Affogato - Italian Coffee and Icecream Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 scoopsVanilla ice cream
• 120 ml (1/2 cup)Water
• 2 tspInstant coffee powder

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the coffee

   Bring the water to the boil, stir in the instant coffee powder, then take the pan off the heat.

2. 2

   Add the ice cream

   Put two scoops of vanilla ice cream into a serving glass.

3. 3

   Pour and serve

   Pour the hot coffee over the ice cream and serve straight away.

What is affogato?

Affogato is an Italian dessert commonly made by pouring coffee over ice cream or gelato. Its name means “drowned”, referring to the way the coffee covers the cold scoop.

This version keeps the preparation simple with instant coffee and vanilla ice cream. The contrast between hot, bitter coffee and sweet, cold ice cream is the point.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 210 calories, 4g protein, 25g carbs, 11g fat.

The ice cream provides most of the energy, carbohydrate and fat, while the coffee contributes very little; this serving has only a modest amount of protein. To balance the plate, serve it after a meal that includes a source of protein and vegetables.

Choosing the ingredients

Vanilla ice cream: choose a flavour you enjoy on its own, as it supplies most of the sweetness and creamy texture. Firmly frozen scoops hold their shape a little longer under the hot coffee.

Instant coffee: dissolve it in freshly boiled water for an easy, quick pour. Adjusting the coffee strength would change the balance, so follow the stated amount for this version.

Getting the coffee ready

Dissolve the powder in the boiled water, then remove it from the heat as directed. Have the glass and ice cream ready before you make the coffee so there is no delay before serving.

Serving while it is cold

Pour the coffee over the scoops just before eating. The ice cream should soften around the edges and begin to melt, while some of it remains cold and creamy.

Serve immediately rather than letting the glass stand; the longer it waits, the more the ice cream melts into the coffee.

How to serve it

A small glass or heat-safe dessert cup makes the layers easy to see and gives room for the coffee to mingle with the melting ice cream. Use a spoon to scoop up both together.

Affogato is rich enough to serve on its own after a meal. For a more substantial dessert plate, pair it with a plain biscuit or a small piece of cake.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the serving glass beforehand if you want the ice cream to stay cold for a little longer.
• Measure the instant coffee so its bitterness does not overwhelm the vanilla.
• Use freshly boiled water to dissolve the coffee quickly.
• Set out the ice cream and glass before making the coffee.
• Pour the coffee over the scoops evenly so each bite gets both flavours.

Variations

• Stronger coffee: use a more concentrated coffee only if you prefer a more pronounced bitter note.
• Chocolate finish: scatter a little grated dark chocolate over the top just before serving.
• Nutty topping: add a small sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts for crunch.
• Dairy-free version: use a vanilla dairy-free frozen dessert in place of the ice cream.
• Decaffeinated option: choose instant decaffeinated coffee powder and prepare it the same way.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Making the coffee too early: it cools before serving; prepare it once the ice cream is in the glass.
• Waiting to serve: the scoops melt away; pour and eat immediately.
• Using too much coffee powder: the coffee can overpower the vanilla; measure the stated 2 tsp.
• Choosing a narrow glass: pouring can be awkward; use a glass with enough room for the scoops and coffee.

How to store

Affogato is best eaten immediately and does not store well once assembled, as the ice cream melts into the coffee. Keep unopened or leftover ice cream in the freezer and prepare a fresh serving when needed.

Frequently asked questions