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This Pistachio Affogato is a fun twist on the traditional Italian version made with pistachio cream, pistachio 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 I reach for often. Sometimes I’ll add grated chocolate on top and sometimes a little splash of liqueur, and I even make an affogato with hot chocolate.
This version, however, may top them all because it uses my favourite flavour, pistachio!
It’s made with pistachio cream, pistachio ice cream, chopped pistachios and a shot of espresso. If you’re like me, a lover of all things pistachio, then this is the dessert of your dreams.
Ingredient notes

Pin this now to find it later
Pin It- 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 really popular ingredient over the last few years, so I 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 – I drink coffee every day, so I use my Delonghi coffee machine to make an espresso. You can also use a Moka pot or just brew a strong coffee. I recommend using 100% arabica coffee if possible, but really just 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)
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Pistachio Affogato
Ingredients
- Pistachio cream
- Pistachio ice cream
- Chopped pistachios
- 1 shot espresso, or strong coffee
Instructions
- Spread a thick layer of pistachio cream all around the inside of a serving mug (I use an Italian cappuccino size).
- 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).
- 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).
- Pour a hot shot of espresso into the little well and serve immediately.
Notes
Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise
- When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind I always use Cirio or Mutti brands for the best results and flavour.
- All vegetables are medium sized unless stated otherwise
- All recipes are tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven
- Find out more about how nutrition is calculated.
- Check out our must have Italian Pantry Staples.
- You can also find all our Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.






















