An Easy 5-Minute Christmas Dessert with Coffee, Ice Cream & Spiced Rum
Sometimes the simplest puddings are the best. No baking, no preparation and hardly any washing up.
A scoop of good vanilla ice cream, a shot of freshly brewed coffee and a splash of spiced rum. That's really all there is to this wonderfully indulgent little dessert.
An affogato is an Italian classic, traditionally made by pouring hot espresso over vanilla ice cream. Here, a little spiced rum gives it a festive twist, bringing warmth and spice to the rich coffee and melting ice cream.
It's the perfect Christmas pudding alternative when you've already spent hours cooking, or when you fancy something sweet but can't face another slice of Christmas cake.
And because it takes just five minutes, it's brilliant for relaxed hosting. Everyone gets their own little glass of pudding, with almost no effort from you.
Serves 2 | 5 minutes
You'll Need
From the pantry
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2 shots of freshly brewed Tired Mums Coffee, approximately 30–40ml each
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2 tbsp spiced rum, or to taste
Fresh ingredients
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2 generous scoops of good vanilla ice cream
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A little grated dark chocolate or cinnamon, optional
To Make
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Place a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream into each small glass or dessert bowl.
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Brew two shots of strong coffee.
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Pour a tablespoon of spiced rum over each scoop of ice cream.
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Just before serving, pour the hot coffee over the ice cream.
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Finish with grated dark chocolate or a light dusting of cinnamon, if you fancy.
Serve immediately while the ice cream is melting into the coffee.
Why This Works
After Christmas dinner, the last thing anyone needs is another complicated dessert.
The contrast between hot, freshly brewed coffee and cold vanilla ice cream is what makes an affogato so good. The ice cream slowly melts into the coffee, creating a rich, creamy dessert you can eat with a spoon.
Spiced rum adds a little festive warmth without requiring extra preparation.
It's a pudding, an after-dinner coffee and a little Christmas treat all in one glass.
Best Served With
A small glass, a teaspoon and absolutely no intention of doing any more cooking.
It's also lovely alongside Christmas biscuits, shortbread or a little piece of dark chocolate.
Easy Swaps
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Classic Affogato: Leave out the rum and enjoy the traditional coffee and ice cream combination.
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Chocolate Affogato: Use chocolate ice cream for something even richer.
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Gingerbread Crunch: Add a little crushed ginger biscuit just before serving.
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Amaretto Affogato: Swap the spiced rum for amaretto.
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Late-Night Pudding: Use decaf coffee if you're serving it later in the evening.
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Dairy-Free: Use your favourite plant-based vanilla ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an affogato?
An affogato is a simple Italian dessert made by pouring hot espresso over cold ice cream, traditionally vanilla gelato.
Can I add alcohol to an affogato?
Yes. Spiced rum, amaretto and other liqueurs can all add flavour. This Christmas version uses spiced rum for a warming festive twist.
Can I make an affogato without an espresso machine?
Absolutely. Strong coffee made in a cafetière or moka pot works well. The important thing is to use a small amount of good, strong coffee so the dessert doesn't become watery.
Can I prepare affogato ahead of time?
You can have your glasses, ice cream and toppings ready, but pour over the hot coffee immediately before serving.
What can I serve instead of Christmas pudding?
A spiced rum affogato is a quick, easy alternative when you want something sweet after Christmas dinner without making another elaborate dessert.
Can I make this alcohol-free?
Yes. Simply leave out the rum. The combination of hot coffee and vanilla ice cream is delicious on its own.
A Little More From The Pantry
A good coffee makes all the difference to an affogato.
We love Tired Mums Coffee's Nobody's Listening To Me Blend, a smooth, medium-roast coffee with Kenyan and Colombian arabica beans.
And if you're looking for more easy recipes, relaxed hosting ideas and clever pantry shortcuts, explore Peak & The Pantry.
Good food without the faff.
