Affogato Recipe – Italian Special
Affogato is a simple yet indulgent Italian dessert that brings together two of life’s greatest pleasures: hot espresso and creamy gelato. The contrast of the rich, bold coffee poured over a scoop of cool, velvety vanilla gelato creates a delightful balance of temperatures and flavors. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, this quick dessert is perfect for any coffee lover looking for a sweet, satisfying treat after a meal or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Whether served with a sprinkle of chocolate or a splash of liqueur, an affogato is a wonderfully decadent way to enjoy coffee and dessert in one.
- Prep Time5 min
- Total Time5 min
Affogato Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil1 scoop vanilla gelato (or vanilla ice cream)
- 1 shot of hot espresso (about 1 ounce)
- Optional toppings: chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, biscotti, or a splash of liqueur (like Amaretto)
How to make Affogato:
Prepare the espresso: Brew a fresh shot of espresso using an espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker.
Scoop the gelato:Place a generous scoop of vanilla gelato or vanilla ice cream into a small serving bowl or glass.
Pour the espresso:Immediately pour the hot espresso over the gelato. Serve right away while the contrast between the hot coffee and cold gelato is still fresh.
Optional toppings:Garnish with chocolate shavings, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or a small biscotti for added texture. You can also add a splash of Amaretto or another liqueur for an extra touch of indulgence.
Recipe Notes :
Gelato vs Ice Cream:Gelato is the traditional choice for affogato due to its denser and creamier texture, but vanilla ice cream works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
Espresso:Use a freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a strong brewed coffee as a substitute, though the flavor may be less intense.
Serving Size:Affogato is typically served in a small dish or glass since it’s a rich and indulgent dessert. One scoop of gelato is usually enough.
Toppings:Keep it simple or add chocolate shavings, a drizzle of caramel, or a coffee-flavored liqueur for extra flavor. Biscotti is a nice crunchy addition.
Make Ahead:Affogato is meant to be made fresh right before serving to maintain the contrast between the hot espresso and cold gelato. However, you can prepare the gelato and have the espresso ready to go.
