Best Frozen Coffee Granita Recipe for Summer Delights
Attention coffee lovers! Today, I bring you a delicious and refreshing recipe that will awaken your taste buds and make your day. If you’re looking for the perfect summer dessert, then look no further than this frozen coffee granita recipe.
A coffee granita is an Italian frozen dessert made of brewed coffee, sugar, and water, which is then frozen and shaved into a slushy consistency. It’s light, refreshing and has just the right amount of sweetness to offset the boldness of the coffee. This easy coffee granita recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy their cold brew in a different way or for those who simply want a dessert that won’t weigh them down.
But what difference does it make if you spend time preparing this coffee granita recipe instead of just drinking an iced coffee? The answer is simple: it’s all about the texture. The ice crystals in a granita are larger than in traditional shaved ice, which creates a unique texture that’s more akin to sorbet or even creamy Italian gelato!
This frozen coffee granita can be paired with whipped cream, ice cream or even condensed milk for an extra decadent touch. It’s also a great base for creative variations like Vietnamese coffee, al caffè con panna, or adding a splash of coffee liqueur for an adult twist.
So, let’s get brewing! In the next sections, we’ll go through everything you need to make this delicious coffee granita recipe. Trust me; once you taste it, you’ll never want to go back to plain iced coffee!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a barista, I know that coffee is not just a drink, it is an experience. And what better way to enjoy coffee than in the form of a frozen dessert! That’s why you are going to absolutely LOVE this Frozen Coffee Granita Recipe. Trust me, it will satisfy all your iced coffee cravings and more.
Firstly, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. Unlike other granita recipes that require complex ingredients or special equipment, this one only requires brewed coffee, sugar, and vanilla extract. It’s perfect for those who want to whip up a delicious treat without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Secondly, the combination of sweet sugar water and very strong espresso coffee creates a taste that will tantalize your taste buds. The granita made from this mixture of sweet and bitter flavors is simply divine. Plus, you can customize the recipe according to your preferences by using cold brew or Vietnamese coffee instead of regular espresso.
Thirdly, this frozen dessert is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it with whipped cream, ice cream, or even some condensed milk for a richer taste. You can even pair it with your favorite Italian coffee liqueur for a truly decadent treat.
Last but not least, this recipe is low carb which makes it an ideal dessert option for those who want to indulge in something sweet without sabotaging their diet. So why not give this easy Coffee Granita Recipe a try today? I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Frozen Coffee Granita recipe:
- 3 cups of very strong coffee (brewed and cooled down)
- 1 cup of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
This easy coffee granita recipe only requires three ingredients, making it a hassle-free dessert. For the very strong coffee, I recommend using espresso coffee. Don’t have an espresso machine? No problem! You can make cold brew coffee by steeping coffee grounds overnight in water then straining them – it’s equally delicious! The white sugar is necessary to balance the bitterness of the coffee while the vanilla extract adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the aroma of the drink. If you’re looking for a low-carb option or like your iced coffee less sweet, you can also use a sugar substitute.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all our ingredients, it’s time to dive in and start making our Frozen Coffee Granita.
Step 1: Brew Your Coffee
First things first, brew a very strong coffee or espresso coffee. I recommend brewing at least 3 cups of coffee to make enough for the recipe. You can use either hot brewed coffee or cold brew.
Step 2: Make Sugar Water
The next step is to create our sugar mixture by combining 1 cup of white sugar with 1 cup of water into a saucepan. Heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring constantly until all the sugar has dissolved.
Step 3: Combine Coffee and Sugar Mixture
Next, pour your brewed coffee into the saucepan with your freshly made sugar water. Stir the two mixtures together until they are fully combined.
Step 4: Add Vanilla Extract
Now, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to your coffee and sugar mixture. Make sure to give it a good stir so that everything is well combined.
Step 5: Pour into Baking Dish
After mixing everything together, pour your coffee mixture into a metal baking dish. I recommend using an 8-inch or a 9×13 inch metal baking dish as they work well for freezing granitas.
Step 6: Freeze and Stir
The final step before we can enjoy our Frozen Coffee Granita is to freeze and stir it every 30 minutes. Make sure to scrape the edges of your baking dish every time you stir to ensure an even consistency throughout.
Freeze your iced coffee granita for around 2 hours, or until it reaches an icy texture that you love.
Step 7: Granita Pour Coffee
When ready to serve, scoop some of the Frozen Coffee Granita into a glass and garnish with whipped cream, shredded chocolate, or any other topping you wish.
Enjoy your deliciously refreshing, coffee granita pour!
Substitutions and Variations
Do you want to spice up your coffee granita? Here are some substitutions and variations to try out.
First off, if you want to lower the sugar content, you can use a low-carb sweetener or monk fruit extract instead of traditional white sugar. Another option is to skip the sugar altogether and use a flavored syrup such as vanilla or caramel syrup for sweetness.
Feeling adventurous? You can also experiment with adding a shot of espresso or a splash of coffee liqueur to your coffee granita pour for an adult version. To make it even more festive, try adding some whipped cream on top.
