Affogato al caffè, or simply affogato, is an Italian dessert that consists of a shot of espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato. In Italian, “affogato” means “drowned.” When the hot espresso reaches the cold ice cream, the treat melts and makes a latte-like espresso-cream mixture. Afogato is one of the simplest sweets to make if you have an espresso machine. If you want to learn how to prepare Affogato, read on.
Perfect for summer
This ice cream and espresso delicacy is best enjoyed during the warmer summer months, but if you’re anything like me and adore espresso and ice cream all year, there’s no reason why we can’t enjoy them all year! Afogatos can also be made with Amaretto or a dark Crème de Cacao as a variant.
What is Affogato?
One of Italy’s most exquisite modern delicacies is affogato al caffè, a dessert of gelato soaked in espresso. The ice cream can be fior di latte, vanilla, chocolate, or whatever else you choose. Dulce de leche, with its caramelized milkiness, and cherry amaretto would taste fantastic. The genius of affogato is that it combines two joys into one: a spoonable coffee-sauced dessert and a cream-blushed drink to go with it. The delicious ice cream and bitter coffee should complement each other rather than overpower it. They should meet in the center, just like the finest partners.
Ingredients
(2 shots) espresso
1 to 2 scoops (about 12 cup) vanilla gelato or ice cream that is really cold (see Tip)
The liqueur amaretto (optional)
How to prepare
Step 1
First, make the espresso so it can sit while you scoop the gelato. Run to the nearest coffee shop if you don’t have a moka pot or an espresso machine. Place the extremely cold gelato in a small shallow dish or glass that has been frozen until frosty and icy to the touch.
Step 2
Slowly pour the hot espresso in a narrow stream straight over the gelato, laying an equal coating of coffee over the whole surface of the scoop. You may add a dash of amaretto if you like (the almond taste is pleasant), but the greatest affogato is a plain affogato. Just be sure you start eating it before the gelato melts completely: You want solid spoonfuls of gelato thickly coated with coffee in each bite.
Important points for preparing Affogato
Purchase ice cream that is free of eggs, which can muddle the pure cream flavor. A rich Italian gelato, flecked with vanilla bean seeds, is preferred. The structure is critical: if it’s too warm or too airy, it will dissolve into a puddle the moment the hot espresso meets it.
Choose your favorite beans
Choose your favorite bean (choose a milk-friendly bean) and always use espresso – never, ever instant coffee, but an espresso pot may suffice in a hurry. When you’re ready, pour your coffee straight on top of the ice cream and serve right away. You might add a shot of booze (like Amaretto or Frangelico) or garnish with biscotti. In any case, the chilly cup keeps the ice cream firm, allowing you to scoop the right combination of cold and hot with each bite.
Variation
Once you’ve mastered the standard affogato, experiment with the following variations:
Gelato affogato con liquore:
Gelato affogato con liquore (drowned gelato with liqueur) is a popular dessert in Italy. In place of coffee, it is traditionally served with liqueur such as amaretto or crème de menthe. You may also create it with a combination of coffee and liqueur, such as Frangelico or Kahlua.
Nutty affogato:
For texture and taste, garnish your affogato with toasted, crushed hazelnuts or almonds.
For a delicious crunch, tuck biscotti into the edge of your affogato or crumble amaretti cookies on top. To add the flavor of tiramisu to your affogato, add ladyfingers.
Mocha affogato:
If you enjoy the flavors of coffee and chocolate, consider preparing your affogato with chocolate gelato or garnishing it with dark chocolate shavings.
Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast
Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast It’s no coincidence that Lavazza is the most popular coffee in Italy. Four generations of the Lavazza family have spent over 120 years searching for the greatest blends of coffee beans from throughout the world in order to give you with an authentic Italian experience.
