Affogato – the ultimate Italian summer dessert! This easy coffee drink or dessert is bound to become a favorite! For my salted caramel affogato recipe, you’ll need strong coffee or espresso, caramel sauce, and vanilla ice cream. Originally made with just espresso poured over vanilla ice cream, my version amps up the flavor even more!! I love to use my homemade caramel sauce and occasionally some flavored liqueurs.  I like to add a few splashes of Kahlua coffee rum liqueur, or sweet and creamy Bailey’s Irish Cream.

Watch My Affogato Video Tutorial!

Watch my YouTube video recipe for all the details and step-by-step instructions for making this caramel affogato dessert. Want to receive new recipe emails? Make sure to subscribe to my website emailing list and my YouTube channel and turn on notifications!

Ingredients for Caramel Affogato

You’ll love how EASY it is to make this Italian dessert recipe! You’ll need just a few ingredients:

• Coffee: strong brewed coffee or espresso will work well. This drink is traditionally made with espresso but since not everyone has an espresso machine at home, strong brewed coffee will also work well. Regular or decaf will both work great!
• Caramel: I like to use my ‘Homemade Caramel Sauce’ but store-bought caramel will also work well.
• Ice Cream: for this caramel affogato recipe, I used salted caramel ice cream and vanilla bean ice cream.
• Dessert Liqueurs (optional): if you want a little something extra, add a shot of Irish Cream or Kahlua to your affogato dessert!

Supplies & Tools

Need some supplies to make this ice cream dessert at home? You can get them here using my Amazon affiliate links. Using these links won’t cost you extra and I’ll earn a small commission.

• These glass coffee cups are perfect for serving affogato!
• Get ready to spoon up ice cream all summer long with this amazing ice cream scoop that softens your ice cream instantly!
• Use this simple French press for making delicious coffee!

Easy, Homemade Caramel Sauce

I love to use my easy ‘Homemade Caramel Sauce’ for making this caramel affogato recipe. Store-bought caramel will also work well. This homemade caramel will keep well in the refrigerator for weeks! Here’s how to make it:

1. Combine 1 cup of sugar with 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan and do not stir! Cook the sugar over medium high heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until the sugar caramelizes into a golden color.
2. Once the syrup caramelizes, add the butter and whisk until melted. Add the heavy cream next and mix again; the sauce will foam up – take care that it doesn’t run over.
3. Remove the caramel sauce from the heat and add the salt and vanilla extract. Allow the sauce to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then pour into a glass mason jar for keeping.

How to Make Caramel Affogato

Here’s how to make this quick and easy summer dessert:

1. Start with the coffee. Prepare several shots of espresso or brew extra-strong coffee using a French press or coffee machine. Keep the coffee hot.
2. Add 2 scoops of caramel or vanilla (or both) ice cream into a glass coffee cup or parfait tray. If desired, pour 1 tablespoon of liqueur over the ice cream. Drizzle with the caramel sauce.
3. Once the coffee is ready, add 1 to 2 shots per cup, about 1/4 cup. Garnish with waffle cookie, if desired. Serve immediately.

Perfect for Summer!

I love to order this Italian dessert drink wherever I can, especially if the shop has caramel ice cream! Many cafes have affogato on their menus, especially during summer! It’s a great way to end the evening – a cooling dessert and drink in one! If you haven’t tried this yet, you’re seriously missing out! Try serving this coffee drink as a dessert bar, allowing everyone to make their own unique version!

More Recipes!

Enjoyed this easy and delicious summer dessert? Check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to love!

• White Chocolate Raspberry Ice Cream – get ready for the best berry ice cream, with raspberry swirls, cookies and chocolate!
• My ‘Caramel Coffee Ice Cream’ is a great choice for summer, too! Made with chunks of chocolate and swirls of caramel!
• Iced Thai Coffee – the most delicious and refreshing coffee drink with a sweetened condensed milk syrup!
• Maple White Russian – you’ll love this creamy coffee cocktail sweetened with pure maple syrup!

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