Affogato with Ice Cream
Affogato with ice cream is a simple Italian dessert that combines a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato with a shot of hot, freshly brewed espresso. The name 'affogato' literally means 'drowned' in Italian, describing the ice cream being submerged in the coffee. It's a beloved treat that blurs the line between a beverage and a dessert.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in both fat and sugar, primarily from the ice cream, while the espresso contributes minimal calories. It provides a quick energy boost from carbohydrates and sugar, along with some calcium from the dairy and antioxidants from the coffee.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 4.5 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
| Phosphorus | 100 mg |
| Vitamin A | 80 mcg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
Per 1 serving (approximately 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The affogato is a perfect example of culinary contrast, playing hot against cold and bitter against sweet. Nutritionally, it's an interesting study in balance: the caffeine in the espresso can temporarily boost metabolism and alertness, while the fat and protein in the ice cream slow the absorption of sugar, potentially moderating the energy spike.
