Espresso Affogato with Macadamia Praline

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich espresso poured over creamy vanilla ice cream crowned with crunchy macadamia nut praline for a classic Australian coffee treat. This australian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 25 minutes brings together shots (about 4 oz) espresso shots, chopped macadamia nuts, granulated sugar for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: To make macadamia praline, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 tbsp water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook without stirring for 5-7 minutes until the mixture turns a deep amber color.
  2. Step 2: Immediately stir in 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts and spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let cool completely and break into small pieces.
  3. Step 3: Brew 4 shots of espresso (about 4 oz) fresh and keep hot.
  4. Step 4: Place 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream into individual serving glasses or bowls.
  5. Step 5: Pour one hot espresso shot over each scoop of ice cream and sprinkle generously with macadamia praline pieces.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot espresso and cold creamy ice cream with crunchy praline.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Espresso Affogato with Macadamia Praline take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Espresso Affogato with Macadamia Praline?

Refrigerate any leftover espresso affogato with macadamia praline in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Espresso Affogato with Macadamia Praline?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Espresso Affogato with Macadamia Praline for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Espresso Affogato with Macadamia Praline?

Australian cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.