Quick answer: put one or two scoops of vanilla ice cream or gelato in a small chilled glass and pour one shot (about 30 ml) of hot espresso over it. Serve at once with a spoon.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 1-2 scoops vanilla ice cream or gelato, frozen hard
- 1 shot (30 ml) hot espresso
- Optional: whipped cream, shaved chocolate, crushed amaretti or chopped hazelnuts
How to make it
- Chill the glass or cup in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Scoop the ice cream into the glass.
- Brew the espresso and pour it over the ice cream straight away.
- Add toppings and serve immediately.
Without an espresso machine
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Moka pot | Stovetop espresso-style coffee; the closest substitute |
| AeroPress | Use a fine grind and half the usual water |
| Instant espresso | 2 tsp dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water |
| Strong brewed coffee | ¼ cup, brewed at double strength |
| Cold brew concentrate | Undiluted, warmed or cold |
Variations
- With whipped cream: a spoonful of soft whipped cream on top, as on an espresso con panna.
- Mocha: chocolate ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Caramel: a spoonful of caramel sauce and a pinch of flaky salt.
- Hot chocolate affogato: pour thick hot chocolate instead of coffee; good for children.
- Matcha or chai: a strong shot of either in place of espresso.
- Homemade ice cream: see no-churn ice cream.
Tips
- Use ice cream straight from the freezer so it does not melt at once.
- Pour the espresso at the table.
- Small glasses work best: about 6 oz.
- For an affogato bar at a party, see coffee bar ideas and sundae bar ideas.
Frequently asked questions
What is an affogato?
An Italian dessert of vanilla gelato or ice cream with a shot of hot espresso poured over it. Affogato means drowned in Italian.
Can I make an affogato without an espresso machine?
Yes. Use a moka pot, an AeroPress, strong instant espresso, or ¼ cup of very strong brewed coffee.
Is an affogato a drink or a dessert?
Both. It is served in a small glass or cup and eaten with a spoon, then sipped as the ice cream melts.
Do you put whipped cream on an affogato?
The classic has none, but a spoonful of lightly whipped cream is a common café finish.
