Affogato recipe: An Italian coffee and ice cream treat

Are you craving a unique coffee experience that’s both indulgent and refreshing? You’re in the right place! Let us introduce you to the affogato. It’s a delicious blend of contrasts; rich espresso meets creamy vanilla ice cream to create a dessert that perfectly balances hot and cold, bitter and sweet.

What is an affogato?

The Affogato (“ah-foh-gah-toe”) is known in Italian as affogato al caffè, which means “drowned in coffee”. This perfectly describes the preparation method – a scoop of creamy ice cream or gelato drowned in a shot of hot espresso. It’s an ideal treat for a sunny day when you’re craving a coffee fix or as a sophisticated way to round off a meal. The best part is an affogato is it’s one of the simplest desserts you can recreate at home. If you have an espresso machine, you’re already halfway there!  

A history of affogato

The exact origins of the affogato are a little hazy, but it’s widely believed to have originated in Italy during the 1950s when ice cream production became industrialised. It soon became a popular dessert and is now enjoyed worldwide, with coffee shops, ice cream parlours and restaurants alike all offering their own unique twist on the classic recipe.

Affogato ingredients:

The beauty of an affogato lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you need for a classic affogato:

• A double shot of freshly brewed espresso
• A scoop of vanilla gelato or high-quality ice cream
• Optional: A splash of your favourite liqueur (Amaretto or dark Crème de Cacao work wonderfully)

How to make affogato: A step-by-step guide

Here’s our fool-proof recipe for making an affogato at home:

1. Chill your serving glass in the freezer for around five minutes.

2. Add a generous scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream to the chilled glass. We like to pack the ice cream down gently to create a layered effect and enhance the contrast in flavours.

3.  Brew a double shot of your favourite espresso. Quality matters here, so go for a coffee you love. It’s the most important ingredient to get right!

4. Pour the espresso over the ice cream just before serving.

5. Optional: Add a splash of liquor for an extra kick.

8. Serve immediately with a spoon, and watch as the hot espresso starts to melt the creamy ice cream. Dig in and enjoy!

Why affogato is the ultimate coffee and ice cream recipe

What makes the affogato so special is its balance of flavours and temperatures. Rich, robust espresso and cold, sweet ice cream are a match made in heaven!

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. While traditionally made with vanilla ice cream, feel free to try out different flavours to find your perfect affogato. Chocolate, hazelnut, pistachio or even caramel ice cream can add an exciting new dimension to the dessert. You can also experiment with toppings. Some great options are chopped nuts, dark chocolate shavings, caramel or chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit or berries.

When to enjoy an affogato

There’s no doubt that this Italian coffee with ice cream is a great refreshing treat on a hot summer’s day, but we think there’s never a wrong time for an affogato! Try serving it as a sophisticated dessert after a dinner party, enjoy it as a special weekend brunch treat or simply whip one up when you fancy a little pick-me-up!

We hope you enjoy bringing some Italian flair into your home. At The Barista, we’re passionate about exceptional coffee experiences – whether you’re looking for dessert inspiration or want to make an impact at your next event with our mobile barista service.

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