The Best And Easiest Affogato Recipe To Make At Home

Affogato is a unique Italian coffee dessert made with just two ingredients: hot espresso and vanilla gelato or ice cream.

The magic of affogato is in its juxtaposition of hot and cold, sweet and bitter. This dynamic combination of sweet and creamy vanilla ice cream and hot, pleasantly bitter espresso makes it an irresistible treat. As an after-dinner dessert or an afternoon pick-me-up, affogato comes together in just a few minutes. No espresso machine? No problem. DeLallo Instant Espresso Powder makes this easy Italian coffee dessert even easier!

What Is An Affogato?

Affogato is an Italian coffee dessert made mainly with two ingredients: vanilla gelato or ice cream and hot espresso. While it comes from Italy, affogato has become a super popular after-dinner treat in the U.S. and beyond.

Why Is It Called Affogato?

“Affogato” literally translates to the word “drowned” in English to describe the act of pouring hot espresso over the ice cream. In essence, the ice cream is “drowned” in espresso.

Why You’ll Love An Affogato

Affogato is a simple yet delicious marriage of espresso and ice cream. Not only does it take few ingredients and little time to create, you don’t even need an espresso machine if you’ve got DeLallo Instant Espresso Powder. Affogato is a unique dessert and quite possibly the most perfect pick-me-up on a hot afternoon or sweet finale after a lavish dinner. The creamy, sweet vanilla ice cream comes together with the pleasantly bitter bite of the espresso.

When Is Affogato Consumed In Italy?

Affogato is typically enjoyed after a big meal, where it is enjoyed with a spoon or straw.

The Ingredients You Will Need To Make An Affogato

How to Make Affogato (Only 5 Easy Steps!)

The Best Gelato Or Ice Cream For An Affogato

While the classic affogato calls upon the use of vanilla gelato or ice cream, try it with chocolate or fruit-flavored ice cream or gelato like coconut, mango, pineapple, and strawberry.

The Best Affogato Toppings

We like to serve it with a Savoiardi Ladyfinger and whipped cream, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Try affogato dessert with fresh fruit, caramel, chocolate chips, pistachio nuts or dark chocolate shavings. Sprinkle on homemade espresso powder, cocoa powder or cinnamon for an easy but delicious garnish.

Top Affogato Serving Tips

Make it a visual experience. We like to serve in small clear glasses or dessert cups to see the espresso drizzling over the ice cream.

Serve it quickly! This Italian dessert is made to be served quickly, as the hot espresso shot will melt the ice cream pretty quickly. In fact, sometimes the shot is served separately, so it can be poured over right at the table.

Espresso is the top choice. Some try to create this recipe with coffee. It just is not the same. The espresso is rich and pleasingly bitter—the perfect combo.

Affogato: FAQ

Is An Affogato A Dessert Or A Drink?

Affogato is classified as a dessert, but it can be enjoyed with a spoon or a straw, so technically it could be both!

Is Affogato Hot Or Cold?

Both! Affogato is both hot and cold. The ice cream is cold, but the espresso is hot, so it melts the ice cream into a nice creamy consistency.

Can I Make An Affogato Without An Espresso Machine?

Yes, you can make affogato without an espresso machine. Use our DeLallo Instant Espresso Powder and hot water to make the espresso shot.

What Can I Substitute For Espresso?

DeLallo Instant Espresso Powder and hot water can create an instant espresso without an espresso machine. You can also use strong brewed coffee.

Can Affogato Be Made Ahead?

No, affogato cannot be made ahead of time. The hot espresso shot will melt the ice cream.

Can I Use Ice Cream Instead Of Gelato?

Yes, you can use vanilla gelato or ice cream in your affogato dessert.

Can I Drink An Affogato Instead Of Using A Spoon?

Yes, you can use a straw to enjoy the affogato once the hot espresso melts the ice cream.

What Is An Affogato At Starbucks?

Instead of espresso poured on top of gelato, an affogato at Starbucks is a shot of espresso that is poured on top of any drink, usually a Frappuccino. To order a drink with an espresso shot on top (not blended in), ask for it to be made with an affogato-style shot. After the drink is made, a shot of espresso will be poured on top.