Pistachio Affogato

This Pistachio Affogato is a fun twist on the traditional Italian version made with pistachio creampistachio ice cream chopped pistachios and a shot of espresso. An easy dessert that takes less than 10 minutes to make and tastes divine!

An affogato is such a classic and quick dessert that we reach for often. Sometimes we'll add grated chocolate on top and sometimes a little splash of liqueur, and we even make an affogato with hot chocolate.

This version, however, may top them all because it uses our favourite flavour, pistachio!

It's made with pistachio cream, pistachio ice cream, chopped pistachios and a shot of espresso. If you're like us, a lover of all things pistachio, then this is the dessert of your dreams.

Ingredient notes

• Pistachio ice cream or gelato – using pistachio ice cream takes the pistachio flavour to another level, but if you can't find it, you can use a good quality vanilla ice cream instead. Alternatively, you can make our homemade pistachio ice cream!
• Pistachio cream – this has become a popular ingredient over the last few years, so we can find this in most supermarkets these days. You should be able to find it in an Italian food store, online, or you can make our homemade pistachio cream.
• Espresso – We drink coffee every day, so we use our Delonghi coffee machine to make an espresso. You can also use a Moka pot or brew a strong coffee. We recommend using 100% arabica coffee if possible, but use what coffee you love and drink.
• Pistachio nuts – chopped pistachio nuts (unsalted) to sprinkle on top for added texture and crunch.

Recipe tips

Prep these first – brew your espresso and chop your nuts so you are ready to assemble your affogato.

Quantities – this recipe is so simple that it doesn't require specific measurements since the size of your mug/cup matters. Add as much or as little pistachio cream and gelato to your preference and cup size.

More pistachio desserts to try

Italian Desserts

Pistachio Tiramisu

Italian Desserts

Sicilian Pistachio Granita

Italian Desserts

Sbrisolona al Pistacchio (Italian Pistachio Crumb Cake)

Italian Desserts

Pistachio Ice Cream (Gelato al Pistacchio)

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

• Pistachio cream
• Pistachio ice cream
• Chopped pistachios
• 1 shot espresso (or strong coffee)

Method

1. Spread a thick layer of pistachio cream all around the inside of a serving mug (we use an Italian cappuccino size).

2. Add 1-2 generous scoops of pistachio ice cream (can also use vanilla) and spread it to fill the mug (see notes for a bigger mug).

3. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the ice cream then cut out a little hole in the middle using a small teaspoon or knife (just eat this, it's the chef's treat).

4. Pour a hot shot of espresso into the little well and serve immediately.

Kitchen notes

Alternative method If using a bigger mug or a glass, you can dollop the pistachio cream in the bottom, add scoops of ice cream without spreading or making a well, pour over your espresso then top with chopped pistachios.