Simple Affogato

Ingredients

• 1–2 scoopsice cream or gelato of your choice
• 1 shot or 60 ml (¼ cup)hot espresso or strong brewed coffee

Instructions

1. 1

   Add the ice cream

   Place 1–2 scoops of ice cream or gelato in a serving glass or bowl.

2. 2

   Pour and serve

   Pour the hot espresso or coffee over the ice cream and enjoy immediately with a spoon, a straw or both.

What is affogato?

Affogato is an Italian dessert of ice cream or gelato topped with hot espresso; its name means “drowned” in Italian. The contrast between hot, bitter coffee and cold, sweet ice cream is the point.

This version keeps things simple with just two ingredients. Choose a good-quality ice cream or gelato and freshly made coffee, then bring them together just before serving.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 139 calories, 2g protein, 16g carbs, 7g fat.

Most of the carbohydrates come from the ice cream and any sugar in it, while its dairy contributes some protein and fat. For a more balanced plate, serve this small dessert after a meal with a source of protein and vegetables.

Choose the ice cream

Vanilla: its mild flavour lets the coffee stand out and gives the classic café-style result.

Gelato: this works just as well, with a dense, smooth texture that softens as the hot coffee hits it.

Make the coffee hot

Espresso: pour it soon after brewing so it is still hot when it reaches the ice cream. A single shot gives a concentrated coffee flavour.

Brewed coffee: use a strong brew so its taste is not lost as the ice cream melts. Measure 60 ml for the stated alternative.

Serve at once

Timing: have the serving vessel and spoon ready before you pour. The heat starts melting the ice cream immediately.

Texture: serve while there are still cold scoops in a pool of coffee, rather than waiting for everything to melt into a drink.

Pick a suitable vessel

A small glass or dessert bowl holds the scoops and coffee together while leaving room to eat comfortably. A wider cup makes it easier to reach the softened ice cream with a spoon.

What to serve alongside

Affogato is rich enough to serve on its own as a small dessert. For a longer coffee break, offer a plain biscuit or biscotti alongside it, keeping the coffee and ice cream as the focus.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the serving glass beforehand if you want the scoops to hold their shape a little longer.
• Brew the espresso just before serving so it is hot when poured.
• Use a spoon to place the scoops neatly in the vessel.
• Pour the coffee directly over the ice cream for the characteristic melting top.
• Serve immediately rather than preparing the dessert in advance.

Variations

• Vanilla classic: choose vanilla ice cream for a gentle flavour that complements espresso.
• Decaffeinated: use hot decaffeinated espresso or strong brewed coffee.
• Chocolate: use chocolate ice cream for a deeper, cocoa-rich pairing.
• Dairy-free: use a dairy-free ice cream that you enjoy with coffee.
• Biscuit side: serve with biscotti for a crisp accompaniment.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting to serve: the ice cream melts quickly once the coffee is added, so serve straight away.
• Weak coffee: it can taste faint against the ice cream; brew it strong.
• Cold espresso: coffee that has cooled loses the hot-and-cold contrast; pour it soon after brewing.
• Overfilling the glass: leave room for the coffee and softened ice cream to mix.
• Making it ahead: assemble only when ready to eat, and keep the ice cream and coffee separate until then.

How to store

Affogato is best eaten immediately and does not keep well once assembled. Store the ice cream or gelato frozen and make fresh coffee when ready to serve.

Frequently asked questions