When you make an affogato, there’s no need to choose between coffee and dessert after dinner. This brilliant Italian treat combines espresso with ice cream and it’s incredibly easy to make, even after a long meal. While it’s perfect for a dinner party, an affogato is simply too delightful to reserve for special occasions—enjoy one anytime you need an utterly delicious pick-me-up.
What Does Affogato Mean?
The affogato was designed to feature two of Italy’s favorite things: espresso and gelato. Literally meaning “drowned,” affogato first appeared in the dictionary in the early 1990s and the dessert drink has since found fans worldwide. You can make it with espresso and vanilla gelato, or switch to strongly brewed coffee and vanilla ice cream. If you like, spike it with a liqueur—amaretto, hazelnut, and Irish cream are favorites.
How Much Caffeine Is In an Affogato?
The amount of caffeine in an affogato will depend on the coffee you use, but an average shot of espresso has about 50 milligrams of caffeine. If you use
The Serving Trick for Making a Perfect Affogato at Home
In theory, pouring hot coffee over ice cream would cause it to melt, but that’s not the case here. The trick is to serve it in an ice-cold glass or dessert dish. This balances out the temperature difference and the coffee will slide down the sides of the glass, encasing the sweet frozen cream.
Place glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes—or before you sit down for dinner—and they’ll be ready for your special dessert.
More Helpful Affogato Tips
Espresso is traditional in the affogato, but it’s not necessary. Instead, brew the strongest coffee you can. A French press, pour-over brewer, or moka pot will create a flavorful, rich coffee that’s perfect for this treat.
For the best affogato, use a gelato or ice cream flavored with real vanilla beans. The vanilla flavor will be more intense and natural, a great pairing for the coffee.
“Affogato is absolutely delicious! I served this as part of a dessert with a very simple pound cake. Everybody loved it!” —Diana Andrews
Cook Mode
(Keep screen awake)
1 scoop vanilla gelato, or ice cream
2 ounces hot espresso, or strongly brewed hot coffee
Grated chocolate, for garnish
Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack
In a chilled glass or dessert dish, place a large scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream.
The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack
Slowly pour the espresso or coffee over the ice cream.
The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack
Garnish with shaved or grated chocolate, and serve with a spoon.
The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack
Recipe Variations
If desired, pour an ounce of the liqueur of your choice over the ice cream. Hazelnut (e.g., Frangelico) and amaretto liqueurs add a nice nuttiness, though some people enjoy it with Irish cream. Coffee liqueur and espresso vodka are good options, too.
For even more flavor dimension, pour a dessert wine, such as sherry or a tawny port. Moscatos or ice wines can be interesting but may get lost behind the coffee flavor.
Italian amaros are a very interesting addition. A flavorful bitter like Averna or Ramazotti can make a big impact on an affogato.
Switch from vanilla to chocolate or coffee ice cream.
During the cold months, sprinkle the affogato with ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal touch.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
237
Calories
15g
Fat
23g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories
237
% Daily Value*
15g
19%
Saturated Fat 8g
42%
144mg
48%
115mg
5%
23g
8%
Dietary Fiber 0g
0%
Total Sugars 21g
4g
Vitamin C 0mg
1%
Calcium 102mg
8%
Iron 0mg
2%
Potassium 185mg
4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
Rate This Recipe
I don’t like this at all.
It’s not the worst.
Sure, this will do.
I’m a fan—would recommend.
Amazing! I love it!
Thanks for your rating!