Affogato (ice cream and coffee dessert)

Affogato ice cream and coffee dessert is a simple Italian dessert which can be prepared in just a few minutes.

It is delicious in its most simple form but you can add your own touches with toppings such as honeycomb, fudge or broken amaretti biscuits. You could also try a dash of rum, brandy or Tia Maria in the coffee to add a touch of luxury. The quantities in this affogato recipe are for a single serving which should be increased for the number of servings you wish to prepare.

For other quick and easy no bake dessert ideas you may also like to try lemon mousse or white chocolate mousse with raspberries.

Ingredients for affogato

• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• A double shot of espresso or strong filter coffee (warm)
• 2 teaspoons dark chocolate shavings
• Chocolate batons to decorate

Equipment needed

• Serving glass, cup or small bowl
• Ice cream scoop

Preparation

The affogato should be assembled immediately before serving so it is a good idea to have the chocolate shavings and any other additions you wish to use ready beforehand.

How to make affogato

Place two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a dessert glass, cup or small bowl.

Pour the warm espresso over the ice cream. If you plan to serve your affogato dessert in a glass make sure the coffee is not too hot.

Add the chocolate shavings and batons to decorate plus any other toppings you wish to use.

Serve your ice cream and coffee dessert immediately.

Tips

1. As this dessert should be served immediately I recommend you have all the ingredients ready before assembling.
2. Try adding other toppings such as chopped fudge, honeycomb, chopped nuts or broken amaretti biscuits to create your own variations. If using chopped nuts consider using toasted nuts as they have more flavour. You can either buy them ready toasted or you can toast them yourself in a pan over a low heat.
3. Or you could add a drop of alcohol such as rum, brandy or Tia Maria to the coffee before pouring over the ice cream to make a more sophisticated version of this dessert.