Affogato
Affogato means "drowned" in Italian: a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream with a shot of hot espresso poured over it. It takes minutes, needs no baking, and this version adds a spoon of chocolate hazelnut spread and chopped pistachios.
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 20 g Nutella
- 40 g Ice cream, vanilla
- 50 ml Espresso
- 5 g Pistachio nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Cup
Gently warm or soften the Nutella if needed, then swirl it around the inside of a small cup.
- Build the Affogato
Scoop the vanilla ice cream into one half of the cup. Roughly chop or crush the pistachio nuts, then brew a fresh 50 ml espresso.
- Garnish and Serve
Pour the hot espresso into the other side of the cup, then sprinkle the chopped pistachios on top. Serve immediately, enjoying the contrast of hot espresso with cold, creamy ice cream.
Tips for the best affogato
- Chill the glass or cup in the freezer for 10 minutes so the ice cream melts more slowly.
- Pour the espresso while it's still very hot, and serve straight away: the contrast is the point.
- Use a firm, good-quality vanilla ice cream or gelato. A soft, airy one melts into a puddle.
- No espresso machine? Use very strong coffee from a moka pot or French press, or 1 tsp instant espresso powder in 50 ml hot water.
Variations
- Vegan: use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream and a vegan chocolate spread.
- Evening or for kids: use decaf espresso.
- Classic Italian: leave out the chocolate spread and top with a little grated dark chocolate.
- Nutty: swap the pistachios for toasted hazelnuts or almonds.
Storing
Affogato doesn't keep: assemble it just before serving.
Frequently asked questions
What is affogato?
An Italian dessert of vanilla ice cream or gelato with a shot of hot espresso poured over it. The name means "drowned".
Is affogato a dessert or a drink?
It's served as a dessert, eaten with a spoon, though many people drink the last of the melted coffee and ice cream at the end.
Can I make affogato without an espresso machine?
Yes. Use very strong coffee from a moka pot, AeroPress or French press, or dissolve instant espresso powder in a little hot water.
Can affogato be vegan?
Yes: use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream and check that the chocolate spread is vegan, or leave it out.
