This Peppermint Affogato recipe is a version of the classic Italian dessert made with ice cream and coffee, with a peppermint twist! It’s hot, cold, sweet, bitter, minty…what’s not to love?!

Hand pouring coffee over a clear glass filled with peppermint ice cream.

Affogato Dessert with Coffee and Ice Cream

Looking for an easy holiday dessert? It doesn’t get easier than this peppermint affogato! Hot coffee and cold peppermint ice cream combine to form an absolutely delicious dessert. The ice cream starts to melt right away, producing a rich, frothy cream that’s impossible to resist. Keep these ingredients stocked in your kitchen because you’ll want to make this one all season long!

As soon as the calendar flips to December, a switch flips in my brain and I start to crave peppermint flavored everything. Hot chocolate? Of course. Cookies? For sure. And how about peppermint roasted chicken? I’m not saying it’s a good idea, but I’m also not saying it’s a bad idea…

Basically, peppermint is the flavor of the season and I am here for it. Are you with me? If so, you won’t want to miss some of our most popular peppermint recipes: Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Mocha Mousse Cake, and Peppermint Patty Flourless Chocolate Cake.

Two glasses of Peppermint Affogato with gold spoons sticking out of them.

What is An Affogato?

The affogato is a classic Italian dessert, traditionally made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of cold coffee. Affogato means “drowned” in Italian, and it’s easy to understand how it got its name when you see the scoop of ice cream “drowned” in espresso, quickly melting into a delicious puddle.

Traditionally, affogato is made with bitter espresso instead of the coffee I use in this recipe, but as a sugar hero, you know that I’ll never say no to a bit of extra sweetness! (Plus, without an espresso maker at home, it was a logical swap to make.)

As a bonus, using coffee instead of espresso makes this dessert a bit more approachable for people who might think espresso is too strong or too jolting for a late-night treat. Affogato traditionalists might scoff, but this peppermint version is bigger on flavor, lower on caffeine, and brimming with holiday cheer.  

Two photo collage showing scooping ice cream and pouring coffee into a glass.

Table of Contents

🧾 Affogato Ingredients & Variations

If you couldn’t tell from the intro, there are only 2 ingredients: coffee (or espresso) and ice cream (or gelato)! This recipe is for a peppermint version, so I’ve recommended a peppermint ice cream, but of course you should feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • You already know that you can use coffee instead of espresso, but if you’re a lover of flavored coffee, give it a try in this recipe! You can also add a bit of flavored creamer to the coffee if you’d like–just use it sparingly so your finished dessert isn’t too sweet.
  • Another great addition is a dash of your favorite liquor. Irish whiskey, Bailey’s Kahlua, and Frangelico are all DELICIOUS choices. Add a splash over the ice cream before you pour on the coffee to really take this to the next level.
  • Add a bit of crunch by serving this with a cookie topper. Biscotti and ladyfingers would both be delicious, but any crunchy cookie/biscuit works well.
  • Top with shaved chocolate, chopped toasted nuts, candy pieces (like in this recipe) or sprinkles, if you’re feeling playful.
Peppermint Affogato in a clear glass with a gold spoon sticking out of the top.

💡 Tips and FAQs  

IS AFFOGATO A DRINK OR DESSERT?

Although it contains coffee, most people would say that it falls more in the “dessert” category. The main component is ice cream, not coffee, and it needs to be eaten in a dish with a spoon. That being said, if you want to serve it as a drink alongside “real” dessert, well, I would never stop you!

HOW DO YOU EAT AFFOGATO?

Affogato is served in a glass or bowl, and eaten with a spoon. It should be eaten immediately after the coffee or espresso is added. The ice cream will start to melt immediately, and for the best taste and texture you’ll want to be there, spoon at the ready, when the magic starts.

Close-up of the top of a Peppermint Affogato.

❤️ More Christmas Desserts You’ll Love

Peppermint Hot Chocolate in a glass mug with cocoa whipped cream on top.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

This Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe is made the old-fashioned way, with real melted chocolate for a rich texture and deep chocolate flavor. The bright minty flavor makes this the perfect holiday drink.
View Recipe
Close-up of Peppermint Lava Cake with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and candy cane pieces on top.

Peppermint Lava Cakes

Chocolate lovers will go crazy for these Peppermint Lava Cakes – mini chocolate cakes with a hint of peppermint and a molten chocolate center. They make a great holiday dessert—they’re indulgent, they can be made in advance, and any extras keep very well. Enjoy them plain, or top them with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream, and a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce.
View Recipe

Leave a Review!

If you make this recipe, let us know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on the recipe below, and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram @elabau, or use #sugarhero on IG!

Coffee being poured over peppermint ice cream.

Peppermint Affogato

5 from 11 votes
Looking for an easy holiday dessert? It doesn’t get easier than this peppermint affogato! Hot peppermint coffee and cold peppermint ice cream combine to form the most irresistible dessert. Keep these ingredients stocked in your kitchen because you’ll want to make this one all season long!
Prep5 minutes
Total5 minutes
Yields4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 quart peppermint ice cream
  • 1 cup hot coffee
  • Candy cane pieces

Instructions 

  • Place two scoops of ice cream into 4 small bowls or glasses.
  • Pour ¼ cup hot coffee over the ice cream in each bowl.
  • Top with a sprinkle of candy cane pieces, and serve immediately.

Measuring Tips

Our recipes are developed using weight measurements, and we highly recommend using a kitchen scale for baking whenever possible. However, if you prefer to use cups, volume measurements are provided as well. PLEASE NOTE: the adage “8 oz = 1 cup” is NOT true when speaking about weight, so don’t be concerned if the measurements don’t fit this formula.

Want to learn more about baking measurements and conversion?

Nutrition

Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 192mg | Potassium: 646mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 61g | Vitamin A: 985IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 258mg | Iron: 2.2mg
Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and hashtag it #SugarHero. We love to see your creations on our Instagram @elabau.

Photo of Peppermint Affogato with text overlay for Pinterest.

Meet Elizabeth!

Hi, I’m Elizabeth — a trained pastry chef, cookbook author, video instructor, and your new Baking BFF! I’m going to teach you everything you need to know to be a sugar hero. ❤️

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19 Comments

  1. Enjoyed this for an afternoon treat and it does not disappoint! Exactly what I needed to cure my sweet tooth and perfect for the holidays!