This espresso with ice cream (a.k.a. “affogato al caffe”) is vanilla ice cream with hot fresh espresso poured over top! I’ve added a little amaretto to give it more flavor and pizzaz. It’s a coffee lover’s Italian dessert!
Espresso with Ice Cream
What does affogato mean?
Affogato in Italian means “drowning” and that’s what’s happening to the creamy vanilla ice cream in this dessert when a shot of hot espresso is poured over it.
Because the hot coffee comes in contact with the cold ice cream, it steams for a cool presentation that presents a coffee-tasting ice cream.
Or, should I call it a drink? Nonetheless, you’ll want a spoon to eat it as the ice cream begins to melt. It’s an Italian coffee-based dessert that’s super easy to make with scoops of vanilla ice cream and fresh espresso.
I don’t suggest using regular American coffee to make this recipe. You should use a real espresso because it has a stronger coffee taste that will get a bit diluted when it comes into contact with the ice cream. Therefore American coffee will be more watery to begin with.
My husband bought me a fancy espresso maker one year for Christmas and it’s one of the most used kitchen appliances we have! It’s hard to drink coffee elsewhere now. We’re so spoiled.
However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a fancy espresso machine. You can buy a Moka pot that’s very easy to use on your stove top. My mom used one every day to drink her mugs of espresso! One of my favorite espresso beans is Lavazza.
If you don’t like bitter espresso, buy a less bitter espresso bean like crema or put less ground espresso in the Moka pot to dilute it a bit.
Check out my Caramel Iced Coffee with Baileys or Caramel Baileys Rum Chata Coffee Slush too.
What’s fun about an affogato is watching the steam rise off the scoop of vanilla ice cream when the hot espresso is poured over top. You’ll love the first bite! It tastes like coffee ice cream and is a great alternative to it.
It’s SO EASY-TO-MAKE!
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When the ice cream melts in the espresso, it tastes a bit like a caffe latte or cappuccino with a delicious amaretto twist, which is why I like it so much! I LOVE my coffee and I love it with creamy vanilla ice cream!
It’s perfect for a quick summer dessert for coffee lovers.
Affogato Dessert
First, make espresso. It should be very hot. Sometimes using a coffee machine, the temperature is hot but, not as hot as it would using a stovetop Moka machine. Believe me because I tested this.
Next, scoop out two scoops of your favorite vanilla ice cream and place it in a small mug or bowl.
Then, in a separate glass, stir the Amaretto into the hot espresso.
Next, pour espresso mixture on top of the ice cream and drink quickly because the hot espresso becomes warm espresso quickly.
You may be wondering if you can make this dessert with American coffee. Consequently, it would come out watery because American coffee is more watery than espresso. Therefore, I don’t suggest making this recipe with American coffee.
Also, you can use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla ice cream. That would be yummy too and we all know chocolate and coffee are a great combination.
Make this easy affogato recipe is a tasty after dinner dessert or a delicious treat on a hot day. The Amaretto gives it a wonderful almond flavor.
It’s perfect for when you want a quick, delicious dessert to satisfy your coffee craving. Also, it’s the easiest dessert for a dinner party dessert. It’s minimal effort and coffee lovers will love it!
Make this easy affogato ice cream dessert after dinner for a delicious treat. The Amaretto gives it a wonderful almond flavor. It’s perfect for when you want a quick, delicious dessert to satisfy your coffee craving.
Espresso drinks you may also like:
Caramel Iced Coffee with Baileys
Cappuccino with Baileys and Amaretto
Amaretto Affogato Ice Cream Dessert
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1 oz hot espresso
- 1/2 oz Amaretto (or more if desired )
Instructions
- First, make espresso. It should be very hot.
- Next, scoop out two scoops of your favorite vanilla ice cream and place it in a small mug or bowl.
- Then, in a separate glass, stir the Amaretto into the hot espresso.
- Next, pour the espresso and Amaretto on top of the ice cream and drink quickly.
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Optimized on 10/4/24.
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