Affogato

This authentic Italian dessert known as affogato proves that some of the world’s best recipes can consist of two ingredients. Made with a combination of hot espresso and vanilla gelato, the flavours of affogato are decadent, rich and full of creamy tones. In most parts of the world, the weather is hot and in full peak of summer, its time to enjoy recipes that energize you.

Now, if you are wondering whether you need an espresso machine to make it, the answer is no. You can use a french press and if you don’t have gelato, use full fat vanilla ice-cream for an indulgent experience. And, for those of you that are chocalate lovers, add some chocalate syrup to the Affogato, it will enhance the flavours of the coffee.

Ingredients

Espresso, Vanilla Gelato, Chocalate syrup.

Choose your favorite vanilla gelato to make the affogato; choose full-fat for the best-tasting dessert. Coffee beans come in an array of flavors; choose the ones with hints of chocolate and fudginess. Consider coffee beans from Colombia, Brazil, and Indonesia. Medium-dark roast coffee beans have a caramel flavor. And if you are going to follow the tip above and use chocolate syrup, look for a thin-viscosity syrup; thick chocolate syrups will sink to the bottom.

Instructions

Place the bowl or cup in the freezer. Begin by brewing a cup of espresso. You can use an espresso machine, a moka pot, or a French press. The creaminess of the ice cream, along with the strong flavor of the coffee, balances out one another beautifully. You can add hot fudge, salted caramel sauce, pretzels, strawberries, or cherries to Affogato.

Expert tips

Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavour. The difference between espresso and regular coffee is the method and flavour. Espresso has a deeper and richer flavour, it is served in small amounts. Whilst regular coffee is milder and less concentrated, it is enjoyed in larger quantities. You can swap out one for the other. And, if you want to serve this for a gathering in the evening, you can consider using decaffinated coffee. Use freshly brewed espresso or coffee for the richest flavor.

Freezing the glass for 10 minutes will ensure that the ice-cream melts slowly. Try to get the premium variety of gelato, if unavailable use vanilla ice-cream. This recipe is enjoyed as an after dinner dessert, where Italians spend quality time with family and catch up on their day.

What is the difference between gelato and vanilla ice-cream?

It comes down to the churning process and fat ratio. Gelat has a longer churning process, it has less cream and fat ratio, it is more condensed in texture. Whereas, ice-cream has a shorter churning cycle and higher fat ratios. This dessert is to be served with a spoon first and then sipped to enjoy the combination of flavours. 

What are the best toppings for Affogato?

Brownies, Biscotti, Chocolate chips, Mint chocolate, shortbread cookies, Berries.

How to Store Affogato?

Suppose you are making this dessert for a large crowd. You can scoop the vanilla ice cream into the serving glasses, add the chocolate syrup, and place them in the fridge. Pour the hot espresso when you are ready to serve the dessert.