Dessert · Italian cuisine

Affogato (Affogato al Caffe)

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2 ingredients Cuisine: Italian Page updated October 2026
Affogato (Affogato al Caffe)

Photo: VR38DETT, Public domain

Affogato is an Italian dessert of a single scoop of gelato with hot espresso poured over it. The name means drowned, and the appeal is the contrast: bitter, steaming coffee against cold, sweet cream, which melts into a thin sauce as you eat. Vanilla is the usual choice because it lets the coffee lead. With two ingredients and ten minutes, the quality of the espresso and the gelato is everything.

Instructions

Put one scoop of gelato, usually vanilla, into a small glass or cup and keep it in the freezer until the espresso is ready.

Pull one or two shots of espresso, or one long shot if you prefer a larger pour. Serve it hot and freshly made so it contrasts with the cold gelato.

Pour the espresso over the gelato and serve right away, while the edges are just starting to melt. Alternatively, serve the espresso in a separate small cup next to the gelato so the diner can pour it at the table.

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