Affogato – Classic Italian Espresso-Drenched Dessert

Subtitle: A Timeless Italian Dessert Featuring Hot Espresso and Cold Gelato

Published: August 15, 2021

Total Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz (1 double shot) freshly brewed hot espresso (195–205°F / 90–96°C for optimal flavor)

• 1–2 scoops (approximately ½ cup) very cold, dense vanilla gelato or egg-free ice cream (preferably Italian-style, with visible vanilla bean seeds)

• 1–2 tsp Amaretto liqueur (optional, for almond notes)

Pro Tips for Optimal Texture

• Gelato Selection: Prioritize dense, Italian gelato (avoid airy or low-fat ice creams, which melt rapidly). Egg-free varieties preserve the pure cream flavor; speckled vanilla bean seeds add textural contrast.

• Pre-Chill Vessel: A shallow glass or bowl chilled in the freezer for 5–10 minutes minimizes rapid melting of the gelato.

Preparation Steps

1. Brew the Espresso: Use a moka pot, espresso machine, or commercial coffee setup to prepare a double shot (2 oz) of hot espresso. If no machine is available, purchase freshly brewed espresso from a coffee shop to ensure strength and temperature. Let the espresso cool slightly to 195–205°F (avoid scalding the gelato).

2. Chill the Serving Vessel: Place a small, shallow glass or ceramic bowl in the freezer for 5–10 minutes until frosty to the touch. This pre-chilling stabilizes the gelato’s structure.

3. Add Gelato: Scoop 1–2 portions of very cold vanilla gelato into the pre-chilled vessel, ensuring an even, compact layer (avoid overcrowding to prevent uneven melting).

4. Pour Espresso: Slowly pour the hot espresso in a thin, steady stream over the gelato, fully coating the surface. If desired, drizzle Amaretto for almond aroma.

5. Serve Immediately: Enjoy within 1–2 minutes of assembly, as the gelato melts rapidly. Use a spoon to capture both solid gelato and the aromatic coffee layer in each bite.

Reader Reviews & Creative Variations

• Classic Upgrade: "My favorite is vanilla gelato sprinkled with Starbucks instant Italian roast coffee and topped with chocolate syrup."

• Milky Guinness Twist: "Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe (Emeryville, CA) serves ‘Shakey Joe’: Coffee milkshake with a shot glass of Guinness stout. Absolute perfection."

• Granita Alternative: "Frozen version: Coffee granita with Kahlúa and sweetened condensed milk drizzled on top."

• Crunchy Addition: "Delicious with crumbled amaretti cookies—adds a buttery crunch!"

• Vegan-Friendly: "Perfect with vegan ice cream! Now our go-to dairy-free treat."

• Grappa Twist: "At Restaurant Pizzeria Sternen (Elm, Switzerland), they use GRAPPA instead of Amaretto. Paired with homemade garlic gnocchi, it’s unforgettable."

This structured, professional format enhances clarity while preserving the recipe’s essence and reader feedback.