Affogato

For a decadent and impressive dessert that requires almost zero prep, turn to the Italian favorite: affogato. This delightful treat, meaning “drowned” in Italian, is made with just a scoop or two of gelato and freshly brewed hot espresso poured over top. The result? Spoonable coffee-infused gelato and creamy coffee, all in one frozen dessert. Serve it with a few fun toppings and crumbly biscotti or crispy rolled wafers on the side, and you've got the easiest no-bake dessert of all time. This treat is perfect for anyone who loves tiramisu or iced coffee.

What is affogato made of?

Affogato is made with just gelato and espresso, plus a few optional toppings, so it's important to choose high-quality ingredients. After all, it is a treat. Here's the basic breakdown: 

Vanilla gelato or ice cream: Affogato is often made with vanilla gelato, but if your grocery store doesn't carry gelato, high-quality vanilla bean ice cream is a wonderful substitute. You can even go above-and-beyond and make homemade vanilla bean ice cream or experiment with other flavors such as chocolate, caramel, or chocolate chip gelato or ice cream.

Espresso: Affogato isn't complete without being generously drowned in hot espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine at home, you can still achieve a similar effect by brewing an extra-strong, concentrated cup of coffee. Just make sure the coffee is freshly made and piping hot!

Optional liqueur: Because this dessert can also double as an after-dinner drink, a little splash of liqueur is a delicious addition. Almond- or hazelnut-flavored liqueurs compliment the nutty, fruity, toasty notes in espresso. Spiced rum, coffee liqueur, or orange liqueur also work well in this treat.

Optional extras: Restaurants often offer a variety of toppings to jazz up affogato, and you can do the same at home! Try sprinkling on some shaved chocolate or chopped toasted pistachios, and serving it with biscotti or rolled wafers.