Italian Affogato Recipe

Published: Jul 18, 2018, Last updated: Jan 14, 2022 by Emily This post may contain affiliate links.

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How to make an Italian Affogato! This is the easiest dessert to whip up when you're entertaining or want a last-minute sweet treat after dinner. Made with rich vanilla ice cream and espresso coffee, grated dark chocolate, and a cheeky splash of nocino nut liqueur, delicious!

Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (1)

When it comes to Italian desserts this affogato recipe is up there on the top of my list alongside tiramisu and panna cotta!

One of the reasons I love it so much is because it is so incredibly easy to make, I'm talking 5 minutes max and you're guaranteed to have everything you need in your kitchen! It's really that easy.

A 5-minute sweet treat made with creamy vanilla ice cream, a strong punch of espresso coffee and a splash of liqueur, omg it's just incredible! The boozy addition is totally optional but so worth it.

I know what you're thinking, it's just going to melt straight away and turn into a warm coffee milkshake type thing but it doesn't!

You eat the gelato and coffee with a spoon, it's the perfect mix of hot and cold, bitter and sweet then drink anything that's left at the bottom. It's like your after-dinner espresso and dessert all in one!

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How to make an Italian Affogato - step by step
Top tips and recipe FAQs
More delicious desserts you might like
☆Full Recipe

How to make an Italian Affogato - step by step

Brew an espresso (one per person). Scoop 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into a wide glass or bowl and pour over a shot of espresso (photos 1-3).

Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (2)

Pour 1 tablespoon of liqueur (optional) over the ice cream and grate over a little dark chocolate. Grab a spoon and dig in (photos 3 & 4).

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Top tips and recipe FAQs

Gelato to espresso ratio - use 1 shot of espresso (max 40ml) to 1-2 scoops of ice cream. Don't use diluted or watered down coffee it should be short and strong.
Make sure your gelato is ice cold - your gelato or ice cream should be just soft enough to scoop, don't leave it sitting for too long or it'll melt when the hot coffee is poured over.
Add liqueur to your affogato (optional) - Adding liqueur to your affogato is an amazing way to take it up a notch. I love to use a nut liqueur such as Nocino (walnut) or Frangelico (hazelnut) but you could also use rum, grappa, Tuaca or even a coffee based liqueur for an extra coffee kick!
Different topping ideas - If you want to add a bit of crunchy texture then chopped hazelnuts or pistachios are delicious on top, you could also sprinkle over some grated chocolate.
The best servings glasses to use - a small drinking glass is best for serving this dessert, it should be just big enough to hold the ice cream.

What's the best coffee to use?

Use espresso coffee (100% arabica is best) or 3-4 tablespoon of strong brewed coffee. To make the coffee use an Italian moka pot or coffee machine.

What does Affogato mean?

Affogato means drowned or poached. For example, poached eggs in Italian is le uova affogate so this dessert is like gelato poached or drowned in warm coffee.

How do you drink an Affogato?

The best way to enjoy an affogato is with a spoon, eat the ice cream first and then drink the coffee along with any melted ice cream.

What's the best ice cream to use?

Good high-quality vanilla gelato is what's traditionally used but you can use there are many other flavours that would work; stracciatella (vanilla with chocolate shards), Nutella and pistachio ice cream are other Italian flavours I love to use. Try to go for vanilla, nut or chocolate flavours as fruity flavours wouldn't taste nice with coffee.

Is it hot or cold?

This dessert is warm it's a perfect mix of cold gelato and hot coffee, so delicious!

Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (3)

More delicious desserts you might like

Tiramisu - Authentic Recipe!
The Ultimate Chocolate Martini
Tiramisu Ice Cream
Torta della Nonna (custard tart)
Crostata (Italian jam tart)

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☆Full Recipe

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5 from 9 votes

How to make an authentic Italian Affogato with creamy vanilla ice cream and a strong shot of espresso. Add an optional splash of liqueur and grate of a little dark chocolate for the ultimate treat!

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 serving

Calories 310kcal

Author Emily Wyper

Ingredients

▢ 2 scoops vanilla ice cream high quality
▢ 1 shot espresso
▢ 1 tablespoon nut or coffee liqueur (optional)
▢ dark chocolate , for grating on top

Instructions

Brew an espresso (one per person). Scoop 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into a wide glass or bowl and pour over a shot of espresso.
Pour 1 tablespoon of nocino nut liqueur or your liqueur of choice over the ice cream and grate over a little dark chocolate.

