Affogato Coffee - An Italian dessert that combines a scoop of ice cream and a shot of espresso in a creamy treat. It’s a little taste of heaven made with just 2-ingredients plus caramel!
This coffee affogato ice cream has the flavor of a classic tiramisu and the creaminess of a homemade milkshake in a 2-ingredient dessert that is possibly the easiest treat you’ll ever make!
I use vanilla ice cream but you could use your favorite flavor (caramel or chocolate would be amazing too) and then pour brewed strong coffee overtop and finish it with a caramel drizzle and chocolate shavings.
It’s one of my favorite desserts to whip up when I need a last minute dessert, or I’m just craving a little vanilla bean ice cream with my espresso and it’s especially cute on special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries!
Jump to:
What is Affogato?
It’s an Italian dessert but some might consider it their after dinner shot of espresso with a little extra cream 😉
Essentially it’s freshly brewed espresso coffee over ice cream (or traditionally, gelato which is even creamier). Once the ice cream melts into the coffee, it becomes a swirly blend of creamy coffee deliciousness.
You’ll notice I mentioned both espresso and strong coffee and that’s because, although they’re not the same thing, you can use either one. Use what you normally like to drink!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s made with just 3 ingredients!
You can use whatever flavor of ice cream you like. - It’s rich and creamy and fun.
- You can make it in minutes and enjoy it anytime you like.
Ingredients for this Caramel Affogato Coffee Recipe
- Vanilla ice cream: Vanilla is a classic choice, but you can use whichever kind of ice cream you prefer.
- Coffee: Hot espresso helps to melt the cold ice cream and turn it into a creamy, coffee-flavored treat. If you don’t drink espresso you can substitute with regular strong brewed coffee like I do in my caramel blondie coffee recipe.
- Garnishes: Caramel sauce and chocolate shavings. Yum!
How to Make Affogato
Step 1: Drizzle Caramel into an empty glass.
Step 2: Add scoops of ice cream to a bowl or a glass.
Step 3. Pour the shot of coffee overtop.
Step 4: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Enjoy!
If you’re interested in serving with a little pastry on the side, I’d say go for these easy stuffed Nutella rolls!
Expert Tips and Variations
- For a kid-friendly version without coffee, I have a fun strawberry frappuccino recipe without caffeine you should try!
- To get smooth scoops of ice cream, run your ice cream scoop under hot water between each scoop.
- Bring your ice cream out to sit so it’s soft enough to scoop, but not too long so that it melts.
- Use clear glasses for serving so that everyone can see what’s inside.
- Make it a little boozy with a shot of hazelnut liqueur, rum, or amaretto.
- Serve it right away!
Recipe FAQs
It doesn’t have to be vanilla, but it should still be a creamy ice cream or gelato. I love vanilla, vanilla bean, and french vanilla ice cream, but you could go for something like chocolate, strawberry, or caramel.
For presentation, I would recommend using clear glass . This could be anything from a regular drinking glass or mason jar glass to a milkshake glass or even a parfait glass.
You can also think about all the fun garnishes and toppings you want to add. It would be fun to set up a DIY toppings station so everyone can grab their own. Things like chopped nuts, different syrups like chocolate and caramel and maybe some whipped cream.
Serve it with a spoon or a biscotti for scooping up the ice cream!
In Italian, the word affogato means drowned. So, it's affogato ice cream because the ice cream is drowned in espresso.
More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- European Cream Cheese Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Molten Lava Cake
- Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
- Ice Cream Cake Pops
- No Bake Mini Cheesecakes
- Candied Walnuts Vanilla Bundt Cake Recipe
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📖 Recipe
Affogato Coffee with Caramel
Equipment
- 1 glass cup
Ingredients
- 2-3 scoops vanilla ice cream or any other ice cream flavor of YOUR choice
- 1 shot espresso
- 1 tablespoon caramel 100% optional
- 1 teaspoon chocolate grated
Instructions
- Drizzle caramel into the glass.
- Place 3 scoops of ice cream into a glass or a bowl.
- Pour 1 shot of strong espresso.
- Garnish with grated chocolate. Serve immediately with a small spoon and enjoy the creamy magic!
Notes
- Use real vanilla: Look for gelato or ice cream with real vanilla beans for the best flavor contrast with the espresso.
- Espresso strength matters: A bold, rich shot of espresso is key—don’t use weak coffee!
- Serve it fast: Timing is everything. Pour the espresso just before serving so your guests get the perfect melty-creamy balance.
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Optional Add-Ons:
- Shaved dark chocolate or cacao nibs
- Biscotti crumbles or toasted nuts
- Sea salt flakes or caramel drizzle
Nutrition
Thank YOU for YOUR Comment, Review Recipe & Share!
Jessica
I love the Italian Dessert Recipe and I'm going to scream that from my rooftop if I can. Lol. It's so yummy and creamy. I love how it feels when it melts on your tongue and smoothly slides down my throat. Gosh! I can feel myself longing for it already.
Love Keil
Ahh, your excitement is contagious Jessica! That creamy, dreamy Italian dessert really has a way of stealing the spotlight—and your rooftop screams totally justified! 😂 There’s nothing like that silky melt-in-your-mouth feeling to keep you coming back for more. Thanks for sharing your love so passionately—I’m right there with you craving another bite already! 🍨✨
Carmella
OMG how did you not completely DEVOUR these while you were taking the pictures? Looks sooooo good
Munchkin Time
Omg, I am so glad to hear this Carmella! Thank you so much for sharing this awesome affogato recipe review! You are the best!