Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (2024)

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How to make an Italian Affogato! This is the easiest dessert to whip up when you're entertaining or want a last-minute sweet treat after dinner. Made with rich vanilla ice cream and espresso coffee, grated dark chocolate, and a cheeky splash of nocino nut liqueur, delicious!

Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (1)

When it comes to Italian desserts this affogato recipe is up there on the top of my list alongside tiramisu and panna cotta!

One of the reasons I love it so much is because it is so incredibly easy to make, I'm talking 5 minutes max and you're guaranteed to have everything you need in your kitchen! It's really that easy.

A 5-minute sweet treat made with creamy vanilla ice cream, a strong punch of espresso coffee and a splash of liqueur, omg it's just incredible! The boozy addition is totally optional but so worth it.

I know what you're thinking, it's just going to melt straight away and turn into a warm coffee milkshake type thing but it doesn't!

You eat the gelato and coffee with a spoon, it's the perfect mix of hot and cold, bitter and sweet then drink anything that's left at the bottom. It's like your after-dinner espresso and dessert all in one!

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  • How to make an Italian Affogato - step by step
  • Top tips and recipe FAQs
  • More delicious desserts you might like
  • ☆Full Recipe

How to make an Italian Affogato - step by step

Brew an espresso (one per person). Scoop 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into a wide glass or bowl and pour over a shot of espresso (photos 1-3).

Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (2)

Pour 1 tablespoon of liqueur (optional) over the ice cream and grate over a little dark chocolate. Grab a spoon and dig in (photos 3 & 4).

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Top tips and recipe FAQs

  • Gelato to espresso ratio - use 1 shot of espresso (max 40ml) to 1-2 scoops of ice cream. Don't use diluted or watered down coffee it should be short and strong.
  • Make sure your gelato is ice cold - your gelato or ice cream should be just soft enough to scoop, don't leave it sitting for too long or it'll melt when the hot coffee is poured over.
  • Add liqueur to your affogato (optional) - Adding liqueur to your affogato is an amazing way to take it up a notch. I love to use a nut liqueur such as Nocino (walnut) or Frangelico (hazelnut) but you could also use rum, grappa, Tuaca or even a coffee based liqueur for an extra coffee kick!
  • Different topping ideas - If you want to add a bit of crunchy texture then chopped hazelnuts or pistachios are delicious on top, you could also sprinkle over some grated chocolate.
  • The best servings glasses to use - a small drinking glass is best for serving this dessert, it should be just big enough to hold the ice cream.

What's the best coffee to use?

Use espresso coffee (100% arabica is best) or 3-4 tablespoon of strong brewed coffee. To make the coffee use an Italian moka pot or coffee machine.

What does Affogato mean?

Affogato means drowned or poached. For example, poached eggs in Italian is le uova affogate so this dessert is like gelato poached or drowned in warm coffee.

How do you drink an Affogato?

The best way to enjoy an affogato is with a spoon, eat the ice cream first and then drink the coffee along with any melted ice cream.

What's the best ice cream to use?

Good high-quality vanilla gelato is what's traditionally used but you can use there are many other flavours that would work; stracciatella (vanilla with chocolate shards), Nutella and pistachio ice cream are other Italian flavours I love to use. Try to go for vanilla, nut or chocolate flavours as fruity flavours wouldn't taste nice with coffee.

Is it hot or cold?

This dessert is warm it's a perfect mix of cold gelato and hot coffee, so delicious!

Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (3)

More delicious desserts you might like

  • Tiramisu - Authentic Recipe!
  • The Ultimate Chocolate Martini
  • Tiramisu Ice Cream
  • Torta della Nonna (custard tart)
  • Crostata (Italian jam tart)

If you’ve tried this Affogato Recipe or any other recipe on the blog please let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM & PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I’m getting up to.

☆Full Recipe

Step By Step Photos AboveMost of our recipes come with step by step photos, helpful tips and tricks to make it perfectly first time and even video!

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Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (4)

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5 from 9 votes

Italian Affogato Recipe

How to make an authentic Italian Affogato with creamy vanilla ice cream and a strong shot of espresso. Add an optional splash of liqueur and grate of a little dark chocolate for the ultimate treat!

