Classic Affogato Shot Recipe with Vanilla Ice Cream

What is an Affogato?

It’s the simplest and most decadent dessert in Summer! The classic version uses Vanilla Ice Cream but you can create an Affogato using ice cream as a base topped with coffee shots on top.

The equation is simple: ICE CREAM BASE + COFFEE SHOTS = AFFOGATO – but as a rule, I would avoid using coffee-flavored ice cream.

Why You’ll Like It

• It’s a cool summer drink from the vast repertoire of Italian coffee-based desserts.
• A quick substitute for tiramisu.
• Adored by kids! Swap the coffee with hot chocolate or barley coffee known in Italy as “cafe d’orzo”.
• An old classic recipe that passed the test of time and is still one of the favorite summer dinner desserts not only in Italy but even Worldwide.

Classic Affogato Ingredients

• Ice-cream. Vanilla or any other flavor excluding Coffee Flavored Ice Cream
• Espresso Shot. An espresso shot with a coffee machine or using a mocha called “caffettiera” in Italy.

Variations

You can easily add variations to enhance the flavors of this delightful dessert. Here are some tips and variations for making affogato:

1. Biscoff Affogato: Drizzle Biscoff sauce (such as Lotus Biscoff spread or caramelized Biscoff cookie spread) over the ice cream and espresso. Sprinkle crushed Biscoff biscuits on top for added crunch and flavor. Serve and savor the combination of Biscoff’s caramelized taste with creamy ice cream and espresso.
2. Affogato with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios over the top. Optionally, you can drizzle some chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch. 
3. Spiced Affogato: Infuse your affogato with warm spices for a comforting twist. Brew your espresso with a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. Prepare the affogato as usual, pouring the spiced espresso over vanilla ice cream and optionally garnishing with a dusting of cocoa powder or a cinnamon stick for an appealing presentation.
4. Boozy Affogato: Pour a small amount of liqueur-like Amaretto, Limoncello, Baileys, Kahlua, or Frangelico over the ice cream and coffee. Be cautious with the amount of liqueur, as it can overpower the flavors if used excessively.

How to serve Affogato al Caffe?

When it comes to pairing affogato with other elements, there are a few options to consider. Here are some ideas to enhance the experience of serving affogato:

1. Biscotti or Cookies: Serve affogato with a side of biscotti, amaretti cookies, or any crunchy cookie of your choice. Dipped into the affogato or enjoy!
2. Liqueurs: Accompany the affogato with small glasses of complementary liqueurs such as amaretto, Frangelico, Kahlua, or Baileys. 
3. Dessert Wafers or Chocolate: Place a wafer or a piece of chocolate on top of the affogato or serve it alongside. The wafer can add a delicate texture while the chocolate can bring an extra layer of richness to the dessert.
4. Liqueur-Infused Whipped Cream: Prepare a flavored whipped cream by adding a dash of liqueur, such as amaretto or Baileys, to the cream before whipping it. Serve a dollop of this whipped cream on top of the affogato, creating a luxurious and boozy addition.

As for when to serve affogato, it is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed as a dessert, afternoon treat, summer refreshment, or dinner party. Remember to serve the affogato immediately after preparing it, while the espresso is still hot and the ice cream is cold.

Health Info

• Calories: 67.16
• Sugar: 6.12
• Sodium: 31.38
• Fat: 3.17
• Carbohydrates: 8.57
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 1.1