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Affogato is a simple yet elegant Italian dessert that perfectly blends hot espresso with cold, creamy ice cream. With just a few ingredients, this café-style treat delivers bold coffee flavor and indulgent contrast—ideal for after dinner, entertaining, or a quick dessert for coffee lovers.
Ingredients List
- Vanilla ice cream
- Freshly brewed espresso
- Optional toppings: shaved chocolate, cocoa powder, crushed biscotti, or coffee liqueur
Equipment List
- Espresso machine or coffee maker
- Small serving glasses or bowls
- Spoon
Affogato
Description
Affogato is a simple yet decadent treat where hot espresso is poured over cold vanilla ice cream, resulting in a luscious dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Ingredients
Affogato Ingredients
Instructions
Gather Your Ingredients
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Select Your Coffee
Brew a shot of your favorite espresso or strong coffee. Aim for a rich, bold flavor that will stand up against the ice cream's sweetness.For the best results, use freshly ground coffee beans and a quality espresso machine. -
Choose the Ice Cream
Scoop your preferred ice cream into a serving glass. Classic vanilla works wonders, but feel free to experiment with flavors like hazelnut or chocolate.Scoop the ice cream just before serving to keep it from melting too quickly.
Assemble the Affogato
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Pour the Espresso
Once your espresso is brewed, pour it directly over the scoops of ice cream. The hot espresso should melt the ice cream slightly, creating a delightful contrast.Pour slowly to create a beautiful presentation and enhance the melting effect.
Finishing Touches
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Add Toppings
Top your affogato with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, shaved chocolate, or even a shot of liqueur for an adult twist.Don't overdo it—just a pinch will elevate the flavors without overwhelming them.
Serve and Enjoy
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Dig In!
Grab a spoon and enjoy your affogato immediately while the ice cream is still slightly firm and the espresso hot.Feel free to mix it together as you go for a creamy coffee experience!
Note
- Use high-quality espresso for the best flavor; freshly brewed is ideal.
- If you don’t have an espresso machine, a strong coffee brewed in a French press or AeroPress can work as a substitute.
- Choose your gelato or ice cream wisely; vanilla pairs well, but consider experimenting with flavors like hazelnut or salted caramel for a twist.
- For added richness, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- To enhance the experience, consider garnishing with shaved chocolate, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Serve immediately after pouring the espresso over the gelato to maintain the contrast between hot and cold.
- If you're preparing in advance, keep the gelato in the freezer until you're ready to serve to prevent melting.
- For a dairy-free version, opt for coconut or almond milk-based ice creams.
- If you enjoy a bit of liqueur, a splash of Amaretto or Kahlua can elevate the flavors beautifully.
- Experiment with infusing the espresso with spices like cinnamon or cardamom for an unexpected flavor boost.
affogato, dessert, ice cream, espresso, Italian