Italian Dessert: Vanilla Bean Affogato

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).

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References & Further Reading

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