Affogato al Caffè (Espresso Poured over Ice Cream)
Local name: Affogato al caffè
In short: A scoop of vanilla gelato drowned in a shot of hot espresso. Two ingredients, three minutes and one of Italy's easiest desserts. It takes about 5 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 3 min
- Cook
- 2 min
- Total
- 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 210 kcal
Affogato means drowned, and that is the whole idea: a scoop of cold vanilla gelato in a glass or cup, with a shot of hot espresso poured over it. The ice cream melts into the coffee, and the contrast of hot and cold, bitter and sweet, is the point. It is served in Italian cafes as a dessert or an afternoon treat, and it takes three minutes at home. Use the best ice cream and the freshest espresso you can get.
Instructions
- If you have time, chill four small glasses or cups in the freezer for 10 minutes while you get everything else ready.
- Brew the espresso so that it is hot and freshly made, just as you are about to serve.
- While it brews, put 2 small scoops of gelato into each glass.
- Pour 1 shot of espresso over each serving at the table.
- Add a splash of amaretto or a few chocolate shavings if you like. Serve right away with a biscuit on the side and a spoon.
Tips
- Without an espresso machine, use a moka pot or very strong coffee made with 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 100 ml (1/3 cup) of water.
- Serve with crunchy biscotti or amaretti on the side. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Questions and answers
What is in an affogato?
Two things: a scoop or two of vanilla gelato or ice cream, and a shot of hot espresso. Many people add a splash of amaretto or hazelnut liqueur or a few chocolate shavings.
Can I make affogato without espresso?
Yes. Use very strong coffee from a moka pot or an aeropress. The coffee should be strong and hot so that it melts the ice cream properly.
What gelato flavor is best for affogato?
Vanilla is classic. Fior di latte (plain milk gelato), hazelnut, pistachio or dark chocolate also work well and add extra flavor to the coffee.
How long does it take to make Affogato al Caffè (Espresso Poured over Ice Cream)?
About 5 min in total: 3 min of preparation and 2 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Affogato al Caffè (Espresso Poured over Ice Cream)?
About 210 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 24 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 210 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
