Refreshing Coffee Granita Recipe to Beat the Heat
I’m not saying coffee is the best thing in the world, but I’m also not saying it’s not. Whether it’s a winter morning or a summer afternoon, people find comfort in sipping hot or cold coffee. But guess what? I have a frozen dessert that brings out the best of both worlds – Coffee Granita.
Coffee granita is a delicate yet delectable Italian dessert that is the perfect combination of chilled and caffeinated. This easy coffee granita recipe will leave you saying “This is the best coffee dessert ever.” You don’t need an ice cream maker, just a few ingredients like brewed coffee, white sugar, and vanilla extract.
With just 3 cups of strong brewed coffee, 1 cup of water and sugar, and a few more simple ingredients, make yourself ready for an unforgettable treat. Granita contains anywhere from 9-13 mg of caffeine per tablespoon so you can get your daily dose of caffeine while still enjoying your sweet tooth indulgence.
Give yourself a treat with this rich-flavored and smooth-textured frozen dessert during any time of the year by following this recipe. Let’s brew some good vibes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Coffee lovers rejoice! This coffee granita recipe is the perfect frozen dessert for any caffeine addict. Not only does it satisfy your sweet tooth, but it also gives you the needed kick of energy to tackle any task ahead.
The granita’s texture is light and fluffy, making it the perfect refreshment on a hot summer day. The mixture contains 9-13 mg of caffeine per cup, which means that you can indulge yourself in this frozen dessert without guilt.
Beyond its energy boost, this granita recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. It’s an excellent option for those who want a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can easily replace the sugar with a sugar substitute of your choice, and the heavy cream can be substituted with almond or coconut milk. The variation options are endless, making it a versatile dessert that adapts to different preferences.
In addition to being an excellent standalone dessert, this coffee granita pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to create an even more decadent treat. Or add some coffee liqueur on top for an extra flavor punch.
This Italian coffee granita has been around since ancient times and continues to be a hit in modern cuisine. Don’t miss out on trying what may just be the best dessert ever saying “coffee granita.”
Ingredient List
Here is the list of ingredients you will need to make this refreshing coffee granita recipe:
For the Coffee Granita:
- 3 cups strong brewed coffee, cold or at room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Serving and Pairing:
- Whipped cream
- Coffee liqueur (optional)
Make sure you have everything in stock before starting the recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Once we’ve gathered our ingredients and brewed a strong pot of espresso coffee, it’s time to start making our delicious coffee granita.
Step 1: Prep the Sugar Mixture
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of white sugar and 1 cup of water, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely. Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove the saucepan from heat.
Step 2: Add Coffee and Vanilla
After we have brewed 3 cups of strong espresso coffee, we’ll stir in the sugar mixture along with 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Stirring the mixture until well-combined.
Step 3: Freeze
Once our coffee mixture is cool enough to handle, we’ll pour it into a 9×13-inch metal baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and put it in the freezer. After about an hour or two, we’ll want to take a fork and scrape the ice crystals that have formed along the edges of the dish. Repeat this step every hour or so until all of our mixture has become ice crystals.
The texture should be soft at first, but will eventually turn granular, just like an Italian lemon granita. Granita contains usually between 9-13mg caffeine compared to an average of 95-200mg in your standard issue espresso coffee. Just to let you know!
Step 4: Serve
Once ready to serve, remove our finished product from the freezer and water a bit so that is easier to scrape. Using our trusty fork once more, scrape tiny ice flakes from it and divide into serving dishes or glasses. Top with whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder or icing sugar for garnish.
One additional variation is adding some coffee liqueur or your preferred liquer into the mix after Step 2.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Now we’re ready to sit back and enjoy this delicious frozen dessert. It’s the perfect afternoon or after-dinner treat that pairs perfectly with iced coffee or even low-carb al caffè con panna. Trust me, this is the best coffee dessert ever saying Granita Granita!
Substitutions and Variations
Getting tired of the same old coffee granita recipe? Fear not, as there are plenty of ways to switch it up and add some extra pizzazz to your frozen dessert. Here are some variations and substitutions that you can try out:
– Low-carb version: Substitute the sugar with a low-carbohydrate sweetener such as stevia or erythritol. You can also swap out regular coffee for decaf or a low-acid option.
