An affogato (Italian for "drowned") is a simple yet indulgent Italian dessert combining a scoop of cold vanilla gelato or ice cream with a hot shot of espresso. The hot coffee melts the ice cream, creating a creamy, bittersweet, and textured treat commonly served after meals or for breakfast.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
- Components: 1-2 scoops of high-quality vanilla gelato or ice cream, and 1-2 shots (approx. 1-2 oz) of hot, freshly brewed espresso.
Directions
- Preparation: Place the gelato/ice cream into a chilled bowl or glass. Pour the hot espresso directly over the gelato just before serving.
- Serving: Eat immediately with a spoon before the ice cream fully melts.
- Toppings: Add toppings like shaved dark chocolate, crushed hazelnut, or biscotti for texture.
- Alternatives: If an espresso machine is unavailable, use very strong, concentrated coffee from a Moka pot.
For best results, use a freshly brewed espresso with rich, chocolatey notes.