Affogato

This affogato recipe proves that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special.

Affogato is an after-dinner favorite with the easiest formula: hot espresso, cold gelato, and zero stress. Jennifer Segal

View the print-ready version of this recipe.

This classic Italian dessert, called caffè affogato (which means “drowned coffee”), couldn’t be simpler. Just two ingredients (or three if you add a splash of liqueur, which I highly recommend) come together to make something much better than the sum of their parts. Creamy vanilla gelato or ice cream topped with a hot shot of espresso—it’s the perfect after-dinner treat when you want something fancy-ish but don’t want to lift a finger.

If you’re into coffee desserts (same!), don’t miss my classic tiramisu, no-churn Vietnamese coffee ice cream, or espresso martinis. They’re all perfect when you want something that feels just a little fancy without a lot of effort—kind of like affogato.

What You’ll Need To Make Affogato

Jennifer Segal

• Vanilla Gelato or Vanilla Ice Cream: The star of the show—cold, creamy, and just sweet enough to balance the bold espresso. Use the best quality you can find.
• Hot Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee: Poured over the gelato to create that classic hot-and-cold contrast with deep, rich flavor.
• Optional Toppings (Shaved Chocolate, Biscotti, or Liqueur): A little something extra if you want to jazz up your affogato. If you’re in the mood to bake, my almond biscotti or chocolate biscotti are both delicious options. As for the liqueur, you can’t go wrong with Frangelico, Kahlúa, amaretto, or even a splash of Baileys—use whatever you have and love.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Assemble the affogato. Scoop the gelato or ice cream into a small bowl or glass, then pour the hot espresso right over the top.

Jennifer Segal

Pro Tip: For best results, chill the serving glasses ahead of time so the gelato holds its shape a bit longer after the espresso is poured.

Jennifer Segal

Step 2: Add a little something extra (optional). Top with shaved chocolate, a splash of liqueur, or pair it with a biscotti on the side. Serve immediately so the textures stay distinct and the dessert doesn’t turn overly soupy.

Jennifer Segal

Affogato

Serves 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes

• 1/2 cup (1 to 2 scoops) high-quality vanilla gelato or ice cream
• 1 shot (1.5 ounces or 2 tablespoons) hot espresso or very strong brewed coffee

Optional Toppings/Pairings

• Shaved chocolate
• Splash (about 1 teaspoon) of liqueur, like amaretto, Frangelico, or Kahlúa
• Biscotti

Scoop the gelato or ice cream into a small bowl or glass. Pour the hot espresso over the top and serve right away. If you’d like, add a sprinkle of shaved chocolate, a splash of liqueur, or serve a biscotti on the side.

Jennifer Segal

Nutrition Information

Calories: 276kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 58mg, Sodium: 102mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 28g

Nutritional Data Disclaimer

This article was originally published on OnceUponaChef.com. Follow on Instagram

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