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 serving

Calories 310kcal

Author Emily Wyper

Ingredients

  • 2 scoops vanilla ice cream high quality
  • 1 shot espresso
  • 1 tablespoon nut or coffee liqueur (optional)
  • dark chocolate , for grating on top

Instructions

  • Brew an espresso (one per person). Scoop 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into a wide glass or bowl and pour over a shot of espresso.

  • Pour 1 tablespoon of nocino nut liqueur or your liqueur of choice over the ice cream and grate over a little dark chocolate.

Notes

  • Gelato to espresso ratio - use 1 shot of espresso (max 40ml) to 1-2 scoops of ice cream. Don't use diluted or watered down coffee it should be short and strong.
  • Make sure your gelato is ice cold - your gelato or ice cream should be just soft enough to scoop, don't leave it sitting for too long or it'll melt when the hot coffee is poured over.
  • Add liqueur to your affogato (optional) - Adding liqueur to your affogato is an amazing way to take it up a notch. I love to use a nut liqueur such as Nocino (walnut) or Frangelico (hazelnut) but you could also use rum, grappa, Tuaca or even a coffee-based liqueur for an extra coffee kick!
  • Different topping ideas - If you want to add a bit of crunchy texture then chopped hazelnuts or pistachios are delicious on top, you could also sprinkle over some grated chocolate.
  • The best servings glasses to use - a small drinking glass is best for serving this dessert, it should be just big enough to hold the ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 262mg | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 555IU | Calcium: 169mg

Helpful Info for All Recipes

  • I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise
  • When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind I always use Cirio or Mutti brands for the best results and flavour.
  • All vegetables are medium sized unless stated otherwise
  • All recipes are tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven
  • Find out more about how nutrition is calculated.
  • Check out our must have Italian Pantry Staples.
  • You can also find all our Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking.

Did you try this recipe?Mention @insidetherustickitchen or tag #insidetherustickitchen! We'd love you see what you're getting up to in the kitchen!

More Italian Desserts

  • Pastiera Napoletana
  • Italian Mimosa cake (Torta Mimosa)
  • Crema Fritta (Deep Fried Custard)
  • Amaretto Red Wine Poached Pears

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. leti

    awesome and looks super good i’ll definitely try this today, im running to buy ice cream right nowItalian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (9)

    Reply

  2. Peggy

    My daughter made this and I am 65 and don't know how I never heard of it before but I love it! I have awful insomnia so I am planning to make it for breakfast tomorrow for my man and I! He is going to really think I am special! LOLItalian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (10)

    Reply

    • Inside the rustic kitchen

      Hi Peggy, hope you enjoy it that'll be one special breakfast indeed!

      Reply

  3. Elizabeth

    Oh my goodness this sounds amazing! How is it I've never even heard of this before? I need this in my life!Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (11)

    Reply

    • Inside the rustic kitchen

      You so need to...life is much better with it haha

      Reply

  4. Ellen

    I have always wanted to make this and now I have an awesome recipe!

    Reply

    • Inside the rustic kitchen

      Thanks so much Ellen, enjoy!

      Reply

  5. Jaclyn Anne

    Affogato combines my two favorite things - ice cream and coffee. Yum!Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (12)

    Reply

    • Inside the rustic kitchen

      Yup..you can't go wrong!

      Reply

  6. Kelli Kerkman

    Yes! Affogato is the perfect after-dinner drink/dessert!Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (13)

    Reply

    • Inside the rustic kitchen

      Thanks Kelli, I totally agree!

      Reply

  7. Hannah

    I love affogato coffee, because I want a treat and a coffee as well at the same time. 😀 Such amazing combo!Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (14)

    Reply

    • Inside the rustic kitchen

      It's the perfect combo and nice and light too, thanks Hannah!

      Reply

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Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (2024)

FAQs

What is a real affogato? ›

An affogato (/ˌɑːfəˈɡɑːtoʊ, ˌæf-/), more traditionally known as "affogato al caffè" (Italian for "drowned in coffee"), is an Italian coffee-based dessert. It usually takes the form of a scoop of plain milk-flavored (fior di latte) or vanilla gelato or ice cream topped or "drowned" with a shot of hot espresso.

