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Vegan Affogato: The Creamy Coffee Treat You’ve Been Missing

Whip up this easy Almond Affogato Latte for a delightful Vegan Affogato experience! Get a delicious creamy recipe: a great blend of espresso, ice cream and almond milk!

If you’re a plant-based eater, you know that finding the perfect coffee indulgence can sometimes feel like a challenge. You want something delicious and creamy but also in line with your values and dietary choices. Enter the Vegan Affogato – the perfect marriage of rich espresso, smooth almond milk, and a scoop of almond milk ice cream, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and chopped almonds. It’s the ultimate dairy-free dessert-like coffee treat that you’ve been craving!

Vegan affogato recipe 1

In this post, I’ll walk you through the wonders of this vegan affogato, why it’s perfect for those of us living the plant-based lifestyle, and how you can easily recreate this creamy, coffee indulgence in your own kitchen.

What is a Vegan Affogato?

For those unfamiliar with affogato, it’s a simple Italian dessert that’s often enjoyed as a treat after a meal. The traditional affogato consists of a scoop of vanilla ice cream “drowned” with a shot of hot espresso. But we’re going to give it a plant-based twist! Instead of dairy ice cream and regular milk, we’ll use almond milk and almond milk ice cream for a velvety-smooth, vegan-friendly option.

Vegan affogato 1

This Vegan Affogato is not just a dessert; it’s a cozy, indulgent drink that makes the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. And because it’s dairy-free, it’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions, like vegans, lactose intolerants, or anyone simply looking to reduce their dairy intake.

Ingredients That Make This Vegan Affogato Truly Special

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this Vegan Affogato both indulgent and healthy at the same time.

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  • 25 ml of espresso - You can’t have an affogato without espresso! The hot espresso melts the ice cream, creating a delicious fusion of flavors. Espresso is rich in antioxidants and has a deep, bold flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the almond milk ice cream.
  • 25 ml of almond milk - Almond milk is a great dairy alternative that’s naturally low in calories and full of healthy fats. It’s the perfect base for this drink as it adds a silky smoothness without being overpowering in flavor. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like vitamin E, which is great for skin and overall health.
  • 1 scoop of almond milk ice cream - This is the star of the show – almond milk ice cream adds that rich, creamy texture that blends beautifully with the espresso. Unlike traditional ice creams that can be heavy and overly sweet, almond milk ice cream is lighter and often less sugary, making it a healthier yet indulgent choice.
  • 1/2 tsp of cinnamon - A sprinkle of cinnamon isn’t just for flavor – it’s packed with health benefits too! Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and even boost brain function. It adds a lovely spice and warmth to the drink that elevates the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 tsp of coarsely chopped almonds - Topping the affogato with chopped almonds adds a delightful crunch and enhances the almond flavor. Almonds are a fantastic source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, so they bring both flavor and nutrition to your coffee treat.
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How to Make the Perfect Vegan Affogato

Making a vegan affogato at home is simple and quick, so let’s dive into the steps!

  • Prepare the almond milk - Start by pouring 25 ml of almond milk into a small glass. You don’t need much – just enough to create a creamy base for the ice cream.
  • Add the almond milk ice cream - Scoop a generous serving of almond milk ice cream (about one scoop) and place it on top of the almond milk in your glass. This will be the perfect vessel for the hot espresso.
  • Brew thes espresso - Brew a shot (25 ml) of espresso. If you’re using an espresso machine, you know the drill. If you don’t have one, you can use a stovetop espresso maker or even a strong brewed coffee as an alternative – though espresso is the authentic choice for this treat!
  • Pour the espresso over the ice cream - Once your espresso is brewed, pour it directly over the ice cream. Watch as the hot espresso melts the ice cream, creating a luscious, creamy coffee drink.
  • Top it off - Sprinkle half a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of coarsely chopped almonds over the top for added flavor and texture.
  • Serve and Enjoy! - Now it’s time to dig in! Sip, enjoy, and savor the rich, creamy texture that comes with each spoonful.

The Best Way to Brew Espresso for Your Vegan Affogato

While the recipe is simple, the key to an outstanding vegan affogato lies in the quality of your espresso. A strong, rich espresso will provide the perfect contrast to the sweet almond ice cream and bring balance to the drink.

For the best results, I recommend using an espresso machine. If you don’t have one, a stovetop Moka pot works just as well, producing a bold, rich coffee flavor that will melt the ice cream perfectly. If you don’t have either, you can also make a strong brewed coffee, but espresso is truly the gold standard here.

The more freshly ground your coffee beans, the better your espresso will be! Freshly ground coffee creates a smooth, full-bodied flavor that enhances the overall experience of the affogato.

