This mocha affogato is one of those treats that’s so simple but feels totally fancy.
We’re talking about creamy vanilla ice cream, hot espresso, and a little swirl of melted chocolate.
That’s it! It takes 5 minutes to make, and it tastes like a dessert you’d get at a café in Italy.
Let’s dive into it — no fancy tools, no complicated steps. Just a few delicious things coming together in one magical, melty, coffee-chocolate dessert.
🍫 Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to when I want something impressive with zero effort. I first had affogato in a tiny Italian café while traveling, and it was love at first spoonful. I’ve been hooked ever since — and adding mocha? Game-changer.
Here’s why it’s always a win:
- Takes 5 minutes, no baking required
- Hot + cold = heaven in your mouth
- Easy to scale up for guests
- You only need 3 things!
- You can customize it a ton (see variations below!)
👩🍳 What You’ll Need
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1 shot (1 oz) fresh hot espresso
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate, melted
- Optional: whipped cream, cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for topping
👌 Pro Tips
- Use high-quality vanilla ice cream — it makes a big difference in flavor.
- Melt the chocolate just before serving so it stays pourable.
- Brew your espresso fresh! Instant espresso works too, but fresh gives better flavor.
- Chill your serving glass first — it helps slow down the melt.
- Serve immediately after pouring the espresso — affogato waits for no one!
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Espresso maker or strong coffee
- Ice cream scoop
- Small microwave-safe bowl
- Serving glass or bowl
- Spoon
🔁 Substitutions and Variations
- No espresso machine? Use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso
- No vanilla ice cream? Try chocolate, hazelnut, or coffee ice cream
- Dairy-free? Use coconut or oat milk ice cream and dairy-free chocolate
- Extra fancy? Add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or Bailey’s
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
- You can pre-scoop the ice cream and freeze the scoops on a tray. That way you can assemble fast.
- Melt the chocolate ahead and keep it warm in a thermos or insulated cup.
🍽️ Instructions
Step 1: Scoop the Ice Cream
Place 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into a chilled glass or bowl.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 tablespoon of dark chocolate in 15-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
Step 3: Brew Your Espresso
Brew 1 fresh shot (1 oz) of hot espresso. You want it strong and steaming.
Step 4: Assemble and Pour
Pour the hot espresso over the ice cream. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top.
Step 5: Add Optional Toppings
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Honestly? This is a “serve and enjoy right away” kind of dessert. But if you have melted chocolate left, store it in a sealed container and reheat gently.
🍫 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The hot espresso melts the ice cream just enough to create a creamy, coffee-flavored sauce. The melted chocolate thickens slightly when it hits the cold ice cream, making it feel richer. It’s a contrast of temperature and texture — and your taste buds love that kind of thing.
🧮 Servings & Cook Time
- Servings: 1 (easy to scale up!)
- Time: 5 minutes total
Macros (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 24g
- Sugar: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
🍴 Meal Plan Ideas
- Dessert after a pasta night
- Mid-afternoon pick-me-up with friends
- Fancy treat after brunch
- Date night dessert with a little Kahlúa mixed in
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Pouring cold espresso: it won’t melt the ice cream right
- Letting it sit too long before serving
- Using low-quality ice cream — it just won’t taste the same
- Skipping the melted chocolate: it really ties it together
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Biscotti or ladyfingers
- A glass of cold milk or iced coffee
- Shortbread cookies on the side
- A tiny square of dark chocolate
❓FAQ
Can I use decaf espresso?
Yes! Same flavor, no caffeine buzz.
What’s the best chocolate to use?
Dark chocolate, around 70%, works best. Semi-sweet is great too.
Can I make this for a crowd?
Totally. Pre-scoop your ice cream and line up your glasses, then assemble quickly.
What if I don’t have espresso?
Strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder works too — just keep it hot.
🥄 That’s It!
This mocha affogato is your new lazy-day, fancy-feeling dessert. Give it a try and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out — or ask a question if anything’s unclear! I’d love to hear what twist you put on it.