Notes

Gelato to espresso ratio - use 1 shot of espresso (max 40ml) to 1-2 scoops of ice cream. Don't use diluted or watered down coffee it should be short and strong.
Make sure your gelato is ice cold - your gelato or ice cream should be just soft enough to scoop, don't leave it sitting for too long or it'll melt when the hot coffee is poured over.
Add liqueur to your affogato (optional) - Adding liqueur to your affogato is an amazing way to take it up a notch. I love to use a nut liqueur such as Nocino (walnut) or Frangelico (hazelnut) but you could also use rum, grappa, Tuaca or even a coffee-based liqueur for an extra coffee kick!
Different topping ideas - If you want to add a bit of crunchy texture then chopped hazelnuts or pistachios are delicious on top, you could also sprinkle over some grated chocolate.
The best servings glasses to use - a small drinking glass is best for serving this dessert, it should be just big enough to hold the ice cream.

Nutrition

Helpful Info for All Recipes

I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise
When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind I always use Cirio or Mutti brands for the best results and flavour.
All vegetables are medium sized unless stated otherwise
All recipes are tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven
Find out more about how nutrition is calculated.
Check out our must have Italian Pantry Staples.
You can also find all our Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking.

Did you try this recipe?Mention @insidetherustickitchen or tag #insidetherustickitchen! We'd love you see what you're getting up to in the kitchen!

More Italian Desserts

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Amarena Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream

Reader Interactions

Comments

leti
September 02, 2023 at 3:56 pm
awesome and looks super good i’ll definitely try this today, im running to buy ice cream right now
Reply
Peggy
June 11, 2019 at 4:51 am
My daughter made this and I am 65 and don't know how I never heard of it before but I love it! I have awful insomnia so I am planning to make it for breakfast tomorrow for my man and I! He is going to really think I am special! LOL
Reply
- Inside the rustic kitchen
  June 11, 2019 at 12:36 pm
  Hi Peggy, hope you enjoy it that'll be one special breakfast indeed!
  Reply
Elizabeth
July 29, 2018 at 4:48 pm
Oh my goodness this sounds amazing! How is it I've never even heard of this before? I need this in my life!
Reply
- Inside the rustic kitchen
  July 31, 2018 at 7:15 pm
  You so need to...life is much better with it haha
  Reply
Ellen
July 29, 2018 at 3:04 pm
I have always wanted to make this and now I have an awesome recipe!
Reply
- Inside the rustic kitchen
  July 31, 2018 at 7:15 pm
  Thanks so much Ellen, enjoy!
  Reply
Jaclyn Anne
July 29, 2018 at 2:51 pm
Affogato combines my two favorite things - ice cream and coffee. Yum!
Reply
- Inside the rustic kitchen
  July 31, 2018 at 7:15 pm
  Yup..you can't go wrong!
  Reply
Kelli Kerkman
July 29, 2018 at 2:05 pm
Yes! Affogato is the perfect after-dinner drink/dessert!
Reply
- Inside the rustic kitchen
  July 31, 2018 at 7:16 pm
  Thanks Kelli, I totally agree!
  Reply
Hannah
July 29, 2018 at 1:46 pm
I love affogato coffee, because I want a treat and a coffee as well at the same time. 😀 Such amazing combo!
Reply
- Inside the rustic kitchen
  July 31, 2018 at 7:17 pm
  It's the perfect combo and nice and light too, thanks Hannah!
  Reply

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Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (2024)

FAQs

What ice cream is good for affogato? ›

An affogato is most commonly made with vanilla gelato, though a quality vanilla bean ice cream works, too. You can even switch it up to use flavored ice creams such as chocolate or mint chip, or try coffee ice cream or mocha for an extra hit of caffeine.

Know More ›

What is a real affogato? ›

An affogato (/ˌɑːfəˈɡɑːtoʊ, ˌæf-/), more traditionally known as "affogato al caffè" (Italian for "drowned in coffee"), is an Italian coffee-based dessert. It usually takes the form of a scoop of plain milk-flavored (fior di latte) or vanilla gelato or ice cream topped or "drowned" with a shot of hot espresso.

