Affogato is an easy and delicious treat that takes only minutes to prepare. Try a traditional version or one of the variations in the recipe.
The last of my husband's bachelor friends was visiting one day and asked if I had any suggestions for an easy to make dessert. Of course, I had to tease and ask...you mean to impress women? Before he had a chance to answer, our other friend started telling us about how affogato was really simple and that his girlfriend and now wife loves it. So here it is, an easy to make impressive dessert...
I have to admit affogato is one of those things I overlook on a menu because of it's simplicity. (Well, and also because I'm always more tempted by the tiramisu that's usually on an Italian menu.) When you're at home though and you need something quick, this can make a great dessert and refreshing treat on a hot summer day.
Traditionally, afogato is simply vanilla ice cream with a shot of espresso poured over it. Easy right? If you want to make it look fancy, serve it in your wine or martini glasses with some biscotti.
Affogato Variations
- Classic (shown just above): Coffee only
- Chocolate liqueur version (shown at top of post): add 1 Tablespoon chocolate liqueur, whip cream, and chocolate shavings.
- Hazelnut: add 1 Tablespoon Frangelico or hazelnut flavored liqueur, whip cream and crushed hazelnuts.
This is an easy dessert to play around with. You can use different ice cream flavors, liqueur for flavoring, add toppings for some crunch or sprinkle with a spice like cinnamon or nutmeg to create your own favorite.
How would you make your affogato? Leave me a comment below if you have tried this recipe or have your own versions.
If you like this recipe you may also like my chocolate hazelnut espresso cocktail or my Mexican hot chocolate shots.
Traditional Affogato
Affogato is an easy and delicious treat that takes only minutes to prepare. Try a traditional version or one of the variations in the recipe.
Ingredients
- ½ pint of vanilla gelato or ice cream
- ½ cup of espresso
Instructions
- Scoop two to three scoops of vanilla ice cream into two bowls or glasses.
- Pour ¼ cup of espresso into each over the ice cream.
Notes
Variations Chocolate- -add 1 Tbs Godiva liqueur, top with whip cream and chocolate shavings. To make the shavings, grate a small amount of your favorite chocolate bar. Hazelnut- add 1 Tbs Frangelico, top with whip cream and crushed hazelnut
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1 glassAmount Per Serving: Calories: 364Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 172mgSodium: 166mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 0gSugar: 34gProtein: 6g
This nutrition information is only an approximate provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. Information comes from Nutritionix, an automated nutrition calculator.
Suneet says
Awesome! I've also seen preparations where the three core items come deconstructed. In other words, you get a large bowl of ice cream in the middle, a shot of espresso on one side, and 1-2 biscottis on the other. To mix it up further: Use hot chocolate instead of coffee (and sea salt on the ice cream per your last post), or take the buzz up by using ground coffee to top it off.
kankana says
seriously screaming YUUMMMYYY . Nothing can beat that .. and i am drooling here.
Deeba Rajpal (@vindee) says
Affagato has been on my list of something to make forever .... thank you for inspiring me to get moving, though there is nothing I'd like more than having a shot of these right now. Beautiful!!
Paula says
Sometimes, the most beautiful things are those that take little effort but still have that WOW factor. Great presentation.
rob says
it also goes very well if you serve with a shot of liqueur, eg. tia maria or kahlua.