I’m A Food Editor–This is My Favorite Two-Ingredient Dessert
Affogato
If you're a dessert lover like me then you know the scene: It's after dinner and you need something sweet but you don't have a cake baked and the cookie jar is full of nothing but crumbs. Sure, you could scavenge through your pantry and fridge eating sample-size servings of a bunch of sweets you've got around and call it a night, but I've got a better idea. If you have ice cream and coffee, you can make an affogato, a classic Italian dessert, in seconds. Here's what you need to know.
Related: 31 Different Types of Coffee Drinks, Explained
What is an Affogato?
Translating to gelato "drowned" in espresso in Italian, the affogato is a simple dessert that has a lot going for it. For starters, it's so easy to make. Depending on your at-home coffee set-up, the hardest part might be acquiring an espresso shot—but more on that later. The Italian dessert also transforms as you eat it. It starts as a coffee-kissed ice cream sundae and ends as a creamy chilled coffee—two treats in one. Best of all, the affogato is just right, offering a perfect dose of both caffeine and sugar in one cup.
In Italian culture, affogatos are typically enjoyed after dinner but I've also made one for an afternoon pick-me-up and sometimes even in place of my morning iced coffee! Ultimately, it's coffee, cream and sugar, a trio that's welcome any time of day.
Related: The Pantry Item That Will Make Your Homemade Iced Coffee Taste Like It Came From Starbucks
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How to Make an Affogato
To make this caffeinated dessert, follow this easy-peasy recipe: add two scoops of vanilla ice cream or gelato to a glass or bowl. If you have the presence of mind to chill the bowl or glass, that's ideal, but that's not a have-to step. Pull a double shot of espresso, or if you don't have an espresso machine at home, grab a shot from your neighborhood coffee shop. If neither of those are options (or you're just not in the mood to leave the house), you can use a small amount of strongly brewed coffee in place of the espresso.
Gently and slowly pour the espresso over the ice cream. Let the ice cream melt slightly, and dig in with a spoon just as the pools of cream intermingle with coffee. Some traditional affogato recipes also include a splash of liqueur (amaretto, rum, Kahlua, etc.) but I don't drink alcohol and l find complete satisfaction from the two-ingredient version. Feel free to experiment with a boozy version if that speaks to you.
The true beauty of the affogato, in my opinion, lies in how you can choose your own dessert adventure. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for garnish and added flavor. And while vanilla is the classic ice cream or gelato flavor for this dessert, you can play around with other flavors, like chocolate or coffee.
