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The dessert, Mediterranean

Affogato

An affogato is an Italian dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream drowned in hot espresso, for 6 people. It takes 15 minutes of active work, everything comes together at the very last minute when serving, for a very easy difficulty level and a cost of €1.60 per person. The key to success is timing, the coffee needs to be poured scalding hot right before sitting down.

An affogato, a scoop of vanilla ice cream drowned in a scalding hot espresso, with a small glass of amaretto on the side.

Affogato
For
6 people
Work
15 min
Total time
25 min
Prep
Finished at the last minute
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€1.60
Calories per person
270 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach

An affogato plays on a single contrast, the cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream against the bitter heat of espresso poured over it, melting it slowly as you dig in. Grated chocolate adds a bit of crunch, and the small glass of amaretto on the side gives an almond note for anyone who wants to linger over coffee a little longer. It's a spoon dessert, textures blending together as you go.

It's the ideal way to close a dinner party without spending another hour in the kitchen, or to end a family meal that was already generous without weighing it down further. It works year round, just as well after a winter raclette as after a light summer dinner, and still leaves room for a regular coffee or a digestif afterward.

The schedule

What happens when, so you can be with your guests instead of in the kitchen.

  1. The day before Nothing to do
  2. The same day Nothing to do
  3. Before the guests arrive 3 steps, 10 min
  4. When it's time to serve 2 steps

Everything happens right before guests arrive, glasses in the freezer, scoops shaped ahead of time, grated chocolate and amaretto poured into their small glasses. When it's time to serve, brew the espressos two or three at a time so they stay hot, then pour the coffee over the ice cream in front of your guests, that's the only move that matters.

The ingredients

6 people

Frozen foods

  • Vanilla ice cream 75 cl

Pantry

  • Espresso pods 6
  • Amaretto 12 cl
  • Dark chocolate 30 g

Allergens Lactose, Eggs

The recipe, moment by moment

Before the guests arriveThe last hour, right before the doorbell rings.

  1. Put six glasses or clear cups in the freezer.

    A frosted glass keeps the ice cream firm longer.

  2. Shape six scoops of vanilla ice cream with a spoon run under hot water, then put them back on a tray in the freezer. 10 min

    Shape the scoops ahead of time, you'll spend more time with your guests.

  3. Grate a little dark chocolate and pour the amaretto into six small glasses.

    Serve the amaretto at room temperature, it keeps its almond scent.

When it's time to serveThe final touches, right in front of your guests.

  1. Brew the six espressos right when you're ready to serve.

    Brew them two or three at a time, coffee that sits loses its crema.

  2. Place a scoop in each glass, pour the hot espresso over it and add the grated chocolate.

    Pour the coffee in front of your guests, that's the whole show of this dessert.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick a creamy vanilla ice cream rather than a very hard one, it will melt more evenly against the hot coffee.
  • Use thick walled glasses or cups if you don't have freezer space to frost them, they'll hold the cold longer at the table.
  • Set out the grated chocolate and the amaretto in their containers before guests arrive, so coffee is the only thing left to do at the last minute.

The variations

  • Swap the amaretto for coffee liqueur or hazelnut liqueur if you'd rather pour something else on the side.
  • For an alcohol free version, serve a square of dark chocolate to nibble instead of the small glass of amaretto.
  • For kids, replace the espresso with thick hot chocolate poured over the ice cream, the melting effect stays the same without the caffeine.

What to serve it with

  • A regular coffee to close the meal
  • A few amaretti cookies on the side
  • A light digestif like limoncello

Storage

The ice cream scoops keep for several days in the freezer on a tray, well covered. Never assemble the affogato ahead of time, it needs to be put together and served within the minute.

Questions about this recipe

What kind of coffee should you use for an affogato?

A strong, piping hot espresso works best, whether from a machine or pods. The key is serving it within a minute of brewing so it melts the ice cream just the right amount.

Can you swap the vanilla ice cream for another flavor?

Yes, coffee or caramel ice cream both pair well with the espresso. Avoid very fruity flavors, they clash a bit with the coffee's bitterness.

How should you present an affogato for a dinner party?

Serve it in clear glasses so guests can watch the ice cream melt under the coffee. Grated chocolate adds a simple, effective visual touch.

Can affogato be made for a larger group?

Yes, the recipe scales up easily, you just need enough scoops ready in the freezer ahead of time. Brew the espressos in small batches so everyone gets a properly hot coffee.

Can an affogato be made ahead?

Partly, the finish happens at the last moment. The recipe needs 15 min of work in total, split up like this, before the guests arrive, 3 steps, when it's time to serve, 2 steps.

How long does it take to make an affogato?

Allow 25 min in total, including resting and cooking time, of which 15 min is actual work. The recipe is rated "very easy".

How many calories are in an affogato?

About 270 kcal per person, for a recipe meant for 6 people. The calories are calculated by Kiloach, your kilo coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does an affogato cost?

About €1.60 per person, that's €9.60 for 6 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains lactose, eggs. Remember to ask your guests about their allergies before putting your menu together.

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