Affogato al Caffè

Ingredient Spotlight

Vanilla gelato (or high-quality vanilla ice cream)

Gelato is an Italian-style frozen dessert that’s churned more slowly and served at a slightly warmer temperature than American ice cream, giving it a denser, silkier texture and often a more intense flavor with less fat. Its flavor profile is similar to vanilla ice cream but typically richer and smoother. Find it at gelaterias, specialty grocery freezers, or upscale ice cream brands; a good-quality vanilla ice cream is an acceptable substitute.

Ingredient Spotlight

Amaretti or biscotti (for serving)

Amaretti are traditional Italian almond cookies (made from almonds or apricot kernels) with a distinct bitter-almond aroma and either a crunchy or chewy texture, while biscotti are twice-baked Italian cookies made for dipping. Both are classic accompaniments to espresso-based desserts like affogato but amaretti in particular may be unfamiliar to some U.S. cooks. Look for them in the cookie/bakery aisle, Italian groceries, or bakeries; substitute almond biscotti, plain biscotti, or crisp almond cookies if you can’t find amaretti.

Ingredient Spotlight

Flaky sea salt (optional)

Flaky sea salt (e.g., Maldon or similar) is a light, flaky finishing salt with delicate, crunchy crystals and a clean briny taste that enhances texture and flavor when sprinkled on desserts. It differs from table or kosher salt in crystal structure and mouthfeel and is used sparingly as a finishing touch. You can find it in the spice or specialty salt section of grocery stores; if unavailable, use a small pinch of fleur de sel or, more coarsely, kosher salt as a substitute, though the texture will differ.