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sweetEasyItalian

Affogato al Caffè

Vanilla gelato drowned in hot espresso - the simplest, most perfect dessert

⏱️ Prep: 5min0⏰ Total: 5min👥 Serves: 2🌡️ cold
✓ vegetarian✓ gluten-free
⚠️ Contains: 🥛 Dairy

Ingredients

  • 4 scoopsvanilla gelato(or ice cream)
  • 2 shotshot espresso(freshly brewed)
  • 2 tbspamaretto(optional)
  • biscotti(for serving)
  • chocolate shavings(optional garnish)

📝 Make Ahead

Gelato can be pre-scooped. Espresso must be freshly brewed and poured at the table.

Instructions

  1. Chill two small glasses or cups
  2. Place 2 scoops of gelato in each glass
  3. Pour hot espresso over gelato at the table
  4. Add splash of amaretto if desired
  5. Garnish with chocolate shavings
  6. Serve immediately with biscotti
  7. Eat quickly before it all melts together

💡 Pro Tips

Quality gelato and freshly brewed espresso are essential - this dish has nowhere to hide. Pour espresso at the table for drama and to ensure it's hot. Work quickly - the fun is in the contrast of temperatures. Amaretto adds almond notes that complement the coffee.

📜 History

Affogato means "drowned" in Italian, describing the vanilla gelato submerged in hot espresso. This simple dessert originated in Milan and has become a beloved end to meals in Italian restaurants worldwide. The contrast of hot and cold, bitter and sweet, is pure magic.

🍸 Pairs Well With

Also pairs well with:

amarettofrangelicocognacgrappa