Get ready to revolutionize your dessert game with this Italian Affogato Ice Cream. It's a creamy, caffeinated dream that'll make you wonder why you ever settled for plain old vanilla.
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Affogato means “drowned” in Italian, which perfectly describes this dessert—vanilla ice cream is drowned in hot espresso. It’s a classic Italian treat often enjoyed as a dessert or an afternoon pick-me-up. I used my go-to vanilla dessert and paired it with my favorite Nespresso coffee for the perfect blend of creamy and robust flavors. You can also use coconut ice cream if you'd like it dairy-free.
Growing up, I thought affogato was a fancy dessert only found in Italian restaurants. But guess what? It’s super easy to make at home! Whether you're entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this recipe brings the Italian café vibe straight to your kitchen.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- Simple yet sophisticated: Combines basic ingredients for an elegant dessert.
- Customizable: Adjust sweetness, coffee strength, and toppings to suit your taste.
- Quick to prepare: Minimal prep time with the Ninja Creami.
- Coffee lover’s dream: Highlights the bold and aromatic flavor of espresso.
What is Affogato?
Affogato is an Italian dessert that combines gelato with hot espresso. Traditionally, it's made with vanilla gelato, which melts into the coffee, creating a creamy, rich blend of sweet and bitter.
This dessert is often served in Italian cafés as a simple yet elegant treat. It’s a favorite among coffee enthusiasts who enjoy the contrast of hot and cold, sweet and bitter, in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess. Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Half and Half: Provides a balanced texture without making it too heavy. Use whole milk if needed.
- Cottage Cheese: Gives a smooth texture, mild flavor and protein boost. Cream cheese can work as a substitute.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and a creamy texture. Adjust the amount if you prefer less sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds classic vanilla flavor. Use vanilla bean paste for a richer taste.
- Espresso or Strong Coffee: Drown your cold treat with your favorite brew. Use decaf if you’re avoiding caffeine.
Substitution and Addition
- Milk Alternatives: Swap half and half for almond or oat milk for a lighter texture.
- Sweetener Substitutes: Use honey, agave, or stevia instead of sweetened condensed milk.
How to Make Affogato Ice Cream?
- In a Vitamix blender, combine heavy cream, half and half, cottage cheese, condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the ice cream base into the Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for at least 24 hours.
- Once frozen, insert the pint into the Ninja Creami and select the "Ice Cream" function. Allow it to churn until smooth.
- Make the Affogato: Scoop into a serving glass or bowl. Brew a fresh shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee and pour it over.
💪🏼Make It High Protein
- Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the mixture.
👍🏼Make It Less Sugar
- Opt for sugar-free condensed milk.
- Sweeten with monk fruit or stevia instead of traditional sugar.
Topping and Mix-in Suggestions
- Chocolate Shavings: Adds a touch of decadence and a little extra sweetness.
- Cocoa Nibs: Adds a deep, chocolatey crunch without extra sweetness.
- Crushed Amaretti Cookies: Adds a crunchy texture and almond flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee.
- Chopped Nuts: Chopped Hazelnuts, walnuts or almonds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: For a sweeter, richer twist, drizzle caramel sauce on top.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavors and adds a savory contrast.
Variations
- Hazelnut Affogato: Add a splash of hazelnut syrup to the base.
- Chocolate Affogato: Mix cocoa powder into the base and top with chocolate shavings.
- Mocha Affogato: Combine espresso with a hint of chocolate syrup for a mocha flavor.
- Caramel Affogato: Use caramel sauce in the base and drizzle more on top.
- Decaf Affogato: Use decaf coffee for a late-night treat without the caffeine buzz.
- Spiced Affogato: Add cinnamon and nutmeg for a holiday-inspired flavor.
Equipment
- Ninja Deluxe 11-in-1 Frozen Treat Maker: The star of the show, perfect for creating smooth treat!
- Blender: To blend the ingredients into a silky base.
- Pint Container: The pint container is essential for freezing and churning your mix.
Top tip
- Use Fresh Espresso: Brew your espresso just before serving for the best flavor.
- Chill Your Bowl: Use a chilled bowl to keep your treat from melting too quickly.
- Experiment with Coffee: Try different coffee beans or roasts to customize the flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Freeze Time: Allow the base to freeze for a full 24 hours for optimal texture.
FAQs
Yes, you can use store-bought vanilla ice cream for a quick affogato. Just add your espresso and enjoy!
Use your favorite espresso or strong coffee. For a traditional taste, opt for Italian espresso.
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream and half and half with coconut cream and coconut milk, and use dairy-free ice cream.
Yes, flavored coffee like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut can add an extra layer of flavor to your affogato.
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Recipe Card
Ninja Creami Italian Affogato Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker
- 1 Ninja Creami Pint Container
Ingredients
Vanilla Ice Cream
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Half and half
- ½ cup Cottage Cheese
- ½ cup Condensed Milk
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
Affogato
- ½ cup Espresso or Strong brewed coffee
Instructions
- In a Vitamix blender, combine heavy cream, half and half, cottage cheese, condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the ice cream base into the Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for at least 24 hours.
- Once frozen, insert the pint into the Ninja Creami and select the "Ice Cream" function. Allow it to churn until smooth and creamy.
- Scoop the ice cream into a serving glass or bowl. Brew a fresh shot of espresso or strong coffee and pour it over the ice cream.
- Enjoy your affogato as the hot espresso melts into the cold ice cream, creating a luscious, creamy dessert.
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Notes
- Use Fresh Espresso: Brew your espresso just before serving for the best flavor.
- Chill Your Bowl: Use a chilled bowl to keep the ice cream from melting too quickly.
- Experiment with Coffee: Try different coffee beans or roasts to customize the flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Freeze Time: Allow the ice cream to freeze for a full 24 hours for optimal texture.
Thank you for your feedback 😊