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Affogato Recipe

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By Snejana Andreeva

on Jul 18, 2023, Updated Feb 15, 2025

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There are few things as delightful as indulging in this Italian Affogato recipe. Whether enjoyed for dessert, as a mid-day energizer, or a decadent start to the day, the combination of creamy , sweet gelato and piping-hot espresso are a match made in heaven. This is a very simple, two-ingredient treat, so it’s important to use the best quality ingredients you can find. Affogato originated in 🇮🇹 Italy, so for authenticity’s sake, seek out Italian gelato and espresso beans. I love classic vanilla gelato, but caramel is also lovely here. Of course, ice cream can always be used in a pinch. Your shot of ☕ espresso should be hot: the gelato is meant to melt and combine with the espresso to create a creamy, sweet drink. Enjoy!

  • Why You’ll Love This Affogato Recipe
  • How to Prepare This Affogato Recipe
  • Nonna’s Tip 🍨
  • Variations and Substitutions for This Affogato Recipe
  • Similar Recipes
  • Best Served With
  • Common Questions
  • Affogato Recipe Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Affogato Recipe

This Italian Affogato recipe is simplicity at its best, and really, there’s nothing better. The word “affogato” means “drowned” in Italian, perfectly describing the way a shot of hot espresso cascades over a scoop of creamy gelato, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. This is a perfect after-dinner 😋 treat for one, but elegant enough to serve to guests who will marvel at the simple indulgence that comes together in mere minutes.

How to Prepare This Affogato Recipe

🍨 Add a scoop of authentic Italian vanilla gelato to a cup or a small mug.

☕ Pour over a shot of your favorite Italian espresso and enjoy!

Nonna’s Tip 🍨

If you can’t find gelato, ice cream will work beautifully.

Affogato Recipe - 3

Variations and Substitutions for This Affogato Recipe

  1. While espresso is traditional, you can also make this Affogato recipe with a cup of strong, ☕ hot coffee .
  2. If you don’t have an espresso maker at home, you can buy a shot (or 2) of espresso from your favorite coffee shop and reheat it at home.
  3. If you can’t find gelato, 🍨 ice cream will work just fine.

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Best Served With

  • Serve this Affogato recipe with a few of my delicious Italian 🍪 cookies for dessert such as Pignoli Cookies or I talian Amaretti Cookies .
  • Serve this as an afternoon treat after a lunch of Italian Chopped Sandwich or 🥗 Italian Chopped Sala d .

Common Questions

Yes, you can add toppings such as shaved chocolate, cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

Of course! Simply use a non-dairy ice cream or gelato.

Yes, you can have pre-scooped servings of gelato held in cups in the freezer. Once your pot of hot espresso is ready, you can pour over each serving and serve.

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Video

Equipment

  • ▢ Espresso Maker
  • ▢ Small Ice-Cream Scoop

Ingredients

  • ▢ 1 scoop vanilla gelato , or caramel gelato, or ice cream
  • ▢ 1 shot hot espresso

Instructions

  • ▢ Add a scoop of gelato to a cup or a small mug.
  • ▢ Pour over a shot of your favorite Italian espresso and enjoy!

My Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Affogato Recipe

Equipment

  • Espresso Maker
  • Small Ice-Cream Scoop

Ingredients

  • 1 scoop vanilla gelato or caramel gelato, or ice cream
  • 1 shot hot espresso

Instructions

  • Add a scoop of gelato to a cup or a small mug.
  • Pour over a shot of your favorite Italian espresso and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Affogato Recipe https://themodernnonna.com/affogato-recipe/ July 18, 2023