Pumpkin Spice Affogato Float
When crisp autumn air calls for something cozy yet indulgent, this Pumpkin Spice Affogato Float delivers the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness.
It’s a dessert and coffee in one, combining velvety pumpkin-spiced ice cream with rich, freshly brewed espresso. The hot coffee melts the ice cream into a luscious swirl, creating a creamy, spiced drink you can sip or scoop.
Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or treating yourself to a quiet afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a café-worthy experience.
What is an Affogato?
An affogato (pronounced ah-foh-GAH-toh) is a classic Italian dessert that literally means “drowned.”
Traditionally, it’s made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of cold vanilla gelato. The hot coffee gently melts the gelato, creating a silky blend of creamy sweetness and bold espresso.
Think of it as the ultimate coffee float: part drink, part dessert, all indulgence.
This recipe gives that timeless treat a seasonal spin by swapping in pumpkin spice flavors and a touch of caramel for an autumnal twist.
Pumpkin Spice Affogato Float
Equipment
- Espresso machine or strong coffee maker / AeroPress / Moka pot
- Coffee grinder (if using whole beans)
- Small mixing bowl and spoon (to blend pumpkin purée with ice cream if desired)
- Ice cream scoop
- Heatproof serving glasses or small dessert bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Optional: Whisk or electric frother (for whipped cream if making from scratch)
Ingredients
- 2 shots about 60ml of hot espresso
- 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream or pumpkin ice cream if available
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or your own blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin purée
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or maple syrup optional, depending on how sweet you like it
- Whipped cream for topping
- Crushed graham cracker or ginger snap cookies for garnish
- A drizzle of caramel sauce optional
Instructions
- Prepare Pumpkin Ice Cream / Base: If you have pumpkin ice cream, skip ahead. Otherwise, mix the pumpkin purée with brown sugar or maple syrup and the pumpkin spice. Fold this into softened vanilla ice cream, then refreeze briefly to firm it.
- Brew Espresso: Pull two shots of espresso just before serving (hot and fresh is best).
- Assemble the Float: Place the ice cream scoop(s) in a chilled glass. Pour the hot espresso over the scoop(s). Top with whipped cream. Garnish with crushed graham crackers or ginger snaps. Drizzle caramel if you like extra sweetness.
- Serve Immediately: The contrast of hot espresso, cold creamy ice cream, and warm spices makes this a dessert-drink hybrid that’s especially satisfying in cooler weather.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Dairy-free version: use coconut or oat milk whipped topping and a non-dairy ice cream.
- For more pumpkin flavor: infuse the espresso with a tiny pinch of cinnamon while brewing, or stir in a drop of pumpkin spice syrup.
- For texture: sprinkle a bit of chopped toasted pecans on top.
- To make this more of a shared dessert: double up everything and serve in a wide bowl with a spoon.
Whether you’re winding down after a crisp autumn walk or impressing guests with a café-style dessert, this Pumpkin Spice Affogato Float brings cozy fall flavors to every sip.
The contrast of hot espresso and chilled pumpkin ice cream is indulgent yet effortless, making it a treat you can enjoy any day of the week.
Brew a fresh shot, scoop your favorite ice cream, and let the rich aroma of pumpkin and spice signal that sweater season has officially begun.