Kitchen & Garden

The affogato al caffè — literally meaning “drowned in coffee” in Italian — is the epitome of refined simplicity. This luxurious Italian dessert combines hot espresso poured over cold vanilla bean ice cream or gelato, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

According to Lavazza Coffee and Illycaffè, an authentic affogato should be made with one freshly brewed espresso shot (30–60 ml) poured over a single scoop (about 75 g) of quality vanilla gelato. The hot espresso slightly melts the gelato, creating a creamy coffee float that’s both a dessert and a digestif — traditionally served after dinner in Italian cafés.

This Vanilla Bean Affogato Recipe offers a café-style experience at home using only two main ingredients. It’s quick, elegant, and endlessly customizable — perfect for dinner parties, brunches, or anytime you crave a sweet coffee indulgence.

Recipe Overview

Nutritional Information (per 1 serving ≈ 180 g)

Data derived from USDA FoodData Central for vanilla ice cream (½ cup) + espresso (30 ml); verified per FDA Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACC, 2023).

Ingredients

• 1 scoop (½ cup / 75 g) premium vanilla bean ice cream or gelato
• 1 shot (1–2 oz / 30–60 ml) freshly brewed espresso
• (Optional toppings) A dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of amaretto / Kahlúa

Instructions

Tips & Insights

• Coffee Strength: A single shot balances bitterness and sweetness; a double shot makes it bolder and less sweet.
• Gelato vs Ice Cream: Gelato contains less air and fat, giving a silkier texture that melts more evenly.
• No Espresso Machine? Use 2 oz (60 ml) strong brewed coffee or cold-brew concentrate heated just below boiling for a similar effect.
• Health Note: Per the FDA and Harvard Health, moderate caffeine (≤ 400 mg/day) is safe for most adults; one affogato contains ≈ 70 mg — a fraction of that limit.
• Pairing Suggestion: Serve with almond biscotti, shortbread, or hazelnut cookies to complement the coffee aroma.

Variations

1. Mocha Affogato: Use chocolate gelato and top with chocolate syrup.
2. Caramel Affogato: Add 1 tsp salted caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt.
3. Nutty Affogato: Top with toasted almonds or hazelnuts for crunch.
4. Vegan Affogato: Substitute coconut or oat-milk ice cream and plant-based espresso.
5. Liqueur Affogato: Add 1 tsp Baileys or Frangelico for a dessert-cocktail twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Vanilla Bean Affogato Recipe Card

Vanilla Bean Affogato: Healthy 2Min Italian Dessert

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The affogato al caffè — literally meaning “drowned in coffee” in Italian — is the epitome of refined simplicity. This luxurious Italian dessert combines hot espresso poured over cold vanilla bean ice cream or gelato, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 2 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Non Alcoholic Beverages

Cuisine Italian

Servings 1 Glass

Calories 260 kcal

Equipment

• Espresso machine or moka pot (or Aeropress for strong brew)
• Chilled serving glass or dessert cup (6–8 oz)
• Ice-cream scoop
• Dessert spoon or demitasse spoon
• Microplane for grating chocolate optional

Ingredients

  

• 1 scoop ½ cup / 75 g premium vanilla bean ice cream or gelato
• 1 shot 1–2 oz / 30–60 ml freshly brewed espresso
• A dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of amaretto / Kahlúa Optional toppings

Instructions

 

• Chill the glass – Place your serving glass in the freezer for 10 minutes to keep the dessert cold longer.
  
• Scoop the ice cream – Add one generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream into the chilled glass; return it to the freezer while brewing coffee.
  
• Brew espresso – Extract 1 shot (≈ 30–60 ml) of espresso using medium-dark roast beans. Ideal temperature: 160–170°F (70–75°C).1
  
• Pour and serve – Immediately pour the hot espresso over the ice cream.
  
• Garnish (optional) – Dust with cocoa powder or add a splash of liqueur for an adult variation. Serve right away with a small spoon.
  

Notes

• Always pour espresso immediately before serving — waiting more than 30 seconds melts ice cream too quickly.
• Use real vanilla bean ice cream (look for specks) for authentic aroma.
• If using decaf espresso, choose Swiss-Water-processed beans for better flavor retention.²
• Each affogato contains ≈ 8 g added sugar — less than many commercial desserts (USDA FDC 1123, 2023).

Keyword affogato coffee, affogato ice cream, best vanilla bean affogato coffee, how to make affogato, vanilla bean affogato ingredients, vanilla bean affogato recipe

References & Further Reading

1. Illycaffè. (2023). How to prepare a coffee affogato. https://www.illy.com/en-gb/coffee/coffee-preparation/coffee-affogato. ↩︎