Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (2024)

Published: , Last updated: by Emily This post may contain affiliate links.

Recipe Print

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!

Jump to:
  • 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).

Never Miss A Recipe!

Get all the latest recipes and Italian content sent straight to your inbox (plus our top 10 Italian cooking secrets!)

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!

Save Recipe

Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (4)

Print Pin

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

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (2024)

FAQs

What is the best ice cream flavor for affogato? ›

A close contender as the absolute best vanilla ice cream for affogato is Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean. With its rich sweetness and velvety texture, Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean beautifully complements and balances expresso shots.

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.

Can you mix coffee and 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.

What is the most favored ice cream flavor? ›

America's Top 10 Ice Cream Flavors
  • Vanilla. Above all types of ice cream flavors, vanilla is America's favorite for a reason: it's simple and it goes with everything. ...
  • Chocolate.
  • Chocolate. ...
  • Cookies & Cream. ...
  • Mint Chocolate Chip.
  • Mint Chocolate Chip. ...
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. ...
  • Buttered Pecan.

What ice cream goes well with coffee? ›

Affogato An affogato is an Italian coffee-based dessert.

It traditionally starts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or vanilla gelato and is then drowned with a shot of hot espresso.

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.

Is affogato actually Italian? ›

The Affogato

Originally invented in Italy, the word “affogato” literally translates as “drowned” in English. This is fitting, as the affogato is no more than a scoop of ice cream “drowned” in espresso. Keiko Sato is an SCA-certified barista and coffee buyer.

What's the difference between gelato and affogato? ›

The affogato is an Italiano creation that translates to “drowned.” An affogato is essentially one to two scoops of vanilla gelato or ice cream doused by a shot of fresh espresso. This marriage of sweet ice cream and bitter coffee mingle, melting into a puddle of goodness.

Does Baskin Robbins have affogato? ›

Try a classic affogato with Vanilla ice cream, or customize with your favorite flavor. Now you can get this decadent treat that will transport your taste buds to Italy at Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins combo stores nationwide for only $3.49.

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!

Does Starbucks make 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 it called when you put ice cream in coffee? ›

An affogato is most commonly made with vanilla gelato, though a quality vanilla bean ice cream works, too. You can even switch it up to use flavored ice creams such as chocolate or mint chip, or try coffee ice cream or mocha for an extra hit of caffeine.

Is there coffee in affogato? ›

All of the caffeine content in a serving of affogato comes from the espresso or brewed coffee poured on top. So, it contains roughly the same amount of caffeine you'd find in an espresso drink. This will vary based on the coffee you use but expect between 65 to 85 milligrams of caffeine per dessert.

What is it called when coffee is blended with ice? ›

A frappe is an iced beverage that has been shaken, blended, or beaten to produce a tasty, refreshing drink. It's served cold, usually has whipped cream, and can also have other toppings.

Are you supposed to drink an affogato? ›

Enjoy. Pour the coffee over, eat with spoon, if enough melted once no more scoopable icecream (and its not in a wide bowl) I confidently drink it and enjoy.

Are you supposed to eat or drink an affogato? ›

Should I drink the espresso first or eat the gelato first? There's no right or wrong way to enjoy an affogato, but many people prefer to let the espresso melt the gelato slightly before digging in. This allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious combination of creamy and bold.

What is a traditional affogato ice cream drowned in? ›

L'affogato al caffè, a dessert of gelato drowned in espresso, is “one of Italy's most delectable modern dishes,” writes Anna Del Conte in her “Gastronomy of Italy.” The ice cream can be fior di latte, vanilla or chocolate, or whatever you like.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 6421

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.