Few desserts strike the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence like affogato. This iconic Italian treat, which literally means “drowned” in Italian, is made by pouring hot espresso over cold, creamy gelato. The result is a dreamy fusion of bold coffee and sweet, melting vanilla—making affogato the perfect dessert for coffee lovers.
Table of Contents
In 2025, as coffee culture continues to thrive globally, affogato has evolved from a café delicacy into a home favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself after a long day, making affogato at home is easier than you think—and incredibly satisfying.
What Is Affogato?
Affogato is a traditional Italian dessert that combines two ingredients: a scoop of vanilla gelato and a shot of hot espresso. The contrast between the cold gelato and the hot coffee creates a beautiful blend of temperatures, textures, and flavors.
While the classic version sticks to vanilla and espresso, creative spins on the dessert are trending in 2025. From adding liqueurs and flavored syrups to swapping in alternative ice creams like pistachio, coconut, or oat milk gelato, affogato is as customizable as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of affogato lies in its simplicity. To make the classic version, you’ll need just two ingredients:
- 1 scoop of high-quality vanilla gelato or ice cream
- 1 shot (about 1 ounce or 30 ml) of freshly brewed hot espresso
If you don’t have an espresso machine, a strong brew from a Moka pot, AeroPress, or even high-concentration instant espresso powder can work in a pinch.
Optional additions include:
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
- Liqueurs like amaretto, Kahlúa, or Baileys
- Crushed biscotti or almond cookies
- Sea salt or caramel drizzle
- Dairy-free or flavored gelato alternatives
How to Make Affogato: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Espresso
Start by brewing your espresso fresh. Since affogato relies on the contrast between hot and cold, your coffee should be piping hot when poured over the gelato. Use your espresso machine, stovetop Moka pot, or an AeroPress to get a strong and aromatic shot.
If you don’t have espresso gear, a concentrated coffee made with a French press or capsule machine will also work. The goal is to brew a rich, bold shot that cuts through the sweetness of the ice cream.
Step 2: Scoop the Gelato
Scoop one generous round of vanilla gelato or ice cream into a small serving glass or bowl. A chilled glass enhances the contrast between the hot espresso and the cold dessert, keeping your affogato from melting too quickly.
Vanilla is traditional, but in 2025, many people are experimenting with flavors like hazelnut, dark chocolate, salted caramel, or dairy-free options like oat milk or cashew-based gelato.
Step 3: Pour the Espresso
Immediately after brewing, pour the hot espresso directly over the gelato. Aim to pour in a steady stream right over the center of the scoop. The gelato will begin to melt, creating a luscious, coffee-infused cream pool at the bottom of the glass.
Enjoy the visual moment—this is part of the affogato experience. The aroma of espresso mingling with sweet cream is almost as delicious as the taste.
Step 4: Add Optional Toppings
Affogato is perfect on its own, but a few creative touches can take it to the next level. In 2025, popular additions include:
- A splash of liqueur like amaretto for an adult twist
- Cocoa nibs or shaved dark chocolate for texture
- A pinch of sea salt to balance sweetness
- Espresso powder dusting for extra intensity
- Whipped coconut cream for a vegan-friendly upgrade
Experiment with your favorite flavor combinations to personalize your affogato.
Best Gelato Flavors for Affogato in 2025
While vanilla remains the gold standard, these flavors are trending among affogato lovers this year:
- Salted Caramel – adds a sweet and savory depth
- Hazelnut or Gianduja – a nutty pairing with coffee
- Coconut or Oat Milk Vanilla – great dairy-free alternatives
- Espresso Chip – for double the coffee kick
- Pistachio – uniquely Italian and beautifully green
Try mixing and matching to find your perfect flavor combo.
Serving Tips
- Use clear glass cups to show off the melt-and-mix magic
- Chill your serving cups in the freezer for 10 minutes before plating
- Serve immediately after pouring to capture the best texture contrast
- If making for a group, brew espresso last to keep it hot
Affogato is best served fresh. Once the espresso hits the gelato, the clock is ticking on its perfect texture.
Can You Make Affogato Without an Espresso Machine?
Absolutely. If you don’t have an espresso machine, try one of these alternatives:
- Moka Pot – the stovetop espresso maker is a classic Italian tool
- AeroPress – make a strong, espresso-style shot in under 2 minutes
- French Press – brew a stronger-than-usual ratio for a bold flavor
- Instant Espresso – use high-quality powder for a quick fix
As long as your coffee is hot, concentrated, and flavorful, it will do the trick.
Is Affogato Served as Dessert or Coffee?
Both! That’s the beauty of affogato. It’s light enough to serve as a post-dinner pick-me-up and rich enough to satisfy a dessert craving. In Italy, affogato is often enjoyed in the late afternoon or after a meal in place of dessert and coffee separately.
In 2025, many modern cafés offer affogato flights or dessert-style coffee menus, showing that the lines between food and drink continue to blur.
Final Thoughts
Affogato is one of the easiest, most luxurious coffee desserts you can make at home. With just two ingredients and under five minutes of prep, you get a velvety, elegant treat that impresses guests and delights your taste buds. It’s proof that great coffee can be dessert, and dessert can be incredibly simple.
As coffee culture expands in 2025, affogato continues to stand the test of time. Whether you keep it traditional with vanilla and espresso or jazz it up with bold flavors and toppings, affogato is always a delicious celebration of contrast, comfort, and caffeinated joy.