Can you mix coffee and ice cream? ›

An affogato is considered to be a drink to some, and a dessert to others. However you decide to classify the treat, it's one of the best things to happen to coffee. It consists of a few scoops of vanilla ice cream and a shot of hot espresso.

Explore More ›

What is the correct way to eat affogato? ›

Grab your spoon and dig in! If you prefer, sip it straight from the bowl. The sweetness of the gelato tempers the bitterness of the coffee, while the contrasting temperatures eventually balance each other out. Don't leave it too long, or you will find that you have with coffee-gelato soup!

Tell Me More ›

How do you eat affogato with ice cream? ›

Put a scoop or two of ice cream in a glass. Pour over hot coffee. Enjoy watching the ice cream swirls melting into the hot coffee! If using liquor, pour that over next.

How do Italians eat affogato? ›

Ideally, coffee is poured on top of the ice cream before serving. Many prefer to use the spoon, while some slowly sip the concoction instead. Whichever method you use, ensure that you eat it before it melts. In Italy, the Affogato is typically served after lunch or dinner.

Is affogato actually Italian? ›

The Affogato

Originally invented in Italy, the word “affogato” literally translates as “drowned” in English. This is fitting, as the affogato is no more than a scoop of ice cream “drowned” in espresso. Keiko Sato is an SCA-certified barista and coffee buyer.

View Details ›

What's the difference between gelato and affogato? ›

Affogato, which means “drowned” in Italian, is a scoop of gelato drowning in a freshly made shot of hot espresso.

Discover More Details ›

What is a Starbucks affogato? ›

Cold, sweet ice cream meets hot, roasty espresso. The affogato is easy to make and a treat for the senses.

Discover More Details ›

Does Starbucks make affogato? ›

New Starbucks Reserve Affogato and Malt Beverages Debut at Starbucks Reserve Roasteries and Stores. Spring into flavor at U.S. Starbucks Reserve^® locations in Seattle, New York and Chicago starting March 7 with new Starbucks Reserve^® malt and affogato beverages that feature exquisite Starbucks Reserve^® coffee.

View Details ›

What does frappe stand for? ›

The Frappé we know and love is pronounced 'frap-pay' and when loosely translated from French, it literally means 'iced'. This delicious drink is generally made of water, espresso, sugar, milk, ice and is shaken, blended or beaten to combine the ingredients.

Discover More ›

How to order an affogato in Italy? ›

"Vorrei un affogato al caffè, per favore." The "affogato" could be considered a dessert by many, but it is the perfect choice for a hot summer day. Make sure to order it "al caffè" as there are many variatons of it.

Discover More Details ›

What is a blended affogato? ›

Our take on the traditional Affogato dessert uses our delicious Ice Blended® drinks instead of ice cream to create a unique coffee experience. Try an espresso shot (or two) poured on top of your favorite Ice Blended® drink.

Read On ›

Are you supposed to mix affogato? ›

Then, when you're ready, pour your coffee directly on to the ice-cream and serve immediately. You could spike it with a shot of booze (think Amaretto or Frangelico) or garnish with biscotti. Either way, the cold cup keeps the ice-cream solid, leaving you to scoop the perfect mix of cold and hot with each mouthful.

Learn More ›

What is the best store bought gelato for affogato? ›

As for what's the best brand of vanilla gelato to use for affogato? Talenti Gelato's Madagascan Vanilla Bean flavor comes to mind as it is accessible across U.S. supermarkets and grocery stores and is a widely-known gelato brand.

Get More Info ›

Does Baskin Robbins have affogato? ›

Try a classic affogato with Vanilla ice cream, or customize with your favorite flavor. Now you can get this decadent treat that will transport your taste buds to Italy at Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins combo stores nationwide for only $3.49.

Keep Reading ›

Can you use ice cream as a creamer? ›

Ice Cream. At the end of the day, ice cream is basically frozen milk and sugar—which is what you'd be putting into your coffee anyway. Plop a spoonful of it in your coffee and stir, and if it's chocolate, even better!

See Details ›

What is a traditional affogato ice cream drowned in? ›

Affogato al Caffè, which is vanilla ice cream "drowned" in espresso, is like a grown-up's milkshake. A cookie or two on the side is nice.

Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee (2024)

How to make an Italian Affogato - step by step

Top tips and recipe FAQs

More delicious desserts you might like

☆Full Recipe