– Al caffè con panna: This Italian variation involves topping your coffee granita with a dollop of whipped cream for an added layer of richness.
– Coffee liqueur: For a boozy twist, add a splash of coffee liqueur to your granita mixture before freezing it.
– Iced coffee granita: Use cold brew coffee instead of brewed hot coffee to make an iced version of this dessert.
– Sorbet or ice cream: Instead of serving the granita on its own, turn it into a layered dessert by alternating scoops of coffee sorbet or ice cream with the granita in a cup or bowl.
– Cocoa powder: If you’re looking for a chocolatey flavor, stir in some cocoa powder to your sugar mixture before combing with the coffee.
– Vanilla extract: Add depth to your flavor profile by stirring in a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract into your mixture before freezing.
No matter which variation you choose, the key is to experiment and have fun with it. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite recipe that becomes endlessly popular!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this coffee granita recipe, there are many ways to enhance its sweet, rich and delicious flavor.
Firstly, you can serve coffee granita on its own, as it is the perfect frozen dessert with a refreshing taste that will delight coffee lovers. It’s best served in a cup or bowl garnished with whipped cream and cocoa powder, which adds extra texture and flavor to the granita.
For a more indulgent dessert experience, you can pair coffee granita with ice cream or sorbet. The combination of creamy ice cream or sorbet with the icy texture of the granita creates a unique contrast that will satisfy any sweet tooth. I love serving my granita with vanilla bean ice cream to balance out the bittersweet taste of coffee.
If you’re looking for an adult-only dessert, you can add a splash of coffee liqueur to your granita mixture. This adds an extra depth of rich flavor and makes the dessert perfect for late-night dinner parties.
Additionally, if you’re serving this coffee granita at a brunch or breakfast gathering, consider pairing it with Italian pastries like cannoli or biscotti. These traditional Italian sweets complement the flavor and texture of the granita perfectly and make family gatherings even more enjoyable.
Coffee Granita pairs very well with low-carb drinks like Cold Brew Coffee or Al Caffè Con Panna (coffee with whipped cream). You can also pair it with Sicilian desserts like Cassata Siciliana.
In conclusion, there are countless ways to serve and pair coffee granita depending on your personal preferences. With its incredible taste, smooth texture and subtle caffeine kick, this frozen dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser no matter how you choose to enjoy it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The best part about Coffee Granita is that you can easily make it ahead of time, so it’s ready whenever you want it. Once you have prepared the granita according to the recipe instructions, simply transfer it to a container with an airtight lid and store it in the freezer.
Coffee granita can last up to a week in the freezer if kept properly sealed. However, be aware that after a few days, the texture may become a bit harder to scoop. To remedy this, just leave it at room temperature for 5-10 minutes, and then use a fork to scrape off some of the ice, breaking up any large chunks.
If you plan on serving the coffee granita for guests or at a party, you can make ahead of time and portion into serving glasses or cups. You can add whipped cream or coffee liqueur on top for added indulgence.
When reheating your coffee granita, It’s important not to let it melt completely before freezing again as this will ruin the texture. Instead, slightly thaw it in the refrigerator before serving, stirring occasionally to ensure an even texture.
Remember that Coffee Granita is a frozen dessert and doesn’t reheat like other warm beverages such as coffee or tea.
Overall, Coffee Granita is an easy-to-make and flavor-packed dessert that is perfect for any time of the year. You can make extra batches to keep on hand in your freezer for anytime sweet cravings or unexpected visitors. This recipe is also ideal if you are looking for a low-carb dessert option that isn’t too sweet or indulgent but still hits the spot. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect cold and crunchy texture of a coffee granita, you need to follow a few tips that I have learned after brewing countless cups of this frozen treat. Here are some tips that can help you make the best coffee granita ever.
The first tip is related to the coffee used to make the granita. Always use freshly brewed, strong coffee for the best flavor. You can choose between espresso, cold brew, or even instant coffee, but make sure it’s strong enough to stand out in the frozen dessert.
