Affogato al Caffe’ is probably one of the most famous Italian dessert. It is a timeless classic widely appreciated inside Italy and throughout the world.
What is affogato? The affogato al caffè is a classic Italian coffee dessert, as simple as it is delicious, madee with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drowned in a hot espresso. Affogato meaning is translated into “drowned”, it perfectly describes the image of ice cream succumbing to boiling coffee, creating an irresistible contrast of temperatures and flavors.
I have to confess that this is by far the easiest recipe on my blog, but like all simple recipes requires a few well selected ingredients and some steps to make it to perfection: Italians take proud about their espresso and their gelato, and as Italian this sense of proud is also very rooted in me! Maybe I am a bit biased!
Origins of Affogato
The origins of the cafe’ affogato are uncertain; it is thought to date back to the late 19th century or early 20th century.
During that period, industrial ice cream production began to spread, making this delicacy more accessible and allowing it to be used more frequently in new recipes. The coffee affogato was born from the meeting of these two trends: the use of ice cream and its combination with espresso.
Its simplicity, irresistible taste and the perfect combination of hot and cold, bitter and sweet made it an immediate success, conquering first Italy and then the rest of the world.
One theory traces it back to Emilia-Romagna, where it was served as a digestive after a large meal. Another theory places it in Piedmont, where it was considered a strengthening breakfast.
Regardless of its origins, the caffe affogato has become a popular dessert throughout Italy and, more recently, also in the rest of the world, often reffered as affogato ice cream or espresso affogato. It is one of the symbol of Italian culture as it combines the Italian passion for coffee and the artistry to make the best gelato.
Why you will love this recipe
-The beauty of the coffee affogato lies in its simplicity: affogato recipe requires high-quality vanilla gelato and a shot of espresso, prepared to perfection. It’s all you need!
-It is an easy dessert to offer to your guest and you can serve the ice-cream in bowls and then bring your steaming moka on the table and pour the coffeee straight into each guest bowl: for a wow effect!
-You can customize it with lots of different adds on: you could also make an affogato tray for your guests to pick!
Affogato al Caffe’ Ingredients
The key to an exceptional affogato is in the choice of ingredients.
Ice-cream: The ice cream must be creamy and dense, with a pure and delicate vanilla flavor. Ideal serving is one large scoop or 2 smalls scoops. If you will add some optional toppings, then I recommend 2 small scoops.
Espresso coffee: The espresso must be strong and full-bodied, with a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness of the ice cream. I suggest using a real deal coffee machine or coffee moka. Capsule could work, but I have to confess that my Bialetti moka has travelled the world with me and for me there is no better coffee than that!
When the hot espresso is poured over the cold ice cream, it creates an delightful combination of flavors and textures. The ice cream melts slightly, creating a rich and velvety cream that mixes with the robust coffee. The contrast between the hot and cold is irresistible, and the sweetness of the ice cream marries perfectly with the bitterness of the coffee.
Optional Extras
Afffogato is one of the most fun and customizable dessert.
Ice cream: Vanilla is the classic gelato to use for this affogato coffee recipe, but great flavors to pair with coffee are also chocolate, coffee and hazelnut. Actually my absolute favorite is hazelnut, because of its creamy nutty flavor that pair even better the bitterness of the coffee. Gelato affogato is a great way to experiment with different flavors!
Chocolate: grated or shaved on the ice-cream, is a divine add-on to add a nice crunch and chocolate goes veery well with coffee. I suggest dark chocolate starting from 70% and above. You could also opt for melted chocolate on top of the ice cream to add an extra layer of sweetness,
Crushed or chopped nuts: in this case opt for hazelnut or pistachio.
Classic Italian Almond biscotti: the classic cantucci, more popular as Biscotti outside Italy, are ideal to dunk in the affogato. You can make your on, following my recipe.
Whipped cream: for a more decadent and luxurious texture.
Liquor: an extra touch is to add some liquor. Popular liquors are amaretto (almond flavour) frangelico (halzelnut liquor). In the Veneto region a popular choice is also grappa or sambuca. Other recommendations are coffee liquor or rum. Cognac or brandy would also be a great choice. I recommend half ounce, but feel free to add as much as you like.
How to make affogato al Caffe’
The affogato recipe is very simple, but requires a few careful steps: let’s review them together!
First, prepare the espresso and let it cool slightly; then place two scoops of ice cream in a cup.
Pour the hot coffee gently over the ice cream, trying to maintain its consistency and not let it melt too much. Finally, decorate with any of the suggested add ons, to customize your own affogato coffee to your taste. And finally dig in you spoon and enjoy this delight!
How to serve Affogato al Caffe’
The coffee affogato is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It is a great ending to a meal, a refreshing afternoon snack, or a sweet evening indulgence.
Its simplicity makes it a perfect dessert to prepare at home, but it is also very popular in bar and restaurants.
I like my affogato usually with a cookie, to dunk in it and to add more crunchy.
More recipes you might like
Nothing beats the simplicity of the affogato dessert, but if you would like to experiment with other popular Italian dessert try one of the following:
Mini Cherry Tiramisu Pot
Pistachio Tiramisu
Strawberry Tart with Mascarpone Cream
Piedmontese Bonet (Italian chocolate pudding)
I hope you liked the Affogato al Caffe’ recipe! If you try this recipe and you liked it, please leave a star review below! I would be very appreciative of your comments! Make sure to tag me on Instagram @Italian_kitchen_confessions I hope you loved it! To get more ideas follow me on Pinterest.
Ingredients
- 8 scoops ice cream vanilla
- 4 shots coffee espresso
Instructions
- First, prepare the espresso and let it cool slightly; then place two scoops of ice cream in a cup.
- Pour the hot coffee gently over the ice cream, trying to maintain its consistency and not let it melt too much.
- Finally, decorate with any of the suggested add ons (see notes) to customize your own affogato coffee to your taste. And finally dig in you spoon and enjoy this delight!
Notes
Nutrition
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