Best Italian Affogato (2 Ingredient Recipe) + Video
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Affogato is an Italian dessert featuring hot espresso poured over creamy gelato. You can make this affogato recipe for one, or prepare a tray full to impress your guests. This 2-ingredient espresso dessert will have you feeling fancy in minutes!!
I know what you’re thinking…A shot of espresso over perfectly good gelato?
Trust me when I say that the simple ingredients combined creates one of my favorite Italian coffee-based dessert recipes!
Coffee lovers will appreciate how the warm espresso slightly melts the gelato, creating a perfect flavor for their sweet tooth cravings. It’s also a good caffeine fix!
The next time that you’re looking for a simple dinner dessert, this Italian affogato is perfect!
You can even let everyone add their own favorite toppings like dark chocolate chips or crushed Oreo cookies!
Table of Contents
Affogato
Learn how to make affogato the classic way in the recipe card below, or try one of the many suggested flavor combinations.
Want more Italian desserts? I’ve got a few different tiramisu trifle recipes like peanut butter chocolate or Southern cherry.
There’s also a rich tiramisu ice cream cake that reminds me of this homemade affogato ice cream recipe, or blend up a frosty caramel macchiato milkshake with just five ingredients!
Recipe Video
Affogato Meaning
Did you know that this term doesn’t just refer to the espresso dessert?
Affogato, meaning “drowned” in Italian, describes liquid poured over any food (usually cold).
It can also refer to cooking techniques that require minimal liquid and never reach boiling temperatures.
That said, most assume you mean affogato al caffe — the traditional name of affogato meaning “drowned in coffee.”
How To Make Affogato
It doesn’t get much simpler than this — scoop your frozen treat into a bowl or glass, then pour hot espresso over the top!
While gelato is what’s typically used, you can get away with any high quality ice cream that’s just as dense and creamy.
You can even add a shot of your favorite liqueur if you want your dessert to be a little boozy!
Obviously, affogato ice cream melts pretty quickly, so be sure to dig in right away.
Affogato Ice Cream Flavor Combinations
Set up a “create your own” station for guests so everyone can try their favorite concoctions.
For alcohol-free versions of these affogato flavors, simply leave out the liqueur.
- Creamsicle – vanilla gelato, Grand Marnier (or orange juice), whipped cream, orange zest
- Peppermint – vanilla gelato, peppermint schnapps, crushed peppermint candies
- Turtle – caramel gelato, Frangelico, chocolate and caramel sauce, chopped pecans
- Smores – vanilla gelato, Godiva liqueur, chocolate syrup, marshmallow
fluff, chopped chocolate - Tiramisu – vanilla gelato, dark rum, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, crushed lady fingers
- Cookies & Creme – cookies and cream gelato, Baileys, dollop whipped cream, hot fudge, crushed Oreos
- Peanut Butter Cup – peanut butter gelato, Kahlua, hot fudge, chopped Reese’s
More Topping Ideas
There’s really no limit to what you can come up with for affogato. You can even go a little savory if you prefer.
Search through your pantry to see what you have — the options may surprise you!
- Caramel sauce
- Shaved chocolate bar
- Crushed biscotti
- Liqueur: 1 ounce of Amaretto or Kahlua
- Sea salt flakes
- Cookie crumbles
- Toasted and chopped hazelnuts or pistachios
- Cinnamon or nutmeg
Affogato Recipe FAQ
If you think they would like the flavor, brew some decaf coffee for them to use.
Otherwise, crack open a can of root beer and pour them a float instead!
Brew a small pot of strong coffee or combine espresso powder with hot water.
Follow the directions on the container of powder for exact measurements.
Scoop the ice cream into individual glasses, then cover them with plastic wrap and freeze until you are ready to serve.
Espresso should be made fresh since the shots will “die” (become bitter) if they sit for too long — sometimes, in as little as 10 seconds!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Italian Dessert Recipes
Best Italian Affogato (2 Ingredient Recipe) + Video
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vanilla bean gelato, or good quality vanilla bean ice cream
- 2 shots espresso, freshly brewed, or strong brewed coffee
Instructions
- Place gelato in a glass or bowl. Pour hot espresso over the ice cream.
- If desired, add any of the flavor combinations shown in the notes section, below.
- Serve and enjoy! Best eaten immediately.
Video
Donna’s Notes
- Creamsicle Affogato – vanilla gelato, grand Marnier (or orange juice), whipped cream, orange zest
- Peppermint Affogato – vanilla gelato, peppermint schnapps, crushed peppermint candies
- Turtle Affogato – caramel gelato, Frangelico, chocolate and caramel sauce, chopped pecans
- Smores Affogato – vanilla gelato, Godiva liqueur, chocolate syrup, marshmallow fluff, chopped chocolate
- Tiramisu Affogato – vanilla gelato, dark rum, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, crushed lady fingers
- Cookies & Creme Affogato – cookies and cream gelato, Baileys, dollop whipped cream, hot fudge, crushed Oreos
- Peanut Butter Cup Affogato – peanut butter gelato, Kahlua, hot fudge, chopped Reese’s
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published July 2021, updated and republished September 2024
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
This is a dessert I’ve never seen before, so I felt so fancy making this! I’m going to make this for christmas eve!
Never heard of this before. Does the gelato melt quickly from the hot coffee or do you allow it to cool down a bit. It just seems like it would be like soup by the time you go to eat it pouring hot coffee or espresso???
Loved making this affogato recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian! Super easy and incredibly delicious.
Hi Delilah!
We’re so glad you enjoyed!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn