Affogato is an Italian dessert that drowns vanilla ice cream or gelato with a shot of espresso. It couldn’t be simpler or extra divine!

Right here’s a dessert that’s pure perfection in its simplicity: the traditional Italian affogato! Two substances come collectively in probably the most thrilling taste pairing: candy, creamy vanilla gelato and bitter, wealthy espresso. Poured on the desk, you get to see the substances remodel proper earlier than your eyes. Such as you’d anticipate from Italian delicacies, it’s essentialism at its most interesting. This trick is one in all our favorites for entertaining: particularly to finish a summer time meal.

What’s affogato?

Affogato, aka affogato al cafe, is an Italian dessert that drowns vanilla gelato or ice cream with a scorching espresso shot. (Affogato means “drowned” in Italian.) Some recipes add a touch of amaretto or hazelnut liqueur, or serve the dessert with a cookie or biscotti. The dessert is historically served in Italian eating places and cafes, and it’s turn into widespread in Europe and world wide.

The affogato is our ultimate dessert round right here. Every spoonful of melty ice cream makes you need to burst out with an Italian chef’s kiss. It’s showy and spectacular, however barely requires any time or effort. Prepared to do that Italian masterpiece?

Affogato substances

Affogato is such a easy idea that you just’ll want the very best substances to tug it off. Right here’s what you’ll want:

• Vanilla gelato or prime quality ice cream: Discover the very best high quality product you possibly can. Vanilla is traditional, although you possibly can combine it up with different flavors like hazelnut.
• Espresso: One of the best home made espresso is with an espresso machine, however there are many different strategies you possibly can attempt (see beneath). Or, merely make double-strength espresso.
• Amaretto: It’s completely non-obligatory, however you probably have a bottle of amaretto available it provides a pleasant almond nuance.
• Chocolate shavings: One other non-obligatory ingredient, however it’s good to have a bit of garnish and texture to the highest of the affogato.

The kind of espresso to make use of

The kind of espresso is every part in an affogato. Right here’s what to notice:

• Use espresso roast espresso beans, or just as darkish roast espresso as attainable. Mild or medium roast merely is not going to do.
• Use decaf when you’re nervous concerning the caffeine. Nervous a couple of jolt of caffeine within the night? Use decaf espresso: it’s nonetheless completely scrumptious.

Learn how to make the espresso (or sturdy espresso)

• Espresso machine: The highest methodology for the way to make espresso is with a machine: right here’s how we do it.
• Transportable espresso maker: If you happen to make plenty of espresso drinks, this transportable espresso maker is ideal: it approximates the flavour of the machine at a fraction of the value.
• French press: French press espresso is a good approximation of espresso for a espresso maker you may have already got available.
• Moka Pot: The Moka Pot (aka Bialetti) makes simply the fitting sturdy espresso for an affogato.
• Aeropress: You may make Aeropress espresso: however the taste is extra bitter and flat than the opposite strategies.
• Robust espresso: Or, merely use your favourite espresso making methodology however use half the quantity of water to get double power espresso.

The one a part of affogato that requires any effort? Making the espresso. Espresso could be difficult at residence. Listed below are all the very best strategies for the way to make espresso at residence, or you possibly can merely make double power espresso.

Ideas for serving affogato

When you’ve chosen your espresso making methodology, making affogato is a breeze! Listed below are a number of ideas for serving this simple dessert:

• Serve in a small clear glass with a spoon. It’s greatest for watching the ice cream soften. Visitors can scoop it up with lengthy spoons.
• Freeze the ice cream within the glass when you make the espresso. This prevents untimely melting, although it’s not required.
• If you happen to’re serving for 4, make 2 doubleshots of espresso. That’s ½ cup sturdy espresso.
• Place the espresso in a pitcher, or small particular person pitchers. If you happen to’re serving with amaretto, you possibly can add it to the espresso. Then watch as the new espresso melts the ice cream!

Different topping concepts

You will get artistic along with your affogato recipe and add artistic toppings which are exterior of the standard Italian methodology. Listed below are some concepts:

• Crushed cookies or biscotti
• Toasted nuts like almonds or pecans
• Candied nuts
• Chopped pistachios
• Chocolate candies
• Chocolate-covered espresso beans

You can even fluctuate the ice cream or gelato flavors. Go wild! Tell us the way you make your affogato within the feedback beneath.

Espresso drinks that work as dessert

We solidly consider affogato as a dessert, however some folks consider it as espresso drink. However generally there’s a blurred line! Listed below are a number of associated espresso drinks that additionally work as a dessert: