Affogato

Affogato is a simple Italian dessert that translates to 'drowned' in English, consisting of a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream 'drowned' in a shot of hot, freshly brewed espresso. It's a classic treat that beautifully contrasts the hot, bitter coffee with the cold, sweet creaminess of the gelato, creating a delightful sensory experience.

🍳 View the full Affogato recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily high in carbohydrates and fat, with minimal protein, coming mainly from the sugar and dairy in the gelato. A typical serving contains roughly 200-300 calories, providing a quick energy boost along with some calcium and antioxidants from the coffee.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	150 kcal
Protein	3 g
Carbs	18 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	16 g
Sodium	60 mg
Calcium	100 mg
Potassium	200 mg
Phosphorus	90 mg
Vitamin A	80 IU
Vitamin D	1.5 mcg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.15 mg
Cobalamin (B12)	0.3 mcg
Magnesium	15 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the affogato is a perfect example of Italy's minimalist culinary philosophy, where a few high-quality ingredients are combined to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Nutritionally, it's an interesting paradox—offering a comforting, indulgent treat that also delivers a functional dose of caffeine.