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Affogato is a simple dessert of freshly brewed espresso poured over ice cream.
I’ve often teased my husband Jack that he must have been Asian in another life because of his incredible love for Asian food and the look of pure contentment he gets on his face when he eats it. (You can read more about that here.)
So – if the same holds true for me, I must have been Italian! I absolutely adore Italian dishes – and as a cook, I greatly admire Italian cuisine for its simplicity of combining a few rustic ingredients in such a way that it creates an incredibly delicious dish! Today’s recipe for Affogato is a perfect example.
What is Affogato?
Affogato means “drowned” in Italian or, according to this article, Italians use the term affogato “when you’re talking about something so incredibly tasty that it takes your breath away.”
Affogato is made with just a few simple ingredients: A shot of freshly brewed espresso poured over vanilla gelato. You can also add a liqueur to the espresso if you’d like (we added some Kahlua to ours) – and either way, you’ve got one amazing dessert!
The hot rich espresso contrasts against the cold, creamy gelato and it is pure dessert heaven! Affogato is the perfect finish to any classic Italian-inspired dinner.
If you can’t find gelato at your local supermarket, just swap in a super-premium vanilla ice cream like Häagen-Dazs® or make your own vanilla ice cream. Mangia!
You may like these other dessert recipes:
- The Best Vanilla Ice Cream
- Nutella Crunch Ice Cream Cake
- No Bake Nutella Almond Cheesecake
- Black Bottom Espresso Pie
We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @afamilyfeast or hashtag #afamilyfeast so we can see your creations!
Affogato
Ingredients
1 pint vanilla gelato or super-premium vanilla ice cream like Häagen-Dazs®
1 cup freshly brewed espresso
Optional – 1/4 cup Kahlua, Amaretto, or other liqueur of your choice
Instructions
Place a ½ cup scoop of vanilla gelato ice cream into a shallow tea cup.
Optional step: In a small pitcher, combine espresso with the liqueur of your choice and stir to combine. (Or skip to step 3)
Gently pour approximately ¼ cup of hot brewed espresso mixture over the vanilla gelato. Serve immediately.
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I am in your husband’s camp with the Asian food…I could eat it at every meal! That being said, this affogato looks beyond amazing. What a treat to finish off a meal!
Affogato is the best dessert or special afternoon treat ever – coffee and ice cream! Perfection
My husband loves affogato. It’s always a special treat when he orders it. I wish I drank coffee because whenever I see it a large part of me wants to grab a big spoonful!
I think I died and went to espresso heaven…YUM
I love affogato but had forgotten it existed! Thank you for reminding me of this wonderful treat, it looks as delicious in your photos as I remember it now. 🙂
Thanks Nicole!
My Italian, came from Rome when he was 15 to the States, loves espresso and would feel right at home with this as would my hubby who, although not Italian as I am, is a lover of it all like you!
Oh my word, this looks amazing! I want to make this ASAP!
they are perfect after a big Italian meal
My husband would go nuts for this. And it’s so easy, I can’t wait to make it!
You have just sent my husband into seventh heaven. Thank you for a simple and wonderful dessert that he will love.