The Italian affogato is a dessert that embodies wonderful simplicity, and when paired with hazelnut biscuits, it offers a sweet contrast of temperatures and textures that feels decadent without requiring hours of preparation. This dessert is a perfect addition to any summer recipe lineup and can round out any al fresco meal.
It’s an airy, refreshing end to a warm evening or a lovely lift during a summer afternoon, as the coffee and ice cream do most of the work and the toasted, nutty shortbread adds a satisfying bite. The combination of hot and cold elements makes it a unique and enjoyable treat.
Preparing the Affogato
To make this dessert, you’ll need 4 freshly brewed espresso shots and 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream. For the biscuits, you’ll need 75g hazelnuts, 50g caster sugar, 105g plain flour, and 115g cold unsalted butter.
Preheat the oven to 175°C and toast the hazelnuts for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Allow them to cool, then rub between your hands to remove most of the skins. Place the toasted hazelnuts and sugar into a food processor and blend until finely ground.
Assembling the Dessert
Add the flour and salt, then pulse to combine. Add the butter and process until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two logs using parchment paper to help shape them. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes or the fridge for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 160°C. Slice the dough into thin rounds and place onto lined baking trays, leaving space between each biscuit. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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Brew a shot of espresso using an espresso machine or stovetop coffee maker. Scoop vanilla ice cream into a serving glass or cup. Pour the hot espresso over the ice cream and serve immediately. Serve with hazelnut biscuits on the side.
This cold delight deserves a beautiful display, so dress your best tableware to accompany your dessert. The finest glass or ceramic dessert bowls are ideal for retaining cold and showcasing your amazing layers of espresso and melted ice cream.
For an alfresco gathering, small styling details make all the difference to your table layout. Bringing your hot espresso to the table in a sleek, barista-style pitcher gives guests the fun of pouring the rich coffee over their ice cream themselves.
In practice, this dessert is perfect for hosts who want to impress their guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The affogato’s simplicity and elegance make it a great choice for any summer gathering, and its unique combination of hot and cold elements is sure to be a hit with guests.
The sweet occasion doesn’t have to be at the end of a meal – it works equally well as an unhurried treat during the afternoon in the garden and as part of your weekend celebrations. You can also try other coffee-based desserts, such as tiramisu, or savoury bakes like a Mediterranean vegetable and goat’s cheese galette, and consider perfecting your kitchen setup for a seamless entertaining experience.