Easy Affogato Recipe: How to Make a Homemade Affogato

Affogato al caffè, or affogato for short, is an Italian dessert consisting of a shot of espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or [gelato](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-authentic-italian-gelato). The word “affogato” means “drowned” in Italian. When the hot espresso hits the cold ice cream, the dessert melts and forms a [latte](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-latte)-like mix of espresso and cream. Provided you have an espresso machine, affogato is one of the easiest desserts to prepare. Follow these steps to make this elegant dessert at home: 1. __Prepare your tools__. Place a serving glass in the freezer and submerge an ice cream scoop in hot water. 2. __Make the coffee__. Prepare one shot of espresso using an espresso machine or moka pot. (Alternatively, use strong brewed coffee.) 3. __Scoop the gelato__. Use the hot ice cream scoop to spoon a generous scoop of fior di latte or vanilla gelato into the chilled glass. 4. __Pour the espresso__. Pour the shot of hot espresso over the gelato and enjoy immediately. Once you've mastered the traditional affogato, try these variations: 1. __Affogato con liquore__: In Italy, gelato affogato con liquore (drowned gelato with liqueur) is a popular dessert. It traditionally features liqueur such as [amaretto](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-amaretto) or crème de menthe in place of coffee. Still, you can also make it with a mix of coffee and liqueur, like Frangelico or Kahlua. 2. __Nutty affogato__: Garnish your affogato with toasted, crushed hazelnuts or almonds for texture and flavor. 3. __Affogato with cookies__: Tuck [biscotti](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-almond-biscotti) into the side of your affogato or crumble amaretti cookies on top for a sweet crunch. Add ladyfingers to bring the flavor of [tiramisu](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tiramisu-recipe) to your affogato. 4. __Mocha affogato__: If you love the combination of coffee and chocolate, try making your affogato with chocolate gelato, or garnish your affogato with dark chocolate shavings. Become a better chef with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Gordon Ramsay, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Dominique Ansel, Yotam Ottolenghi, Alice Waters, and more. If you have an espresso machine at home, a classic affogato is a simple weeknight dessert.