Baileys Affogato Recipe
I am a certified coffeeholic, so having it in a creamy dessert is perfect for me. This Baileys Affogato, made with just three ingredients, combines all my favorite things: coffee, ice cream, and Baileys! A drink and a dessert at the same time, ready in just five minutes, can’t get better!
Sometimes, it’s incredible how combining just a few ingredients can result in something as decadent and delicious. Indeed, this combo is a must-try; my girlfriends always ask me to make it for our brunch parties, and I also make it for St. Patrick’s Day along with my Irish coffee.
Table of contents
Honestly, having these ingredients in your home can be a lifesaver. When you have guests or you crave something sweet and fancy, this incredible combo is the solution. This is the perfect summer dessert—creamy and refreshing, it hits the spot all the time.
Why you will love this recipe
- Just three ingredients: A cocktail and dessert in one dish with only three ingredients. It does not get easier than that. I always have these three things in my house to make it anytime someone stops by.
- Perfect any time of year: I love it during the Christmas holidays and St. Patrick’s Day, but the ice cream also makes it the perfect summer dessert.
- Sweet and bitter: I love the combination of sweet ice cream and bitter coffee blended with the creamy Baileys. The whole mixture is like a taste of heaven.
- You can save money by making it at home. Instead of paying the hefty price at a bar, I can make these for just a few dollars at home.
What you will need
- Vanilla ice cream – I highly recommend getting the highest-quality ice cream. It should have a silky texture like velvet and a complex vanilla bean flavor.
- Espresso – This is a matter of taste, but I think the best espresso is dense, rich, and full-bodied. It should be soft and syrupy with a buttery and slightly creamy taste.
- Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur – There is only one Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur. I use one ounce (one shot) per serving.
How to make it
Scoop: First, I divide the ice cream into Irish coffee cups, two scoops per cup.
Add coffee: Then, I pour two espresso shots over the ice cream.
Baileys: I add an ounce of Baileys and serve the dessert immediately.
Expert tip
How to keep the ice cream from melting too fast
One of the biggest problems with making these delicious Italian treats is that the ice cream tends to melt too fast. But I have some tips that can help. First, when I scoop it into the glasses, I always ensure the ice cream is just out of the freezer. Also, I chill the glass in the freezer before adding the ice cream to keep it cold.
Another way I like to keep the ice cream from melting too fast is to serve the espresso on the side. That way, my guests can add it to their drinks when ready. If guests are coming over for dinner, the best way to serve this dish is to prepare the ice cream in the glasses and then cover them with plastic. Then, put them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve dessert.
More tips to consider
- Any coffee can be used for this. It does not have to be espresso.
- Be sure to use freshly brewed coffee.
- To get the perfect ball of ice cream, dip the ice cream scoop into warm (not hot) water each time.
- Get high-quality ice cream and coffee. It makes all the difference in the flavor of this dessert.
- If there are youngsters around, remember to have something to serve them. I like serving them my hot chocolate with scoops of vanilla ice cream to keep them satisfied.
Recipe variations and add-ins:
- Add caramel: This drink/dessert is even more desirable with a drizzle of caramel sauce. It is so easy to make with just a few ingredients.
- Different ice creams: Other flavors of ice cream are also fun to try. My favorite here is chocolate because it blends with the Baileys so well. But any flavor would be delicious.
- Other liquors: I have also used different kinds of liquor instead of the Baileys. Peppermint Schnapps adds a lively, minty taste, while Amaretto gives it a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Give it a kick: Some of my friends like this cold dessert with a kick of spicy red pepper flakes. I admit, it does taste pretty good that way! The ice cream keeps it from being too hot.
Serving suggestions:
Making adult desserts is one of my favorite things during the holidays because I have many grown-up parties. These Baileys affogatos are fun to serve with my chocolate Baileys poke cake. Everyone loves this moist and rich cake, and it is so easy to make it is ridiculous.
Of course, this dessert is perfect to serve after any meal, whether serving a savory pot roast or a stack of barbecue burgers on the grill with potato salad and coleslaw. Sometimes, I like to have them with my Baileys chocolate truffles on the side when I have a holiday party. They are easy to make and have a boost of Baileys that everyone loves.
How to store leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Baileys affogatos should be served right away, or they melt. Leftovers are not well stored in the fridge or the freezer.
Frequently asked questions
The expresso was over-extracted, meaning the coffee grounds were ground too fine. This pulls the bitter compounds out of the coffee grounds during brewing, resulting in a harsh, bitter taste. Using an extra dark or stale coffee bean can also cause bitter affogato. Another problem could be that the water is too hot or the tamper is too hard.
If Baileys is poured into hot coffee, sometimes the cream can curdle. Let the coffee cool a little bit before adding the Baileys. However, do not let it cool too much, or it will taste bitter. It may also be better to add the coffee first into a cup and then add the Baileys a little at a time.
This problem is usually caused by the ice cream melting too fast. See my expert tip above for suggestions. However, this can also happen with poor-quality ice cream. Some cheap ice cream brands use a lot of water, so it melts faster. Also, too much espresso or Baileys can make the dessert runny. Be careful when measuring, and use two full scoops of ice cream. Finally, do not use hot coffee. It should be warm, but not hot.
More desserts with Bailey’s:
Baileys Affogato
Instructions
- Divide ice cream into bowls, or Irish coffee cups, 3 scoops per cup.
- Pour 2 shots of espresso over each ice cream cup.
- Add Bailey's one ounce per cup.
- Serve immediately.