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A luxurious vanilla bean affogato coffee served in a clear dish, showcasing the melting ice cream and hot espresso. The surrounding area is elegant with a soft-focus effect, highlighting the dessert

Vanilla Bean Affogato: Healthy 2Min Italian Dessert

Carter
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
Total Time 2 minutes
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.
    A luxurious vanilla bean affogato coffee served in a clear dish, showcasing the melting ice cream and hot espresso. The surrounding area is elegant with a soft-focus effect, highlighting the dessert
  • 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.
    A Coconut Cream and Coffee Affogato served in a clear glass with ice cream melting under hot espresso, garnished with shredded coconut and dark chocolate shavings, set against a light and airy summer background.
  • Brew espresso – Extract 1 shot (≈ 30–60 ml) of espresso using medium-dark roast beans. Ideal temperature: 160–170°F (70–75°C).1
    A Coconut Cream and Coffee Affogato served in a clear glass with ice cream melting under hot espresso, garnished with shredded coconut and dark chocolate shavings
  • Pour and serve – Immediately pour the hot espresso over the ice cream.
    A luxurious Affogato Delight showcasing hot espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream in an elegant glass cup. Surround it with a sprinkle of cocoa powder and chocolate shavings on a marble countertop.
  • Garnish (optional) – Dust with cocoa powder or add a splash of liqueur for an adult variation. Serve right away with a small spoon.
    An elegant matcha affogato served in a clear glass, showcasing the green matcha and white vanilla ice cream. The background includes soft-focus greenery and light, emphasizing freshness and flavor

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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