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Chocolate and Dessert Coffee

 

# Classic Vanilla Affogato

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

 

Category: [Chocolate and Dessert Coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/chocolate-and-dessert-coffee/)Tags: Affogato Ice Cream Espresso Dessert

 

Active time: approximately 3 minutesYield: 1 serving

 

## Quick answer

Affogato is meant to combine contrasting temperatures and textures: hot espresso begins melting cold ice cream as soon as it is poured. Scoop **the ice cream** into the serving dish first, brew the espresso last, and pour it over just before bringing the dessert to the table.

## Key takeaways

- Affogato is meant to combine contrasting temperatures and textures: hot espresso begins melting cold ice cream as soon as it is poured.

- Place ice cream in a small bowl and pour the hot espresso over it just before serving.

- Vanilla keeps the coffee flavor easy to notice, but the beans and roast still affect the dessert.

 

![Ground coffee in a portafilter beside coffee beans.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/ground-coffee-in-portafilter.avif)

Ground coffee in a portafilter beside coffee beans.

## Ingredients

 

- **30 ml freshly brewed** espresso
 
- **80 g vanilla** ice cream.

 

## Method

 

Place **ice cream** in a small bowl and pour the hot espresso over it just before **serving**.

 

## Choose the coffee and ice cream

 

Vanilla keeps the coffee flavor easy to notice, but **the beans** and roast still affect the dessert. A very bitter espresso can dominate **the ice cream**, while a milder shot may taste softer. Taste the espresso before serving and use coffee you would enjoy on its own.

 

### Serve before it turns to a drink

 

Use a small bowl or **heat-safe glass** with **room** for the espresso and melting ice cream. Eat it with a spoon while some ice cream remains solid. If you prefer more coffee in each bite, stir gently; if you want a clearer contrast, leave the layers as they are. For another espresso-and-dessert pairing, try [tiramisu-inspired coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/chocolate-and-dessert-coffee/tiramisu-inspired-coffee/).

## Set up before brewing

 

Affogato is quick to assemble, so place **the serving** dish and spoon on the table before you pull espresso. Keep the ice cream in **the freezer** until the last moment; a softened scoop melts quickly and can turn the dessert into a thin drink before it reaches the table.

 

### Adjusting the contrast

 

If the espresso overwhelms **the vanilla**, use a smaller pour next time or choose a milder coffee. If the dessert tastes too sweet, serve a more expressive espresso and avoid adding extra toppings. Keep substitutions simple so you can tell whether the coffee or **ice cream** is driving the result.

 

For a slightly different serving, put the scoop in a heat-safe cup and pour **the espresso** at the table. Warn guests that the espresso is hot and the ice cream will melt quickly. Serve immediately rather than preparing several cups in advance.

## A tip for serving

Have **the ice cream** and cup ready before brewing. Pour the espresso at the table so you can enjoy the contrast between cold ice cream and hot coffee.

## Further reading

For background on [**espresso**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [chocolate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate), see Wikipedia.

[Back to Chocolate and Dessert Coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/chocolate-and-dessert-coffee/) 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

This recipe is an editorial starting formulation, not a documented CoffeeJay kitchen test. Adjust flavour and quantities to your ingredients and equipment.

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- [Coffee and Chocolate Milkshake](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/chocolate-and-dessert-coffee/coffee-and-chocolate-milkshake/)

- [Coffee Granita for Two](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/chocolate-and-dessert-coffee/coffee-granita-for-two/)