Affogato with Victory Dance Foods Cherry Almond Granuesli® - A Sophisticated Dessert Made Simple

Closeup of creamy affogato topped with Victory Dance Foods Cherry Almond Hemp Granuesli® and white chocolate curls

Gluten-Free | Can Be Made Dairy-Free

There’s something magical about the moment hot espresso meets cold ice cream—the way the coffee slowly melts the creamy vanilla, creating swirls of caffeinated bliss. That’s the beauty of affogato, Italy’s beloved “drowned” dessert. Today, we’re elevating this classic with our Cherry Almond Granuesli®, adding delightful texture and a burst of fruity, nutty flavor that transforms this simple treat into something truly extraordinary.

What Makes This Affogato Special

Traditional affogato is perfect in its simplicity, but our version brings an exciting twist. The Cherry Almond Granuesli® adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth ice cream, while the sweet-tart cherry pieces and rich almond notes complement the bitter espresso perfectly. It’s like having dessert and a sophisticated coffee experience all in one spoon.

Affogato in a glass topped with white chocolate curls and Victory Dance Foods Cherry Almond Hemp Granuesli®..

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

This isn’t just about adding granola to a dessert—it’s about creating harmony. The vanilla ice cream provides creamy sweetness, the hot espresso delivers that essential bitter edge, and our Cherry Almond Granuesli® bridges the gap with its complex flavor profile. The dried cherries echo the fruity notes often found in quality coffee beans, while the almonds add richness that pairs naturally with both vanilla and coffee.

Top view of affogato with Victory Dance Foods Cherry Almond Hemp Granuesli® and shaved white chocolate, with granola bag in background.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Affogato:

  • 2 scoops of your favorite vanilla ice cream (or non-dairy vanilla ice cream for vegan option)

  • 2 shots of fresh espresso

  • 1 tablespoon shaved chocolate

  • ⅓ cup Cherry Almond Granuesli®

*Pro tip: Use high-quality vanilla ice cream and freshly pulled espresso for the best results. The contrast between temperatures is what makes affogato so special.*

How to Create Your Perfect Affogato

Step 1: Prepare Your Canvas

Place 2 generous scoops of vanilla ice cream in a chilled bowl or glass. The cold serving dish will help maintain the temperature contrast that makes affogato so delightful.

Step 2: The Magic Moment

Pour the hot espresso directly over the ice cream. Watch as the coffee begins to melt the edges, creating those signature swirls. Don’t worry if it looks messy—that’s exactly what you want!

Step 3: Add Elegance

Dust the top with shaved chocolate. Use a vegetable peeler on a good-quality chocolate bar, or grate it finely for even distribution.

Step 4: The Victory Dance Touch

Top generously with Cherry Almond Granuesli®. This is where our version truly shines—the granola adds textural interest and flavor complexity that makes each bite unique.

Side view of affogato layered with espresso, ice cream, and Victory Dance Foods Cherry Almond Hemp Granuesli®.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Timing is Everything: Serve immediately after assembling. The beauty of affogato lies in the temperature contrast and the way the ice cream slowly melts into the coffee.

Coffee Quality Matters: Use freshly pulled espresso or very strong coffee. Avoid instant coffee—the flavor won’t be robust enough to stand up to the ice cream and granola.

Make it Vegan: Simply swap regular ice cream for your favorite non-dairy vanilla variety. Coconut, oat, or cashew-based ice creams work beautifully.

Why This Dessert Works

This elevated affogato succeeds because it respects the original while adding meaningful improvements. The Cherry Almond Granuesli® doesn’t compete with the coffee—it enhances it. The textures play together beautifully: creamy, liquid, crunchy, and smooth all in one spoon.

Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving. Whether your espresso is a little bitter or your ice cream melts quickly, the granola provides a consistent element that ties everything together.

The Perfect Ending

In just minutes, you can create a dessert that feels both rustic and refined. It’s the kind of treat that works equally well for a quiet evening at home or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

So next time you’re craving something sweet with your coffee, skip the complicated desserts. Grab some quality ice cream, pull a great shot of espresso, and let our Cherry Almond Granuesli® transform your simple affogato into something memorable.

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Serves: 1 | Dietary: Gluten-free, can be made vegan

Ready to try this recipe? Our Cherry Almond Granuesli® brings together the perfect combination of dried cherries, almonds, and wholesome grains to elevate your favorite desserts. Find it in our store and start creating your own Victory Dance moments.

Madeline McCarthy

Cofounder of Victory Dance Foods, Madeline McCarthy launched the brand with her mom after a celiac disease and autoimmune diagnosis transformed her relationship with food. A former Division 1 athlete and certified holistic health coach, she's a lifelong breakfast enthusiast who believes morning sets the tone for your entire day.

https://victorydancefoods.com
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