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What is an Affogato? It is a traditional Italian dessert or beverage that includes vanilla gelato that has literally been "drowned" in espresso. Talk about the perfect dessert!! I have created the dessert version in a bowl, but you could also serve your Affogato in a tall, slender glass and allow the ice cream to melt before drinking through a straw.
Recipe inspiration:
There is a tiny little restaurant named Lincoln Wine Bar in Mount Vernon, Iowa that makes the most amazing pizza that you will ever have the pleasure of devouring! I have been working on duplicating their traditional Italian pizza dough at home so I could recreate their amazing Greens Pizza!!
The last few times that my friend Sandy and I went for our pizza fix, her daughter Sally joined us and ordered an Affogato for dessert...and I was totally jealous!!
It has remained on my "list of foods to recreate" ever since. I found myself on an "espresso kick" this month and I knew that I had to give this delicious dessert a try for myself...in dairy-free form.
How to make an Affogato:
So we are going to have to make do with 1/3 cup of Dairy-free Vanilla Ice Cream or vanilla gelato if you can find it.
Place your ice cream in a dessert bowl, then pour one ounce of Espresso over the top.
I sprinkled grated chocolate on top for fun, but it is completely optional. Now grab a spoon and drift off to espresso ice cream heaven. Yes, that is a real place!
Additional Affogato serving ideas:
- with a shot of Amaretto, Frangelico, or Kahlua.
- a biscotti or cookie served on the side.
- fresh berries.
More coffee-inspired recipes:
- Whipped Dalgona Coffee
- Traditional Irish Coffee
- Mexican Coffee Cocktail
- Classic Tiramisu
- Espresso Martini
- Espresso How-to with step-by-step instructions.
Tools used to create this post:
Show of hands....have you ever tried Affogato before? Have you even heard of Affogato before??
Enjoy!!
Affogato
Ingredients
- .33 cup vanilla gelato or ice cream a big scoop
- 1 ounce espresso
- 1 ounce liqueur of your choice optional
- dark chocolate shavings to garnish
Instructions
- Place scoop of gelato or ice cream in a dessert bowl. My scoop is size 16.
- Pour espresso over the top of the gelato/ice cream.
- Sprinkle with shaved chocolate if desired.
Notes
- with a shot of Amaretto, Frangelico, or Kahlua.
- a biscotti or cookie served on the side.
- fresh berries.
Barb says
I have it in my recipe file but never tried it. It looks fabulous. Do you use hot or cold espresso or doesnt it matter. Can,t wait to try now!
Lisa Johnson says
I honestly don't think it matters Barb. I used hot that had slightly cooled while I was setting up the camera. I'm sure you will love it either way. 🙂
Claire @ A Little Claireification says
I love affogato and what a great idea with the Cappuccino "ice cream"! And I am really bummed for you about the coconut allergy. That stinks because I know you were able to use it a lot in recipes. :/ Pinning this!
Lisa Johnson says
Haha, that's what I get for overdoing it with the coconut milk!! It's a bummer, but now I just need to get even more creative. 🙂 Seriously delicious with the cappuccino ice cream!!!!
Ilka says
This looks so good. Ice Cream and Espresso in one. Perfect for dessert !:)
Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
This sounds delish! Two of my faves in one bowl!
Cindy Eikenberg says
Lisa, this looks amazing, whoa! Thanks for sharing at Best of the Weekend and pinning, of course! Have a great week!
Dee says
Has to have a shot of frangelico on top - try it!