to serve Affogato immediately?

Yes! The joy of Affogato is in the beautiful collision between hot espresso and icy gelato. Waiting too long means you’ll miss that moment when everything melds into irresistible perfection.

Final Thoughts

Affogato is pure Italian joy in dessert form: quick to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to impress. Take five minutes, treat yourself, and discover why this classic keeps charming dessert and coffee lovers everywhere!

Affogato Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the delightful Italian classic, Affogato, a simple yet luxurious dessert that combines the richness of vanilla gelato with a shot of hot espresso. Perfect for a quick and elegant sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Vanilla Gelato:

2 small scoops vanilla gelato or ice cream

Hot Espresso:

1 shot (about 1 ounce) hot espresso

Garnish:

Shaved dark chocolate or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Scoop the Gelato: Scoop the vanilla gelato into a small glass or dessert cup.
Brew Espresso: Brew a fresh shot of hot espresso.
Pour Espresso: Pour the espresso over the gelato just before serving.
Add Garnish: Top with shaved dark chocolate or a light dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!