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Home » Desserts & Puddings

Affogato Dessert Recipe with Sherry, Raisins & Prunes

December 8, 2020 by Jane Saunders 9 Comments

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Sherry affogato dessert with text overlay
Sherry affogato dessert with text overlay
Sherry affogato dessert with text overlay

This Sherry Affogato recipe is an incredibly simple yet elegant dessert to make. Try adding a few sherry soaked raisins & prunes or a few chunks of chocolate brownie to elevate this stylish affogato dessert further.

Sherry Affogato recipe with vanilla ice cream & a shot of Pedro Ximénez sherry

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Contents hide
1 Why Make this Dessert?
2 What is Affogato?
3 Ingredients for the Sherry Version
4 How to Make Sherry Affogato
5 Expert Tips & FAQs
6 Sherry Affogato Variations
7 Sherry Affogato Recipe with Raisins & Prunes

Whatever the time of year, it’s always handy to have a few ideas on standby for desserts that require very little effort and can be thrown together in a flash. This sherry affogato dessert recipe fits the bill perfectly.

Why Make this Dessert?

This simple affogato dessert requires very little hands-on time yet the end result is a cool glassful of delight. At the most basic level, top-quality ice cream is topped with intensely sweet & rich Pedro Ximénez sherry.

Since raisins are so prominent in Pedro Ximénez, I decided to soak some raisins and dried prunes in a little sherry for 24 hours. A few of these boozy nuggets scattered on top of this boozy affogato dessert take this semi-frozen treat to another level.

For a change, I like to scatter a few tiny chunks of chocolate brownie into the glass instead of the fruit. The combination of cool ice cream, mellow sherry and chocolate is sublime.

In a nutshell, my sherry affogato recipe is even easier to prepare than the classic coffee affogato dessert. Unlike the espresso, which must be brewed, the sherry comes ready to be poured. Hurrah!

Whichever way you chose to serve this dessert, you can’t fail to be impressed by its simplicity and flavour.

Adding chunks of chocolate brownie to ice cream and alcohol in a glass

What is Affogato?

A classic Italian affogato recipe comprises two ingredients – vanilla ice cream and espresso coffee. This sophisticated treat is usually served by scooping a firm ball of quality vanilla ice cream into a chilled glass and then pouring the hot espresso over it at the table.

This dessert has got quite a reputation for being a simple sensation and as such, it has also acquired quite a fan base.

Incidentally, affogato means drowned in Italian. Since the coffee drowns the ice cream, it’s a very fitting name for this delectable concoction.

Ingredients for the Sherry Version

Ingredients for a sherry affogato recipe with text overlay

I’ve used Pedro Ximénez in my boozy twist on the classic affogato dessert.

This sweet dessert sherry is laden with intense fruity and smooth flavours. Dried raisins and sweet grape juice feature strongly in the taste and bouquet of this sherry.

It is the only sherry worth considering for this affogato dessert recipe in my view.

How to Make Sherry Affogato

Just keep a tub of ice cream in your freezer and the Pedro Ximenex at room temperature and you are good to go whenever the craving takes hold. In it’s very simplest form, this affogato dessert can be ready in 2 minutes flat:

  • Put a large scoop of ice cream into a glass
  • Pour a shot of sherry over the top & serve

Of course, I do also recommend that you try the full version of this sherry affogato recipe with raisins and prunes too:

  • Just chop the prunes up, mix in with the raisins, add a little orange zest and top with sherry. After 24 hours the dried fruits will have plumped up sufficiently to make an uplifting impact on your affogato dessert – scatter a little over the top before serving

The boozy fruit keeps for weeks in the fridge, so make a double batch and enjoy this speedy dessert for a while to come.

A jar of raisins and chopped prunes with orange zest soaked in Pedro Ximénez sherry.

Expert Tips & FAQs

Tips

For best results, give some thought to your glassware. For the coffee version, it is essential to chill the glass so that the ice cream doesn’t melt too quickly.

Here, though it is less imperative, I still suggest chilled serving glasses to allow the diners to linger over their unbelievably tasty sherry affogato dessert.

Oh and small spoons are most definitely the order of the day when eating this luxurious treat.

Sherry affogato dessert served in a cocktail glass with vanilla ice cream and dried fruit.

Frequently Ask Questions

Can I use a different type of sherry?

Honestly, I cannot recommend this. Pedro Ziménez is quite a unique flavour. It partners so well with the other ingredients here. I’d stick to it.

I forgot to soak the fruit, what can I do?


Chop the dried fruit as instructed, pour over the sherry and heat in the microwave on a low power setting for 10-20 seconds until everything feels warm (but not boiling hot). Add the zest, stir, cover loosely and leave to cool. The longer you can leave the fruit the better.

Avoid serving whilst still warm as this will melt the ice cream.

Can I use vegan ice cream?


Yes, you certainly can. Double check that the sherry you are using is also vegan as not all versions are.

Sherry Affogato Variations

Where to start. There are so many ways this simple sherry affogato recipe can be varied.

