Classic Affogato
Two ingredients. Zero effort. Total elegance.
An affogato is a classic Italian coffee dessert — a hot shot of espresso poured over cold vanilla gelato. To make one, scoop one or two scoops of gelato into a chilled cup, pull a fresh double shot of espresso, pour it over the top, and serve immediately with a spoon.
What You Need
High-quality vanilla gelato or ice cream (1-2 scoops). A freshly pulled double shot of espresso (hot). That's it. The magic is in the contrast — hot espresso melting into cold, creamy gelato creates a texture and temperature experience no other dessert can match.
Method
- 01Scoop vanilla gelato into a chilled cup or small bowl.
- 02Pull a double shot of espresso immediately before serving.
- 03Pour the hot espresso directly over the gelato.
- 04Serve immediately with a small spoon. Eat/drink before it fully melts.
Variations
Affogato al caffè: Classic vanilla + espresso. Affogato con panna: Add a dollop of whipped cream. Boozy affogato: Add 1oz amaretto, Kahlúa, or Frangelico. Chocolate affogato: Use chocolate gelato instead of vanilla. Coconut affogato: Use coconut ice cream for a dairy-free version.
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Frequently Asked
- What is an affogato?
- An affogato is a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream with a hot shot of espresso poured over it — part dessert, part coffee.
- What kind of coffee goes in an affogato?
- A fresh, hot shot of espresso is traditional. A small amount of very strong brewed or moka-pot coffee also works.
- Is an affogato a drink or a dessert?
- Both — it is served right after the espresso is poured and eaten with a spoon as the gelato melts into the coffee.
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