A glass of Café Affogato with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and hot espresso being poured over it.
Recipes

Café Affogato

DESCRIPTION:

Café Affogato is a classic Italian dessert that combines the rich, bold flavor of espresso with creamy vanilla ice cream. This simple yet indulgent treat is perfect for coffee lovers looking to enjoy a sweet and refreshing dessert.

 

Drink Type: Hot / Cold

Milk Presence: No

Preparation Time: About 5 Minutes

Difficulty: Beginner

Drink Base:  ESPRESSO

Serving Size: 240 ml

Caffeine Content: Regular

Nutritional Value: 250-300 Cal

INGREDIENTS:

  1. High-quality Espresso: A strong, freshly brewed shot of espresso is essential.
  2. High-quality Gelato: Vanilla gelato is the traditional choice, but other flavors can be used.

Optional Additions:

  • Liqueur: A small amount of liqueur like Amaretto or Frangelico can add a touch of flavor and warmth.
  • Chocolate: Chocolate shavings or sauce can enhance the richness and sweetness.
  • Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add a touch of elegance and creaminess.

By combining these simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and indulgent treat.

PREPARATION:

  1. Prepare Espresso: Brew a fresh shot of espresso using your preferred method.
  2. Scoop Ice Cream: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a serving glass or bowl.
  3. Pour Espresso: Immediately pour the hot espresso over the ice cream.
  4. Serve: Enjoy immediately as the espresso melts the ice cream, creating a creamy coffee delight.

SUGGESTIONS:

For a twist, try using flavored ice cream such as hazelnut or chocolate.

Add a splash of liqueur like amaretto or coffee liqueur for an adult version.

Garnish with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra flavor.

HISTORY

Café Affogato: A Delightful Coffee Drink

The Affogato, meaning “drowned” in Italian, is a traditional dessert that highlights the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine. It has become a popular choice in cafes worldwide, celebrated for its perfect balance of hot and cold, bitter and sweet.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What is a Cafe Affogato?

A café affogato is a simple yet delightful Italian dessert.1 It consists of a scoop of gelato (often vanilla) “drowned” (affogato means “drowned” in Italian) in a shot of hot espresso.2 The contrast between the hot, bitter espresso and the cold, sweet gelato creates a unique and satisfying flavor experience. It’s a quick and easy dessert to make at home, and it’s perfect for any time of day.

Is Café Affogato eaten or drunk?

As the hot espresso melts the gelato, the dessert transforms into a delightful combination of textures and flavors. While you can eventually drink the remaining liquid, the initial experience is best enjoyed with a spoon.

Why is Café Affogato so good?

Café Affogato’s appeal lies in its simple yet stunning contrast of flavors and textures:

  • Hot vs. Cold: The dramatic temperature difference between the hot espresso and cold gelato creates a delightful sensory experience.
  • Bitter vs. Sweet: The bitter, robust flavor of the espresso is balanced perfectly by the sweet, creamy gelato.
  • Simple Elegance: With just a few ingredients, Café Affogato is a minimalist dessert that packs a powerful flavor punch.
  • Quick and Easy: It’s incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect last-minute dessert option.

This harmonious combination of elements makes Café Affogato a truly satisfying and indulgent treat.

Is Café Affogato good for weight loss?

Café Affogato, while a delicious treat, isn’t typically considered a weight loss food. It’s a combination of espresso and ice cream, both of which contribute to calorie intake.

What's the difference between Gelato and Café Affogato?

Gelato and affogato are related but distinct:

Gelato:

  • A type of Italian ice cream.
  • Made with less air, resulting in a denser and richer texture.
  • Often contains less fat and sugar than traditional ice cream.
  • Comes in a variety of flavors, both classic and unique.

Café Affogato:

  • A dessert made by pouring hot espresso over a scoop of gelato.
  • The heat of the espresso melts the gelato slightly, creating a warm and creamy treat.
  • Often served in a glass or bowl.
  • The classic combination is vanilla gelato and espresso, but other flavors can be used.

In essence, gelato is the ice cream, while affogato is a dessert made with gelato.

Café Affogato – A perfect blend of hot espresso and creamy vanilla ice cream.

A glass of Café Affogato with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and hot espresso being poured over it.

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