Italian Affogato – A delicious Italian dessert made from vanilla gelato or ice cream and topped with espresso. This indulgent treat is perfect for summer.
Italian Affogato
Calling all coffee lovers! This affogato recipe creamy coffee perfection and SO easy to make with just two simple ingredients. Now if you haven’t heard of affogato before, no worries. It’s an Italian dessert made with vanilla gelato (or ice cream) and espresso. That’s it! Really, it’s just those two ingredients!
This recipe is the perfect balance of hot and cold as you serve the espresso over it hot and freshly brewed. It melts the ice cream immediately and creates this delicious creamy coffee that is phenomenal. It is definitely a dessert that you have to eat immediately.
Common questions about making affogato
How do I eat an affogato?
You can eat it either using a spoon or even just drinking it, depending on how melted it is.
What does affogato taste like?
Affogato tastes like a creamy coffee flavored ice cream. I have found that it has a bit stronger of an espresso flavor than coffee ice cream but it is still very similar. Additionally, you can add additional flavors to it with toppings such as
- Shaved chocolate
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Cinnamon dolce syrup
- Salted caramel
- Chocolate sauce
Is affogato vegan?
Affogato is not traditionally vegan but it can be made dairy-free/vegan very easily. Instead of dairy-based ice cream/gelato, try using coconut-based ice cream or any other type of vegan-friendly ice cream.
What does affogato mean?
Affogato is Italian for “drowned” which comes from the fact that the espresso drowns the ice cream/gelato.
Can’t get enough of this italian affogato recipe? Try these other recipes!
- Tiramisu Latte – All of the flavors of tiramisu in a latte.
- Mexican Horchata – A creamy and refreshing drink made with rice and cinnamon.
- Iced Green Tea Latte {Starbucks Copycat} – Four ingredient starbucks copycat recipe made with matcha powder.
- Italian Hot Chocolate – Thick and creamy hot chocolate.
- Chai Tea Latte {Starbucks Copycat} – Flavorful chai tea lightly sweetened with frothy milk.
Italian Affogato

Italian Affogato - A delicious Italian dessert made from vanilla gelato or ice cream and topped with espresso. This indulgent treat is perfect for summer.
Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream or gelato
- 1 shot espresso*
Instructions
- Place ice cream or gelato in a coffee cup.
- Brew espresso and pour it over the ice cream while still hot.
- Top with shaved chocolate, chopped hazelnuts, or caramel. (optional)
- Serve immediately.
Notes
*If you don't have access to espresso, you can use 1/4 cup strongly brewed coffee instead.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker Cappuccino Machine with Steam Milk Frother and Carafe
-
Lavazza Ground Coffee - Caffe Espresso - 8 oz - 2 pk
-
Sweese 4602 Glass Coffee Mugs - 12.5 oz Double Walled Insulated Mug Set with Handle, Perfect for Latte, Americano, Cappuccinos, Tea Bag, Beverage, Set of 2
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 499Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 201mgSodium: 217mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 1gSugar: 48gProtein: 9g
This nutritional information can vary depending on the specific products you choose so this is a general guess of the correct nutritional information based on the products I used. Please keep that in mind when making the recipe.
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