Who Should Try This Vegan Affogato?

This Vegan Affogato is a perfect treat for anyone who follows a plant-based or dairy-free diet and still craves a luxurious coffee drink. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply love experimenting with different flavors, this treat is for you.

A personal experience

I can relate to vegetarian and vegan food and drinks in so many ways. Around the same time, I discovered that I had become lactose intolerant, and I also reached a point in my spiritual journey where I decided that I wouldn’t consume any more animal-based food products. I didn’t become a vegan in the traditional sense, but my diet completely excludes anything derived from animals.

Giving up most animal-based foods wasn’t that difficult for me, but cutting out milk drinks and other dairy products was a significant emotional and mental challenge. Among all of them, I think the hardest part was letting go of cappuccinos and lattes. Back then, there weren’t any high-quality plant-based alternatives like there are today, and even the ones that eventually came out couldn’t create the kind of frothy texture that milk does.

It’s truly a blessing that now, high-quality, barista-grade plant-based milk alternatives are available. Now, nothing stands in the way of keeping the old flavors alive or even creating new, even better ones!

If you’re someone who enjoys a good espresso but also wants a touch of indulgence, this is the drink for you. It’s not overly sweet, yet it’s perfectly balanced with the richness of the espresso and the creaminess of the almond milk ice cream.

Vegan Affogato Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with variations to suit your taste.

Almond milk recipe, vegan affogato recipe
  • Almond affogato latte – For a more latte-like experience, add an extra shot of espresso and more almond milk to make it a longer, more drinkable version. You can also froth the almond milk for a silky texture.
  • Dairy-Free Affogato with Other Plant-Based Ice Creams – While almond milk ice cream is the star here, you can easily swap it for other plant-based options. Coconut milk ice cream adds a tropical twist, while cashew milk ice cream offers a creamier consistency. You can even try oat milk ice cream for a slightly sweeter flavor.
  • Affogato with Other Toppings – Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try adding a drizzle of maple syrup, a few dark chocolate shavings, or even a dash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts on Vegan Affogato

This Vegan Affogato is the ideal coffee treat for those who want to indulge in something sweet, creamy, and satisfying without compromising their dietary choices. It’s a simple, easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to impress guests or be the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth and want to stick to plant-based options, this affogato is definitely a game-changer.

So, whether you’re a long-time vegan or just looking for a tasty dairy-free coffee treat, this affogato is a must-try. Grab your almond milk, espresso, and ice cream – and start creating this luscious coffee dessert today!

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Vegan Affogato

Cool down with this decadent Vegan Affogato! This Almond Affogato Latte recipe combines espresso and almond milk ice cream for a delicious vegan treat. Try this recipe now!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Course Speciality Coffee
Cuisine International
Servings 1 people

Equipment

  • Espresso Machine

Ingredients
  

  • 25 ml espresso coffee
  • 25 ml almond milk
  • 1 scope almond milk ice cream
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp coarsely chopped almond

Instructions
 

  • Start by pouring 25 ml of almond milk into a small glass. You don’t need much – just enough to create a creamy base for the ice cream.
  • Scoop a generous serving of almond milk ice cream (about one scoop) and place it on top of the almond milk in your glass. This will be the perfect vessel for the hot espresso.
  • Brew a shot (25 ml) of espresso. If you’re using an espresso machine, you know the drill. If you don’t have one, you can use a stovetop espresso maker or even a strong brewed coffee as an alternative – though espresso is the authentic choice for this treat!
  • Once your espresso is brewed, pour it directly over the ice cream. Watch as the hot espresso melts the ice cream, creating a luscious, creamy coffee drink.
  • Sprinkle half a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of coarsely chopped almonds over the top for added flavor and texture.
  • Now it’s time to dig in! Sip, enjoy, and savor the rich, creamy texture that comes with each spoonful.

Notes

Recommended equipments:
For the best results, I recommend using an espresso machine. If you don’t have one, a stovetop Moka pot works just as well, producing a bold, rich coffee flavor that will melt the ice cream perfectly. If you don’t have either, you can also make a strong brewed coffee, but espresso is truly the gold standard here.
 
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with variations to suit your taste:
Almond Affogato Latte: For a more latte-like experience, add an extra shot of espresso and more almond milk to make it a longer, more drinkable version. You can also froth the almond milk for a silky texture.
Dairy-Free Affogato with Other Plant-Based Ice Creams: While almond milk ice cream is the star here, you can easily swap it for other plant-based options. Coconut milk ice cream adds a tropical twist, while cashew milk ice cream offers a creamier consistency. You can even try oat milk ice cream for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Affogato with Other Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try adding a drizzle of maple syrup, a few dark chocolate shavings, or even a dash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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