Caramel Apple Affogato Recipe

Vanilla ice cream: A creamy and rich ice cream that serves as the base for this dessert.

Coffee: Strongly brewed hot coffee that will be poured over the ice cream and apples.

Apple: A small, peeled, cored, and diced apple that adds a fresh and fruity element.

Caramel sauce: A sweet and sticky sauce that will be used to cook the apples and drizzle over the dessert.

When heating the apple with caramel sauce, ensure to cook over medium heat to avoid burning the caramel. Stir frequently until the apple pieces are tender and well-coated. This will enhance the flavor and texture, making the caramel apple topping more luscious and evenly distributed over the ice cream.

• vanilla ice cream - Substitute with coconut milk ice cream: This is a great dairy-free alternative that still provides a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness.

• hot strong brewed coffee - Substitute with espresso: Espresso offers a more intense coffee flavor, which pairs well with the sweetness of the dessert.

• hot strong brewed coffee - Substitute with hot chocolate: For a non-caffeinated option, hot chocolate provides a rich, sweet flavor that complements the caramel and apple.

• peeled, cored, and diced apple - Substitute with pear: Pears have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative to apples.

• peeled, cored, and diced apple - Substitute with banana: Bananas offer a different but complementary flavor and a creamy texture that works well in this dessert.

• caramel sauce - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and depth of flavor, with a slightly different but equally delicious profile.

• caramel sauce - Substitute with honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that can mimic the viscosity and sweetness of caramel sauce, adding a unique floral note.

• Allow the caramel apples to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and maintains their texture.
• Store the caramel apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days.
• For the vanilla ice cream, ensure it is kept in the freezer at a consistent temperature to avoid ice crystals forming.
• If you have leftover strong brewed coffee, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before using.
• When ready to serve again, reheat the caramel apples in a saucepan over low heat until warm.
• Assemble the affogato fresh each time for the best texture and flavor. Avoid pre-assembling and freezing the entire dessert as the ice cream will melt and refreeze, altering its creamy consistency.
• If you must freeze the caramel apples, spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Drizzle the caramel sauce just before serving to maintain its smooth, luscious texture.

• Gently reheat the diced apple mixture in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as you want the apples to remain tender and not turn mushy.
• Warm the caramel sauce separately in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
• If the vanilla ice cream has melted, it's best to scoop fresh ice cream for the reheated affogato. However, if you prefer to use the leftover melted ice cream, you can place it in the freezer for a short time to firm up again.
• Brew a fresh cup of hot strong coffee to pour over the reheated components. This ensures the coffee is hot enough to create the classic affogato experience.
• Assemble the reheated affogato by placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream in each serving glass, topping with the warm caramel apples, and pouring the hot coffee over the top. Drizzle with the reheated caramel sauce and serve immediately.

• Saucepan: Used to heat the diced apple with caramel sauce until tender.

• Spoon: For stirring the apples and caramel sauce in the saucepan.

• Ice cream scoop: To place the scoops of vanilla ice cream into each serving glass.

• Serving glasses: To hold the ice cream, caramel apples, and coffee.

• Measuring cup: To measure the hot strong brewed coffee.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the caramel sauce.

• Knife: For peeling, coring, and dicing the apple.

• Cutting board: To safely dice the apple.

• Drizzle bottle: Optional, for drizzling the remaining caramel sauce over the top.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Dice the apple and measure out the caramel sauce ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use pre-made caramel sauce: Opt for store-bought caramel sauce to save time on making it from scratch.

Heat coffee while cooking apples: Brew your coffee while the apples are cooking to have everything ready simultaneously.

Microwave apples: For a quicker option, microwave the diced apples with caramel sauce for about 2 minutes instead of using a saucepan.