Coffee with ice cream: the perfect dessert for coffee lovers
Do you like coffee desserts? Then you have to try coffee with ice cream ! It is a preparation that combines the warmth of coffee with the creaminess of ice cream. Without a doubt, it is perfect for a sweet touch after the meal. Learn how to prepare it here.
What is coffee with ice cream ?
This simple yet spectacular dessert, also known as affogato , consists of a scoop of ice cream topped with hot espresso . In Spanish, the word affogato means “drowned.” The name refers to the scoop of ice cream drowned or covered in espresso . Its origin dates back to Milan, Italy, where coffee lovers were looking for ways to enjoy their favorite drink in innovative ways. Thus, they found in this preparation the perfect union between espresso and gelato , two basic elements of Italian cuisine (Rojo, 2020).
Although originally a simple dessert, coffee with ice cream has evolved quite a bit. Today, there are countless variations to suit all tastes, from the most traditional to those that include liquor or different flavours of ice cream. In addition, it has become popular especially in the main coffee- consuming countries . As coffee lovers are always looking to experiment with its flavours and textures, the combination of temperatures and flavours of affogato transforms the usual coffee into a new experience for the palate.
How to make coffee with ice cream at home?
Its preparation requires practice. However, one of its great advantages is that its ingredients are very common and easy to find anywhere. This makes it an accessible dessert that can be prepared at home. Below, we explain the essential steps to make a perfect coffee with ice cream in the comfort of your own home.
1. Select a good espresso
The first step is choosing the coffee. The base of this preparation is espresso , so investing in high-quality beans will make a difference in the final result. There are many types of coffee that are ideal for this. Mainly, those that result in a stronger and more aromatic drink are usually used to favor the contrast with the sweetness of the ice cream. When preparing it, make sure that the water is between 92 and 96 °C. This helps to extract all the aromatic compounds without burning the coffee (Stanley-Foreman, 2023).
2. Choose the flavor of ice cream
When making coffee with ice cream, the second crucial step is choosing the ice cream. Although the traditional flavor is vanilla or cream, there are no limits when it comes to experimenting with other options. Depending on your preferences, you could try chocolate, coffee, or caramel ice cream. It is even possible to choose more daring options, such as mint or pistachio.
The key is to choose a flavor that complements the espresso well without overpowering its intensity. For this reason, neutral flavors such as vanilla work best. However, if you like to innovate, don't hesitate to try fruity or spicy flavors.
3. The moment of preparing the coffee with ice cream
Once you have your espresso and ice cream, it's time for the magic! The preparation process is simpler than it seems. However, knowing the step-by-step will help you ensure it is delicious and visually appealing:
- Chill the containers: Before serving, chill the glasses or bowls where you will place the ice cream. This will prevent it from melting too quickly when you add the hot espresso . This will allow you to enjoy the fusion of textures of coffee and ice cream for longer.
- Serving size: Place one or two scoops of ice cream in the center of the glass or bowl. For a professional presentation, use an ice cream scoop to ensure the scoops are round. If you're using homemade ice cream, avoid handling it too much to keep it from losing its texture.
- Prepare the espresso on the spot: Once the ice cream is in the glass, prepare the espresso just before pouring it. The coffee should be hot enough to partially melt the ice cream. This way, both flavors blend together and create the unique experience.
- Add the espresso : Pour the espresso slowly and in a stream over the ice cream. Make sure to cover most of the ice cream so that the heat melts the outer layer. This creates a creamy mixture at the bottom of the glass. At the same time, the centre of the ice cream remains solid and slowly melts.
4. Add a personal touch to your coffee with ice cream
Once you pour the espresso over the ice cream, you can customize your dessert with some additional ingredients. For example:
- Sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder on top.
- Add a splash of liqueur, such as amaretto or Baileys.
- Decorate with grated chocolate pieces or nuts.
Variations and accompaniments
Coffee with ice cream is a versatile dessert. While it never hurts to try the original version, you can also experiment with variations. For example:
- Irish Coffee : Add a dash of whiskey to espresso for a touch of warmth and robust flavor. The result is a warm combination with deep, robust notes, reminiscent of classic Irish coffee.
- Spices: If you prefer a milder, more aromatic flavor profile, you can add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of vanilla to your espresso . This will give it a spicy flavor that will perfectly complement the sweetness of the ice cream.
- Chocolate: Who can resist chocolate? Adding chocolate syrup or cream to affogato is one way to make this dessert even more irresistible. Of course, it will taste sweeter. If you prefer a more bitter taste, you can opt for a chocolate version with 70% cocoa or more.
You can also accompany your dessert with some delicious toppings. For example, cookies, nuts or pieces of fresh fruit. You can even think about accompanying it with a small, smooth American coffee during your afternoon snack.
Making and enjoying an coffee with ice cream is an experience that goes beyond just eating. It's a ritual that you can share with your loved ones or enjoy alone. As the ice cream melts and mixes with the coffee, the flavors evolve on your palate and create a perfect balance between the warmth of the espresso and the smoothness of the ice cream. Whether you opt for the classic version or dare to try it with liqueurs or spices, this preparation is a delight that never goes out of style. It's the perfect option to give yourself a little luxury at any time of the day!