Recipes· 1 min read
Affogato
A scoop of vanilla gelato 'drowned' in hot espresso — the simplest Italian dessert you can make.
House Blend Cafe· 2026-08-20
We're a seasonal shop, open Saturdays only.
You'll find us at the counter on Saturdays, from just after Labor Day through the Saturday before Christmas, 10 AM to 2 PM. The rest of the year we're closed. Order ahead and we'll have it waiting, or see hours and location.
Affogato means "drowned" in Italian, and that's exactly what this is: a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream drowned in a shot of hot espresso. It's barely a recipe — two ingredients, no cooking — but the contrast of bitter espresso and cold, sweet cream is one of Italy's great desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 scoop vanilla gelato or ice cream
- 1 hot shot of espresso
- Optional: a splash of liqueur (amaretto, Frangelico), toasted nuts, or a cookie
Step-by-step
- Place a scoop of gelato in a small glass or cup.
- Pull a fresh, hot shot of espresso.
- Pour the espresso directly over the gelato just before serving.
- Add a splash of liqueur or a sprinkle of toasted nuts if you like.
- Eat immediately, while the gelato is cold and the espresso hot.
Tips for the best cup
- Use dense gelato, not fluffy ice cream — it holds up better to the hot espresso.
- Pour the espresso at the table so your guest sees the melt.
- A shot of decaf works fine if you're serving it late at night.
Key takeaways
- An affogato is gelato drowned in a shot of hot espresso.
- It's two ingredients and takes about a minute.
- Serve immediately for the hot-cold contrast.
#affogato#dessert#espresso#gelato#italian
