Affogato - do you consider it dessert or for after dessert ?

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

DH isn't a big dessert person but loves Affogato (ice cream with hot coffee and optionally Amaretto poured over. Don't knock it til you've tried it, much more delicious than it sounds). Usually listed in Italian restaurants as a dessert (rather than with the liqueur coffees), often served with a couple of amaretti biscuits on the side.

I was thinking that would be a really easy but tasty dessert when having friends over at the weekend and can just be assembled at the time. Suits my busy day!

Was telling my DSIS and she was adamant that it wasn't a 'proper' dessert and that if I was going to serve it, it should be instead of coffee after a 'proper' dessert.

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer here, it's more about how my guests would feel about it.
I know they all like coffee so that's not an issue. And I know they would appreciate whatever but would rather they fully enjoyed the meal

So, if you like desserts, and were served Affogato would you enjoy it as an acceptable dessert, or think 'nice coffee but where is the pudding?'

It's definitely dessert!

Yeah for me it’s a posh coffee+ and I’d be wondering where the proper pudding was tbh, but then I’d feel the same if pudding was just ice cream. I prefer something a bit more substantial, but then it depends a bit on what the other courses are.

Also bear in mind lots of people don’t drink coffee in the evening due to the caffeine keeping them awake so might not want it, in which case they’ve just got ice cream!

For an easy dessert could bung a nice tart in the oven, or get a tart au citron or something, to serve with thick double cream or ice cream? Still light and no hassle, and you could offer the affogato too for anyone who wants it.

Or maybe get some cantuccini biscuits to go with it?

Can I come?

Have a decaf option. I think its dessert but hate coffee so never tried it. Ice cream, ammereto and the biscuits would suit me fine though.

Def dessert! If you’re entertaining and want to cover all bases you could serve it with a cheeseboard and fruit and Italian biscuits.

After a heavy meal it is a perfect dessert. Refreshing and a digestive in one.

If people are really worried about the caffeine (at a dinner party ?) then use a shot of coffee liqueur instead! Yum 😀

It’s dessert.

But just add some lovely Florentines too.
Some people won’t want the coffee, so you need to think about that.

That's digestif not digestive. Stupid phone!

I’m not a desert person really but always have this if it’s on the menu
Absolutely it’s a desert not a coffee
Your guests will be delighted I’m sure

@Etinoxaurus

Def dessert! If you’re entertaining and want to cover all bases you could serve it with a cheeseboard and fruit and Italian biscuits.

Ooh, this is a good idea. Agree with @RaisedByPangolins that sometimes people don’t want coffee in an evening do something alternative will be good.

I love affogato.

Definitely a desert BUT what if you’re guests don’t want coffee/caffeine?!

I would view it as an alternative dessert and offer a shop bought tart alongside it. I often have an Affogato but would never serve it as a sole pud at the end of a meal to guests - neither would I just offer ice cream as the only pud. Many don’t fancy it, although some are converts after having a taste!

As stated in the OP, all my guests drink coffee. Even after dinner but omitted to say I would use the decaf filter coffee as always in the evenings.

I wouldn't serve a shop bought dessert, other than ice cream. I know, I have a thing about it and am unlikely to change now. Cheese and biscuits always on offer at the end.
Adding cantuccini, biscotti and florentines as well as amaretti is a good idea thanks - would make more substantial. Still undecided, might make a quick almond cake and serve with raspberries alongside to cover all bases.

Thank you for helping me think this through

Definitely a dessert, and one that I'd be more than happy with. Has to be espresso not filter though surely??

@SpamIAm yes it should be espresso but I've had it with strong filter coffee and it's fine