Another essential aspect of making coffee granita is getting the right sugar-to-liquid ratio. Too much sugar will result in a syrupy mixture, while too little sugar will leave the granita too icy and unpleasantly crunchy. The standard ratio that works for most recipes is 1 cup of sugar for 3 cups of strongly brewed coffee.
To ensure that the sugar dissolves correctly, stir it into the hot coffee before cooling it down. If you want to add some extra sweetness or flavor to your granita, consider using caster sugar instead of regular sugar or mix in some icing sugar – this will give your dessert a smoother texture.
For an added layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon pure vanilla extract or even a tablespoon of coffee liqueur to your mixture before freezing it.
When it comes to freezing the mixture, using a shallow container such as a baking dish or casserole dish is ideal because it allows for more contact with the edges and helps form ice crystals throughout when scraped with a fork. For better results, chill the container in the freezer beforehand – this will speed up the freezing process
Lastly, don’t forget to top your chilled granita with whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder for an indulgent touch. Serve your coffee granita as an Italian-style icy dessert known as “granita di caffe,” together with other prized Sicilian sorbets and ice creams or enjoy it as a refreshing afternoon treat on its own.
By following these tips, you can create the best coffee granita recipe that will have everyone saying, “This is the best coffee granita I’ve ever had!”
FAQ
As a barista, I frequently receive questions from coffee lovers who are excited to try out different types of coffee. In this section, I will answer some common questions about coffee granita and provide some tips that can help you achieve the best results. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this classic Italian frozen dessert.
What is a coffee granita made of?
Alright, let’s get started on making this delicious coffee slush! First, let’s mix together the coffee, sugar, coffee liqueur, and vanilla extract until the sugar completely dissolves. This will give us the perfect balance of sweetness and coffee flavor. Once the mixture is well combined, we’ll pour it into a 9×13 inch pan.
Now, it’s time to chill our mixture. To do this, we’ll place the pan in the freezer for about an hour until the mixture starts to turn slushy around the edges. This will give us that perfect icy texture without being too solid.
What’s the difference between granita and frappuccino?
In contrast to a Frappuccino, a Starbucks Granita doesn’t incorporate the ice with the espresso, tea, or lemonade. This creates a lighter option that differs from the traditional Frappuccino. The intention behind this method was to create a distinct and unique beverage.
What is human bean granita?
Our signature granita is a delectable combination of finely blended espresso, locally sourced milk and a hint of sweetness.
Does granita have caffeine?
When it comes to caffeine content, the Caramel Espresso Granita is the strongest with 75 mg. This amount will provide a useful energy boost without interfering with your sleep. The Youthberry White Tea Granita has a relatively lower caffeine content of 15 to 25 mg, while the Strawberry Lemon Limeade Granita is completely caffeine-free.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, coffee granita is an easy and delicious frozen dessert that you can make with simple ingredients. With its bold coffee flavor and icy texture, it’s the perfect way to end a meal or to cool off on a hot summer day. So why not give this Italian classic a try today?
Remember to brew the strongest coffee you can and use good-quality vanilla extract. You can even add a splash of coffee liqueur to the mixture for an extra kick. And don’t forget to experiment with different toppings, such as whipped cream, cocoa powder or even some iced cream.
Whether you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to sugary desserts or just want to enjoy the best coffee-based frozen dessert ever saying, “no” to coffee granita is simply impossible. So why not indulge in this exquisite and refreshing treat as soon as possible? Trust me, it will definitely become your go-to dessert recipe!
Coffee Granita Recipe
Ingredients
- 300 ml strong espresso coffee
- 75 g caster sugar
- 200 ml double cream
- 1 tablespoon icing sugar
- cocoa powder (to dust)
Instructions
- Mix together the warm coffee, castor sugar and stir until all the sugar has dissolved.
- Pour into a shallow freezer container and freeze overnight.
- The next morning, mash wit a fork to break up the ice crystals.
- The granita should have a rough texture.
- Return to the freezer until ready to serve.
- Lightly whip the cream.
- Stir in icing sugar.
- Cover and chill until needed.
- To serve, break up the granita and spoon into 6 glasses.
- Top with spoonfuls of the cream and dust with cocoa powder.
- Serve immediately as the granita will melt very quickly.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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