Desserts

Affogato

Affogato
Experience the sublime contrast of temperatures and textures with this elegant Italian classic. Rich, velvety vanilla gelato meets a piping hot shot of robust espresso for a dessert that is as simple as it is sophisticated.

Prep

5m

Cook

2m

Serves

1


1 Ingredients

Qty Ingredient
2 scoops 120 ml High-quality vanilla bean gelato
2 oz 60 ml Freshly brewed hot espresso
1 tsp 5 g Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
1 piece 1 piece Amaretti cookie (optional)

2 Method

1

Step 1. Place your serving glass or small dessert bowl in the freezer for 10-15 minutes prior to serving. This prevents the gelato from melting instantly upon contact.

2

Step 2. Place two generous scoops of premium vanilla bean gelato into the chilled glass.

3

Step 3. Brew a double shot of high-quality espresso using an espresso machine or a Moka pot. It must be piping hot.

4

Step 4. Immediately pour the hot espresso directly over the gelato scoops.

5

Step 5. Garnish with dark chocolate shavings or a crushed amaretti cookie if desired.

6

Step 6. Serve immediately with a small spoon before the gelato completely melts.

💡 Chef's Tips

  • ·

    Quality is everything in a two-ingredient dish; use the best vanilla bean gelato and freshly roasted coffee beans you can find.

  • ·

    Always chill the glass! It creates the perfect 'melt' where the outside is creamy but the core of the gelato remains firm.

  • ·

    If you don't have an espresso machine, use a very strong coffee concentrate made with a French press or Moka pot.

  • ·

    For an adult version, add a small splash of Frangelico or Amaretto liqueur before pouring the espresso.

? FAQ

Can I use regular drip coffee instead of espresso?
While you can use very strong drip coffee, it won't have the same intensity or 'crema' as espresso. For the best results, use a Moka pot or a highly concentrated cold brew concentrate heated up.
What is the difference between Affogato and a coffee milkshake?
An Affogato is a 'drowned' dessert where the gelato remains somewhat solid in a pool of hot coffee, whereas a milkshake is blended into a uniform, cold liquid consistency.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely. Simply substitute the dairy gelato with a high-quality coconut-based or almond-based vanilla frozen dessert. The hot espresso will react similarly to create a creamy sauce.
What does 'Affogato' mean in Italian?
The word 'Affogato' literally translates to 'drowned' in Italian, referring to the gelato being drowned in the hot coffee.

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