Affogato Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that’s a sophisticated showstopper and joyfully simple, the Affogato Recipe is your ticket to instant Italian café magic at home. Imagine creamy vanilla ice cream or gelato, made lusciously molten beneath a cascade of fragrant, fresh espresso—each spoonful is an irresistible collision of hot and cold, bold and sweet. This treat is more than the sum of its parts, and with just a handful of ingredients, it delivers a relaxed sense of indulgence that fits both after-dinner elegance or the most casual coffee break. Let’s dive in and bring this beloved Italian classic to life!

Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the charms of the Affogato Recipe is how it transforms the simplest ingredients into something magical. Each plays an important role, so choose thoughtfully—even small upgrades make a huge difference in flavor and experience.
- Vanilla ice cream or gelato: Go for the best quality you can find—its creamy richness is the heart of this dessert. Gelato gives you an extra-silky texture if you want to level things up.
- Freshly brewed espresso (or strong hot coffee): Real espresso is traditional, but a strong hot coffee works beautifully as well; it’s what gives the affogato its signature oomph and warmth.
- Amaretto (optional): Just a splash will add a lovely almond complexity and subtle boozy warmth—great for grown-up gatherings!
- Chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish): These are an easy way to add a touch of elegance and a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness.
How to Make Affogato Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream or Gelato
Scoop one or two generous balls of vanilla ice cream or gelato into your favorite serving glass or small bowl. If you want a little drama, chilled coupe glasses or clear rocks tumblers look especially inviting—plus, they’ll help keep your ice cream cold longer! Set the dish aside for just a moment while you brew your espresso or make strong coffee.
Step 2: Brew the Espresso
While your ice cream is waiting, prepare a fresh shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, don’t worry! A moka pot, Aeropress, or even a small pour of strong, hot coffee will do the trick. The key is making sure the coffee is piping hot so it can “drown” the ice cream in the most delightful way.
Step 3: Assemble the Affogato Recipe
Now for the best part: pour the freshly brewed espresso directly over the ice cream in the serving glass. Listen for that tiny, sizzling crackle as the hot coffee meets the cold dessert—such a satisfying kitchen moment! If you’re feeling fancy, go ahead and add a splash of amaretto right on top.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Before you dig in, shower a few chocolate shavings over the top for a finishing flourish. Serve your Affogato Recipe immediately while the contrast between hot and cold, creamy and deep, is at its absolute peak. Grab a spoon, settle in, and savor the magic!
How to Serve Affogato Recipe

Garnishes
The Affogato Recipe is elegantly simple, but a touch of garnish makes it unforgettable. Chocolate shavings are classic, but feel free to experiment with sprinkles of cocoa powder, a drizzle of caramel, crushed biscotti, or even a few roasted hazelnuts. Choose flavors that you love and that add a little texture or visual flair—each spoonful will be even more delicious.
Side Dishes
For a truly Italian touch, serve your affogato alongside crisp almond biscotti, cantucci, or amaretti cookies for dipping. If you’re having friends over, mini fruit tarts or a plate of fresh berries complement the richness and offer a refreshing counterpoint. It’s always nice to have something light and crunchy nearby to enjoy between luxurious bites.
Creative Ways to Present
This dessert loves a little drama. Present each one tableside and pour the espresso directly over the ice cream in front of your guest—it’s a mini performance! Small glass tumblers, coupe glasses, or even espresso cups all work as stylish vessels. For parties, serve affogato in tiny shooter glasses for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as fun as it is elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Affogato is at its best when served immediately, but if you somehow have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the freezer. The texture will change as the ice cream melts and refreezes with the espresso, but it’s still a tasty treat—almost like a coffee gelato you can scoop later!
Freezing
The key to a perfect Affogato Recipe is fresh assembly, so avoid freezing the entire dessert after pouring the espresso. For best results, freeze your ice cream or gelato separately and only make what you plan to serve right away. This keeps every serving at peak deliciousness.
Reheating
Since affogato is a hot-meets-cold creation, there’s no need for reheating—just prepare fresh espresso or coffee each time you’re ready to indulge. If your stored affogato has turned icy in the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before enjoying it like a frozen coffee treat.
FAQs
Can I make an Affogato Recipe without an espresso machine?
Absolutely! Any method that produces strong hot coffee will work—moka pots, AeroPress, or even a concentrated French press brew can deliver that necessary punch to contrast with the creamy ice cream.
What’s the best ice cream flavor for affogato?
Classic vanilla is the gold standard because it lets the coffee take the spotlight, but feel free to experiment. Hazelnut, chocolate, or even pistachio gelato all pair beautifully with espresso for your own signature twist.
Is it traditional to add amaretto?
While not strictly traditional, amaretto (or other liqueurs like Frangelico or Kahlúa) is a delightful addition that brings a special complexity to your Affogato Recipe. Keep it classic or make it your own—the choice is yours!
Can I use decaf coffee?
If you’re avoiding caffeine, go right ahead! The flavor will still be delicious. Use the richest decaf beans you can find, as bold flavors are key for a great affogato experience.
How do I keep the ice cream from melting too quickly?
Chill your serving glasses ahead of time and make sure the ice cream is extra-cold. Pour the espresso slowly and serve right away—timing is everything when it comes to the perfect Affogato Recipe!
Final Thoughts
This Affogato Recipe proves that sometimes the best desserts really are the simplest. It’s fast, fun, and always feels a little bit special—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself at the end of a long day. Grab your favorite ice cream, brew up some good coffee, and let yourself be transported straight to an Italian café. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love at first bite!
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Affogato Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic Italian dessert with this simple Affogato recipe. Creamy vanilla ice cream drowned in a shot of hot espresso, with optional amaretto and chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.
Ingredients
Vanilla Ice Cream or Gelato:
1 to 2 scoops
Freshly Brewed Espresso:
1 shot (or 1 ounce/2 tablespoons strong hot coffee)
Amaretto:
Optional
Chocolate Shavings:
For garnish, optional
Instructions
- Place the ice cream: Put 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream or gelato in a serving glass or bowl.
- Pour the espresso: Top the ice cream with 1 shot of freshly brewed espresso. Add amaretto if desired and sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 200 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Affogato, Italian dessert, coffee, ice cream, easy recipe