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DessertsEasyGluten-Free

Affogato

Hot espresso poured over cold vanilla ice cream. A 2-minute indulgence for coffee lovers in remission—the temperature contrast and bittersweet simplicity make this a remission-only treat.

Affogato
Total Time
2m
Servings
1
Calories
185
Fiber
0g
Protein
3g
Carbs
22g
Fat
10g
Best ForSafe for Crohn's & UC
RemissionStricture

Watch Out For

espressomoderate

Caffeine increases colonic motor activity by 60% more than water and 23% more than decaf, potentially triggering urgency or diarrhea

Tip: Use decaf espresso to retain bitter coffee flavor and polyphenols while minimizing gut stimulation

ice creammoderate

Contains lactose (approximately 3-4g per 1/2 cup serving). IBD patients are 2.7 times more likely to have lactose intolerance than the general population

Tip: Use lactose-free vanilla ice cream—many brands taste identical and eliminate bloating, gas, and diarrhea risk

commercial ice creammild

Many brands contain carrageenan or gums that may trigger gut inflammation in sensitive individuals

Tip: Choose brands without carrageenan, gums, or artificial additives. Read labels carefully.

Ingredients

  • Low FODMAP
  • Moderate FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP

Instructions

  1. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a small glass or espresso cup.

    Equipment: small glass, espresso cup

  2. Brew a fresh shot of hot espresso using an espresso machine or moka pot.

    Equipment: espresso machine, moka pot
    Tip: The espresso should be freshly brewed and very hot for the best temperature contrast

  3. Pour the hot espresso directly over the ice cream. It should sizzle slightly on contact and begin melting the ice cream immediately.

    Tip: Pour slowly to watch the ice cream begin to melt—this is the magic moment

  4. Add a small pour of amaretto or Kahlúa if desired.

  5. Garnish with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings if using.

  6. Serve immediately while the temperature contrast is still dramatic. This cannot be stored or saved.

Notes

Storage

This dessert must be served immediately and cannot be stored. The magic is in the temperature contrast—prepare fresh each time.

Lactose-free substitution

Use lactose-free vanilla ice cream for easier digestion. Many brands taste identical to regular ice cream and work perfectly in this recipe. This is the recommended option for most IBD patients.

Decaf option

Brew with decaf espresso if you're sensitive to caffeine's gut-stimulating effects. Decaf still provides the bitter coffee flavor and retains coffee's anti-inflammatory polyphenols while reducing gut motility concerns.

Espresso alternatives

If you don't have an espresso machine, brew very strong coffee using a moka pot, French press, or Aeropress. The key is concentration and temperature.

Quality matters

Premium vanilla ice cream makes a noticeable difference. Avoid brands with carrageenan or excess gums, which may trigger inflammation in sensitive individuals. Read labels carefully.

No-coffee version

For a gut-gentler alternative, pour hot chocolate made with lactose-free milk over the ice cream instead.

IBD Considerations

Diet Protocol Compliance

How this recipe fits common IBD dietary approaches

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