Espresso Affogato Recipe – Where Espresso Meets Dessert

Affogato is one of the easiest espresso recipes that even a beginner can make at home. You need very limited ingredients to make it.

Here, I will tell you the exact method for making delicious espresso affogato at your home or office.

What is affogato?

An affogato is a simple yet indulgent Italian dessert or coffee-based treat.

The word “affogato” in Italian means “drowned,” which describes the preparation method. It traditionally consists of two primary ingredients:

Espresso: A shot of freshly brewed espresso, which provides a strong and aromatic coffee base.

Gelato or Ice Cream: A scoop of high-quality vanilla gelato or ice cream is placed in a serving dish or glass.

The affogato is made by “drowning” the scoop of gelato or ice cream with the hot shot of espresso. As the espresso is poured over the cold gelato, it begins to melt the frozen dessert, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

This results in the blend of rich, bold coffee flavors from the espresso and the creamy, sweet, and cold notes from the gelato or ice cream.

Affogato can be enjoyed as a dessert or even as an after-dinner drink. It’s incredibly simple to make and is loved for its simplicity and the way it combines the best of both coffee and dessert.

While the classic version uses vanilla gelato or ice cream. You can also use different ice cream flavors or additional toppings like chocolate shavings, caramel, or nuts to customize the experience.

Ingredients to make espresso affogato

Espresso Shot

Generally, one or two shots of freshly brewed espresso are used for each serving. The quality of the espresso is important, so use high-quality coffee beans and a good espresso machine or method to brew the shots.

Gelato or Ice Cream

A scoop of high-quality vanilla gelato or ice cream is the traditional choice for affogato. The creamy and sweet nature of vanilla complements the strong espresso flavor.

You can choose between gelato (an Italian ice cream) or regular ice cream, but make sure it’s a good-quality product.

Optional toppings for customization

1) Chocolate Shavings: For a touch of chocolate flavor and visual appeal.

2) Cocoa Powder: To add a hint of bitterness and a dusting of cocoa flavor.

3) Crushed Nuts: Such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios, for added texture and nutty flavor.

4) Whipped Cream: To make your affogato even more indulgent and creamy.

Step-by-step process to make espresso affogato

Step 1: Prepare the espresso shot

Begin by brewing one or two shots of espresso per serving. Ensure that the espresso is fresh and hot, as this is a key element of the affogato.

Step 2: Scoop the Gelato/Ice cream

Take a scoop of high-quality vanilla gelato or ice cream and place it in a heatproof glass or a small dessert dish. Using a clear glass or bowl is traditional, as it allows you to see the layers and the melting process.

Step 3: Pour the hot espresso

As soon as your espresso shot(s) are ready, carefully pour the hot espresso directly over the scoop of gelato or ice cream. The heat of the espresso will start to melt the gelato, creating a creamy blend of coffee and dessert.

Step 4: Add optional toppings

If you want to enhance the flavor and presentation of your affogato, consider adding optional toppings like chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or a small dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle or garnish as desired.

How to serve affogato?

Affogato is meant to be served and enjoyed immediately while the espresso is hot and the gelato is melting. The contrast of temperatures and textures is the unique thing that you can enjoy in the espresso affogato.

Also, don’t forget to provide a long dessert spoon to your guests so they can scoop up both the gelato and espresso together.

Wrapping up

Espresso affogato is a wonderful fusion of hot espresso and cold ice cream. Try this recipe on your own, try different toppings and find your best version that you will love to serve your guest.