  • First of all, the choice of ice cream can be played with. Top-quality vanilla is a safe and favourite option for many. But chocolate ice cream can add a new dimension to both the classic and sherry affogato. Personally, I love the idea of a nutty ice cream too – especially pistachio or hazelnut.
  • Try adding a few tiny chunks of chocolate brownie. With or without a few boozy raisins alongside, this flavour combination is heavenly
  • Serve topped with an undecorated Christmas Pudding Chocolate. The blend of juicy pudding and chocolate will do down a storm with this dessert
  • If this affogato dessert is a little too smooth for your likely, serve it with something crunchy – biscotti would be great
  • Not so keen on sherry but want to keep the alcohol? No problem. Try a coffee or chocolate liqueur, Baileys or even Amaretto. Just drown that ice cream in something boozy
  • Need a kid-friendly version? It has to be hot chocolate – make a rich & thick hot chocolate, pour on a shot and watch those small faces light up with joy

If you are planning on using sherry, do, however, make sure it is suitably sticky and sweet. There are so many varieties of sherry available and not all are suited to this recipe. Pedro Ximénez is best… just sayin’.

Sherry affogato recipe with vanilla ice cream, Pedro Ximénez sherry, raisins and chocolate brownie.

More Boozy Desserts:

  • Advocaat Affogato
  • Triple Spiced Orange Cheesecake with a hint of Rum
  • Bourbon Peach Crisp
  • Italian Ricotta Cheesecake with Amaretto Soaked Raisins

Have you made my sherry affogato dessert recipe? Let me know how you got along by leaving a rating or comment. I always love to hear from my readers.

Sherry affogato with raisins and chocolate brownie chunks

Sherry Affogato Recipe with Raisins & Prunes

Jane Saunders
This Sherry Affogato recipe is an incredibly simple yet elegant dessert to make. Try adding a few sherry soaked raisins & prunes or a few chunks of chocolate brownie to elevate this stylish dessert further.
Click the Toggle for US weights & measures.
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 272kcal
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Ingredients

For the Boozy Fruit

  • 30 g Raisins
  • 2 Dried prunes pitted
  • 30 ml Pedro Ximénez sherry
  • ½ teaspoon Orange zest

For the Sherry Affogato

  • 4 Scoops vanilla ice cream Hard – not soft serve
  • 100 ml Pedro Ximénez sherry

Optional Extra

  • 1 Chocolate brownie
Metric – US Customary

Instructions

Make the Boozy Fruit

  • Chop the prunes into pieces the same size and the raisins
  • Put all ingredients into a small sealable jar and mix
  • Seal and set aside for at least 24 hours, but longer doesn't hurt. Stir a few times
  • Store in the fridge for up to 1 month

Make the Sherry Affogato

  • Chill the serving glass for 15 minutes
  • When ready to serve put a scoop if ice cream into each glass
  • Top with ¼ of the Pedro Ximénez sherry
  • Divide the fruit between the glass and serve
  • Serve straight away with small spoons

Optional extra

  • Chop the brownie into small chunks and add to the glasses in place of the fruit

Notes

Expert Tips

  • For best results, give some thought to your glassware. For the coffee version, it is essential to chill the glass so that the ice cream doesn’t melt too quickly. Here, though it is less imperative, I still suggest chilled serving glasses to allow the diners to linger over their unbelievably tasty sherry affogato dessert
  • Use only Pedro Ximénez sherry – it’s unique and the only sherry suitable for this recipe in my opinion
  • Vegan ice cream can also be used. If serving to vegan diners ensure that your sherry is also vegan – not all are

Nutrition Per Serving (Approximate)

Calories:272kcal | Carbohydrates:38g | Protein:3g | Fat:10g | Saturated Fat:5g | Cholesterol:31mg | Sodium:104mg | Potassium:256mg | Fiber:1g | Sugar:25g | Vitamin A:334IU | Vitamin C:1mg | Calcium:90mg | Iron:1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @littlesugarsnap or tag #littlesugarsnaps!
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  1. Luke Ratford

    December 09, 2020 at 5:14 pm

    5 stars
    This dessert recipe looks fantastic, I will be trying this over the Christmas holidays as my parents absolutely love sherry-based desserts, this will go down a treat:)
    Thank you so much for sharing!!

    Reply
  2. Beth

    December 09, 2020 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    What an easy and elegant treat! My favorite kind of recipe during the holidays!

    Reply
  3. Cindy

    December 09, 2020 at 1:34 pm

    5 stars
    Love this sherry affogato. It’s so easy to make and absolutely delicious!

    Reply
  4. Deborah

    December 09, 2020 at 10:55 am

    5 stars
    Beautiful pictures. I’m definitely trying this for the holiday.

    Reply
    • Jane Saunders

      December 09, 2020 at 11:22 am

      Thankyou Deborah – I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

      Reply
  5. Pam Greer

    March 15, 2020 at 7:53 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve had a coffee affogato before, but this sherry version is sooo much better! I love the boozy fruit too!

    Reply
    • Jane Saunders

      March 16, 2020 at 2:39 pm

      Thanks Pam

      Reply
  6. Healthy World Cuisine

    March 14, 2020 at 3:00 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely delightful recipe. Rich, delicious and so easy to whip together. Love this idea for a dinner party gathering. The hardest part is waiting for 24 hours to make the boozy dried fruit to enjoy this dessert.

    Reply
    • Jane Saunders

      March 16, 2020 at 2:43 pm

      Ahhh, if you struggle to remain patient you can always speed the soaking fruit up by blasting in the microwave for 30 seconds to heat – seems to work a treat.

      Reply

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