What is the correct way to eat affogato? ›

Grab your spoon and dig in! If you prefer, sip it straight from the bowl. The sweetness of the gelato tempers the bitterness of the coffee, while the contrasting temperatures eventually balance each other out. Don't leave it too long, or you will find that you have with coffee-gelato soup!

What does affogato mean in Italian? ›

Affogato literally means “drowned” in Italian. The word is used to describe when a liquid is poured over a food, usually cold food, but it can also describe cooking techniques using minimal liquid at a temperature of 175-185 °F, which should never reach the boiling point.

Can you mix coffee with ice cream? ›

An affogato is considered to be a drink to some, and a dessert to others. However you decide to classify the treat, it's one of the best things to happen to coffee. It consists of a few scoops of vanilla ice cream and a shot of hot espresso.

Are you supposed to eat or drink an affogato? ›

As for how to eat it, an affogato is best enjoyed with a spoon before sipping back the remaining espresso. Here's how to make a really great affogato at home. Read reviews!

What kind of ice cream is best for affogato? ›

Affogato purists may say you must use vanilla gelato. But across the U.S., vanilla gelato is not always easily accessible. So, use vanilla ice cream. And while you're at it, why not try affogatos with lavender, chocolate, coffee, Oreo, or other flavors of ice cream?

How do Italians eat affogato? ›

Ideally, coffee is poured on top of the ice cream before serving. Many prefer to use the spoon, while some slowly sip the concoction instead. Whichever method you use, ensure that you eat it before it melts. In Italy, the Affogato is typically served after lunch or dinner.

What's the difference between affogato and ice cream? ›

In Italian, “affogato” means “drowned” or “drowned in coffee“…. and refers to an Italian espresso-based beverage (or dessert) in which hot espresso is poured over a scoop of ice cream or gelato. In it's simplest form, you would just pair a shot of espresso with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make an Affogato.

How to order an affogato in Italy? ›

"Vorrei un affogato al caffè, per favore." The "affogato" could be considered a dessert by many, but it is the perfect choice for a hot summer day. Make sure to order it "al caffè" as there are many variatons of it.

What is affogato coffee in English? ›

Affogato translates to "drowned" in Italian and is one of the simplest desserts you can create. It's a big scoop of vanilla ice cream with a hot espresso shot poured over it. When the affogato is ready to serve, the ice cream looks as if it has drowned in the coffee.

Does Starbucks serve affogato? ›

New Starbucks Reserve Affogato and Malt Beverages Debut at Starbucks Reserve Roasteries and Stores. Spring into flavor at U.S. Starbucks Reserve® locations in Seattle, New York and Chicago starting March 7 with new Starbucks Reserve® malt and affogato beverages that feature exquisite Starbucks Reserve® coffee.

What is the coffee drink that sounds like an avocado? ›

The affogato is a hot and cold delicacy available on many specialty coffee shop menus, as well as in restaurants. It is a rich, creamy blend of two very different flavours. While generally considered a dessert, some people do believe the affogato is a drink.

What is a Starbucks affogato? ›

Cold, sweet ice cream meets hot, roasty espresso. The affogato is easy to make and a treat for the senses.

Who invented the affogato? ›

The affogato's origin story is suspect. According to Porte, we may owe credit to the 17th-century Franciscan friar Angelico (the same cleric who brought us the hazelnut-based Frangelico liqueur), but more likely, the affogato appeared in Italy sometime in the 1950s when the ice cream industry modernized.

Does an affogato shot go on top of whipped cream? ›

To make the espresso shot, mix the instant espresso powder with the hot water and stir until dissolved. Scoop ice cream into a small glass and pour the hot espresso shot over the ice cream. Top with whipped cream.

How do you order an affogato Frappuccino from Starbucks? ›

Affogato Frappuccino

Ask for: Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino. 1-2 floating espresso shots, depending on the size of the drink. Top with whipped cream.

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