How to Make an Affogato for Dessert
Updated: Jul. 31, 2023
This simple, swirly combination of cold gelato and hot espresso is impossible to resist.
There are plenty of fun coffee shop-inspired drinks out there—but none are as indulgent as an affogato. Just like an exquisite bite of tiramisu, this simple Italian dessert will transport you to Italy in about a minute!
It will win your heart with its combination of cold vanilla gelato and hot espresso or strong coffee. It’s like a dressed-up, after-dinner espresso, perfect for serving after a dinner of hearty Italian pasta.
On This Page
What Is an Affogato?
Pronounced like ah-fo-gah-toe, this Italian treat is a combination of espresso and gelato. Occasionally, you’ll see this dessert drink listed as affogato al caffe, which means “drowned coffee” in Italian.
To make an affogato, gelato (or ice cream) is covered in delicious espresso. And pouring the coffee over the gelato is half the fun—when the espresso hits the gelato, it starts to melt and forms a thick, swirly foam of ice cream and coffee.
How to Make an Affogato
For this dessert, you’ll need vanilla gelato and espresso, but you can substitute vanilla ice cream and strongly brewed hot coffee in a pinch.
Ingredients
- 1-2 scoops gelato
- 1 shot espresso
Directions
Scoop 1-2 scoops of gelato into a clear glass. Pull shots of espresso, then pour it over the cold gelato. When the espresso hits the gelato, it should start to melt and form a thick, swirly foam of cream and coffee. Repeat for additional servings. Enjoy immediately!
Have you tried Eiskaffee? It’s a cold version of an affogato! Instead of hot espresso, it calls for chilled coffee—perfect for a hot summer evening.
How to Make Espresso Without a Machine
While it won’t technically be considered espresso if you don’t use an espresso machine, there is a way to brew an espresso-style coffee. Using a moka pot is the easiest way to brew very strong coffee that has a similar creamy consistency as espresso. The best part is that a small moka pot makes the perfect serving size for two affogati.
If you don’t have a moka pot, try brewing extra strong coffee with a regular coffee pot or a French press.
Affogato Recipe Variations
There are a lot of fun ways you can amp up the flavors of an affogato. The easiest way is to use a different flavor of ice cream or gelato. Skip the vanilla and opt for creamy chocolate or salted caramel. If you really love coffee, you could even use coffee ice cream instead of vanilla.
Traditionally, an affogato is made with just espresso and gelato, but add rum or a nut liqueur for a boozy affogato. You can also personalize this coffee dessert by topping it with chocolate shavings, cookie crumbles or whipped cream. If simple toppings aren’t your thing, go all out by making an affogato sundae.
Desserts for Anyone Who Needs a Coffee Fix
White Chocolate-Cappuccino CookiesThese adorable cookies shaped like coffee cups don't last long with my friends and family. For an even richer flavor, I use a mocha latte coffee mix. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Serve these cookies with a mug full of chocolate coffee.
Mocha-Pecan Ice Cream BonbonsThese bite-sized bonbons may sound tricky to make, but you'll find that fashioning them is a breeze. What's more, our cooking experts advise that you keep this recipe handy when you serve them—as soon as folks sample the treats, they'll be asking how to make them. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mocha Meringue Sandwich CookiesThese crisp, chewy cookies can be made any size you choose. They're also great with a variety of fillings—try making them with fruit preserves. —Marie Valdes, Brandon, FL
Mocha Hazelnut TorteI make this cake on birthdays and other special occasions because it looks and tastes so amazing. The combination of mild hazelnut and coffee flavors is impossible to resist. —Christina Pope, Speedway, Indiana
Chocolate Espresso-Nut TorteI love chocolate and nuts, and they come together deliciously in this torte. And the espresso powder really helps kick up the chocolate flavor. Serve it with sweetened whipped cream or your favorite ice cream. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Double Chocolate Espresso Pound CakeTwo of my biggest loves in life—chocolate and coffee—come together in this velvety pound cake. Grate some extra chocolate on top and thank me later. —Rachel Bernhard Seis, Taste of Home Senior Editor
Mocha Truffle CheesecakeI went through a phase when I couldn't get enough cheesecake or coffee, so I created this rich dessert. Its brownie-like crust and creamy mocha layer really hit the spot. It's ideal for get-togethers because it can be made in advance. —Shannon Dormady, Great Falls, Montana
Cuppa Joe Caramel CakeI get compliments on this cake wherever I take it. It is very much an adult cake, with the hit of coffee and the warmth of the brown sugar and caramel.—Leigh Doutt, Pueblo West, Colorado
Mocha TrufflesNothing compares to the melt-in-your-mouth flavor of these truffles...or to the simplicity of the recipe. Whenever I make them for my family or friends, they're quickly devoured. No one has to know how easy they are to prepare! —Stacy Abell, Olathe, Kansas
Easy Mocha Cream PieThis chocolate crust is excellent with a cool no-bake mocha filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mocha Baked AlaskasTurn this vintage treat into one of the best coffee desserts. You can make these baked Alaskas in advance and torch the completed dessert right before serving. —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Brownie Affogato SundaesWe can’t resist brownie sundaes. I combined an affogato (coffee-based beverage) idea with a brownie to get this decadent sundae that mixes it all in there: warm, cold, sweet and salty. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Originally Published: September 29, 2022
