This Affogato al Caffè recipe creates a delightful Italian dessert. It combines vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, Amaretto and toasted almonds with a shot of espresso. The hot espresso slightly melts the ice cream, resulting in a creamy, velvety texture.
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For coffee lovers, the affogato offers a delightful way to enjoy both a dessert and an after-dinner coffee in one dish. It's a tempting treat that's as nice to look at as it is to eat.
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Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream: use a high-quality vanilla ice cream or gelato
- Espresso: use freshly brewed and slightly cooled espresso. The stronger the brew, the better the Affogato!
- Chocolate sauce: use a store-bought chocolate sauce or make your own
- Amaretto (optional): Amaretto is an almond flavored liquor
- Almonds (optional): lightly toast and chop the almonds
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Brew ½ cup (4 fluid ounces) of strong espresso. Cool for 5 minutes.
Add ½ cup of ice cream or gelato to 4 serving dishes.
Optional: add one tablespoon of Amaretto to each serving dish.
Pour 2 tablespoons (1 fluid ounce) of warm espresso into each dish.
Drizzle chocolate sauce into each dish.
Optional: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped almonds into each dish. Serve immediately.
Variations
This Affogato recipe may be modified easily to suit various tastes. Consider the following:
- Hazelnut flavored - replace the Amaretto with Frangelico and replace the almonds with toasted hazelnuts. For even more hazelnut flavor consider drizzling the dish with Nutella.
- Chocolate explosion - love chocolate? Replace the vanilla ice cream with chocolate ice cream.
Equipment
You need the following equipment to make the affogato:
- Espresso maker: I use a stovetop espresso maker for this recipe. Any machine that creates a strong brew may be used.
- Serving dishes: Four 8 ounce or 6 ounce glass serving dishes make for a wonderful presentation
- Measuring cups and spoons
Top tip
Let the espresso cool for approximately 5 minutes after brewing before pouring over the ice cream. Steaming hot espresso will melt the ice cream too quickly.
Storage
Serve the dessert immediately. Affogato al Caffé does not store well so it is best enjoyed freshly made.
FAQ
How do I pronounce this dessert?
I don't have an espresso maker - can I use coffee to make this dessert?
More coffee-flavored desserts
Love coffee-flavored desserts? Check these out:
📋 Recipe
Affogato al Caffè
Equipment
- 4 8 ounce serving dishes
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Brewed espresso, cooled slightly (4 fluid ounces)
- 2 Cup Vanilla ice cream or gelato
- ¼ Cup Amaretto optional
- ¼ Cup Chocolate sauce Homemade or store-bought
- ¼ Cup Almonds, toasted and chopped finely optional
Instructions
- Brew ½ cup (4 fluid ounces) of strong espresso. Cool for 5 minutes.½ Cup Brewed espresso, cooled slightly
- Add ½ cup of ice cream or gelato to 4 serving dishes.2 Cup Vanilla ice cream or gelato
- Optional: add one tablespoon of Amaretto to each serving dish.¼ Cup Amaretto
- Pour 2 tablespoons (1 fluid ounce) of warm espresso into each dish.
- Drizzle chocolate sauce into each dish.¼ Cup Chocolate sauce
- Optional: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped almonds into each dish.¼ Cup Almonds, toasted and chopped finely
- Serve immediately.
pedja says
Fantastic recipe! Quick and easy to make. A perfect combination for hot summer days!
Paula says
This affogato was so luxurious! I had never thought to make it at home and it was soooo rich and perfect.
Catherine Kay says
The combination of hot espresso and cold gelato is simply divine. Thanks for the wonderful read and recipe tips!