Easy Affogato

Photo Credit: Ali Yahya

Anyone who knows me knows I love coffee. To the point where it’s the first thing I tend to think of when I wake up. I love the rich smoothness of its flavor and how warming it is. Even in the hot summer months. I also love ice cream. It’s a staple in our home however, in the colder months, enjoying it becomes chanllenging.

That’s why I began making Affogato. I was introduced to it many years ago when I was in high school while my family was eating at an Italian restaurant in Little Italy. I remember sneaking a taste from my mom’s affogato thinking I was sneaking a sip from her coffee and boy was I pleasantly surprised and immediately hooked - both my favorites combining into one heavenly dessert.

Photo Credit: Ali Yahya

The key, in my opinion, is using good quality espresso or coffee. Also, a good quality ice cream doesn’t hurt either. I firmly believe the level of creaminess depends on the quality of the ice cream. Okay, no more talking. Here is the recipe:

Affogato

4 cups to serve the affogato in

1 1/2 cups brewed espresso or strong, good quality coffee

4 scoops of good quality vanilla ice cream

Optional Ingredients

1-2 teaspoons of granulated sugar for added sweetness

Fresh Whipped Cream

Marshmallows

Shaved chocolate

Hazelnut or Marzipan flavored cookies/pastries

Instructions

Prepare and brew the espresso or coffee. Meanwhile, set out cups for the affogato and place one scoop of ice cream in each cup. When brewed, evenly distribute espresso or coffee into prepared cups.

NOTE: I do not pour my coffee directly over the ice cream as I have found I will quickly have soup. I pour the coffee on the side of the cup which allows the ice cream to melt at a slower pace.

If you prefer for your affogato to be on the sweeter side, before pouring into the ice cream filled cups, pour the espresso or coffee into another cup with whatever amount of sugar you wish. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then pour into prepared cup.

Photo Credit: Ali Yahya

You can add marshmallows, a bit of whipped cream or whatever you wish to customize this treat. If you serve the cup of affogato on a saucer or plate, you can place a small pastry or cookie along side it for a pretty presentation.

That’s it! So easy, so good, so perfect.

Let me know if you like affogato in the comments below and include any variations you like to add or do differently when you make it at home!

Hugs!

Mama K