Affogato Recipe (Italian Coffee with Ice Cream)
This affogato recipe is one of the simplest hot weather treats you can make and enjoy with almost no prep. Italians know their coffee and this is a great way to enjoy it.
Whether you’re a coffee lover, or not, chances are you’ll love this affogato recipe!
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What is an “Affogato al Caffè”?
Affogato al caffè, means “drowned in coffee”. It’s incredibly easy to make, and takes no time at all. All you need is coffee and vanilla ice-cream. The flavors and mixture of hot and cold meld beautifully!
Love tiramisù? Chances are you have never tasted it the way it was originally created.
Get the original and authentic tiramisù recipe here.
What Liquor is Used in Affogato?
While an authentic affogato has no liquor or liqueur in it, don’t let that stop you from adding whatever you like in your coffee drinks! A traditional addition to espresso in Italy is Sambuca, a licorice flavored liqueur, or you could try a splash of Amaretto. As long as you know how to make the original, go ahead and add your own twist.
Speaking of Amaretto, try this Amaretto tiramisú if you’re a fan!
How to Serve Affogato al Caffè
Keep this affogato recipe in mind when you have a dinner party, especially in the summer! It’s a super easy Italian dessert that you can serve, even at a moment’s notice. Just serve with almond and orange biscotti or any other Italian biscuits and a spoon, and you’re good to go!
Substitutions
Espresso coffee – you should really use real espresso from an espresso machine or Moka type stove top coffee maker. Don’t use espresso powder, or drip coffee as they won’t be strong enough for this treat. Decaf espresso is suitable for those who cannot, or do not want to have caffeine.
Vanilla Ice Cream/Gelato – while vanilla is the traditional flavor, if you want to try this with chocolate ice cream, hazelnut or coffee gelato, it’s still a wonderful dessert. I wouldn’t advise using fruit flavors, or anything that simply doesn’t pair well with coffee.
Additions
While the traditional affogato is vanilla gelato and strong espresso coffee, and sometimes a dollop of whipped cream, you can add liqueurs,
And if you’re a true coffee lover, you’ll flip for this unique Bicerin coffee which hails from Turin, Italy.
How do You Make an Affogato Coffee?
It’s so easy you actually don’t need a recipe! Affogato requires hot coffee and cold ice cream, that’s it!
Affogato al Caffè
Recipe Origin Unknown Serves 2
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
- vanilla ice cream or gelato
- espresso coffee
NOTE: measurements are just recommendations in the recipe below. Change the ratio as you please.
Directions
Place the ice cream or gelato in a serving glass, dish, etc. preferably clear glass. Be sure to use a good quality vanilla ice cream (I like Haagen Dazs 5 ingredient vanilla) or gelato.
Pour the hot espresso coffee over the ice cream.
The coffee will begin melting the ice cream.
That’s it, unless you want to add a liqueur of choice, your affogato is served! Simple and elegant. Can we even call this a recipe? What will you try after the original? The options are endless: one of my favorites is coffee ice cream, hot espresso, nocino (nut liqueur) and a dollop of whipped cream!
Save this recipe to enjoy this Rudesheimer coffee when the cool weather arrives.
You may decorate the treat with cream and chocolate, if desired, but that would be an American touch.
I gave this affogato a British twist, by adding whipped cream and a piece of Flake!
You can’t go wrong, any way you make it, it’s deliciously refreshing!
Have you tried espresso martinis yet? Another twist to try for the holidays: pumpkin spice espresso martini
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Affogato al Caffè (Ice Cream with Coffee)
Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla ice-cream more or less, as desired
- 2 shots hot espresso more or less, as desired
Instructions
- Place the scoops of ice cream in a serving glass, dish, etc. as long as it is clear glass.
- Pour the hot coffee over the ice cream.
Notes
- It’s important to use quality espresso coffee for this beverage.
- Use decaf if you prefer no caffeine.
Nutrition
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I am humming.. “Mmmm!” My daily go to is an iced coffee or two. . however.. an Ice Cream Coffee treat as this recipe and especially with Expresso.. take the “Mmm” and turn it to “Oh wow!” The “Moka coffee set” would be an added bonus to not only making Expresso’s.. but most definitely would have Special place in my home!
Absolutely, Liz! :)
How is this one shot of esspresso? It looks more like 5 shots.
Actually, your perspective of the glass size is off. These are mini dessert glasses. Look at the size of the coffee beans for scale. I can assure you there is no more than one shot of espresso in each glass.
I don’t like vanilla taste, what would you suggest me in alternative? Thanks! ☕
Not really an alternative to use, sorry.
Try coffee ice cream instead of vanilla