If you’re looking to switch things up completely, get creative with other iced coffee options like cold brew or Vietnamese coffee. You can also add condensed milk for a sweeter, creamier dessert or use Italian espresso instead of regular brewed coffee.
Not in the mood for a frozen dessert? Try turning this recipe into a coffee sorbet by freezing the mixture in an ice cream maker for a smoother texture.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to variations and substitutions for this easy coffee granita recipe. Whether you’re looking for a low-sugar option, an alcoholic twist, or want to explore new flavors and textures, don’t be afraid to mix things up and find the perfect combination for you.
Serving and Pairing
Thanks for following this great recipe on how to make a delicious Frozen Coffee Granita at home. In this section, we will discuss the best way to serve and pair your granita to maximize your enjoyment.
First things first, let’s talk about serving. While you can certainly eat your granita straight out of the dish, serving it in a tall glass is a much more elegant and attractive option. Pouring your granita into a glass allows you to see the beautiful layers of flavors and textures. You can also add some whipped cream on top if you’re feeling fancy.
As for pairing, this frozen dessert goes perfectly with a wide range of accompaniments. One easy option is to pair it with some iced biscuits or shortbread cookies to add some crunch to the creamy textured granita.
If you want something warmer, try pairing it with some homemade fig jam, or any other fruity jam of your choice. You can drizzle it over your granita for an extra layer of flavor.
For those looking for a more sophisticated pairing, try serving your granita alongside a shot of coffee liqueur or an alcoholic version of al caffè con panna. These beverages will bring out the bold coffee notes in your frozen dessert while also adding complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
In addition to these suggestions, you can also experiment with other coffee-inspired desserts like Vietnamese coffee ice cream, Italian coffee sorbet, or even condensed milk dessert recipes. These desserts all offer a unique twist on classic coffee flavors and make for an exciting complement to your Frozen Coffee Granita.
Overall, the beauty of this versatile recipe is that you can enjoy it with just about anything that suits your taste buds. So let your creativity guide you and have fun experimenting with different pairings!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this frozen coffee granita recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to serve it. Simply remove it from the freezer about 10-15 minutes before serving, so that it can soften a bit.
You can store your leftover coffee granita in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to a week, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly as it sits in the freezer longer. However, this should not affect its flavor.
If you need to reheat your coffee granita, do so gently over low heat on the stove or allow it to thaw completely before microwaving it in 30-second increments to avoid overcooking it. However, we suggest enjoying this dessert cold rather than warm.
Another option for storing leftover coffee granita is using it as a base for other desserts. Create a “granita di caffe” by spooning whipped cream onto your coffee granita for an indulgent treat. Or try layering it with ice cream and condensed milk for a Vietnamese coffee-inspired dessert. The possibilities are endless!
Overall, this easy coffee dessert is perfect for making ahead of time and storing in the freezer. Just be sure to follow proper storage procedures and handle with care when reheating, so you’re not sacrificing the delicious taste of this refreshing frozen dessert.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have decided to make this delicious frozen coffee treat, let me share with you some tips for perfect results:
1. Brew the Strongest Coffee Possible
For a great coffee granita, start with the strongest coffee possible. I recommend brewing twice the amount of ground beans typically used for a cup of coffee. The stronger the coffee, the more flavorful and robust your granita will be.
2. Use High-Quality Ingredients
Assemble high-quality ingredients, including vanilla extract and sugar, to achieve the best results possible. Good vanilla extract adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to your granita; while sugar provides sweetness and a syrupy consistency.
3. Freeze Properly
Once you’ve poured the coffee mixture into your baking dish or pan, let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the freezer. If you move it too quickly from room temperature to freezing temperature, there’s a chance it could freeze unevenly.
4. Fluff with a Fork Every 30 Minutes
While your granita freezes, fluff it up with a fork every 30 minutes to achieve a crystalline texture while breaking up large gas bubbles. This ensures minimal ice crystals with better flavor.
5. Make-Ahead as Needed
The versatility of frozen desserts is undeniable when having unexpected guests, events or family dinners arrive. This dessert can always be made ahead; simply store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week to get rid of stress!
By following these tips, your coffee granita will turn out flawlessly every time. Enjoy!
FAQ
Before we wrap up this article, I want to touch on some frequently asked questions about this frozen coffee granita recipe. Let’s clear up any doubts and address some concerns that you might have before giving this recipe a try.
What is a coffee granita made of?
First things first, let’s mix together some delicious coffee, granulated sugar, coffee liqueur, and vanilla. Give it a good stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Next, pour the mixture into a roomy 9 × 13-inch pan. We’re going to freeze it, so make sure the pan fits comfortably in your freezer. Leave it in there for about an hour, checking every 20 minutes or so, until the mix starts to become slushy around the edges.
What is the difference between a sorbet and a granita?
When it comes to frozen desserts, granitas and sorbets have a lot in common. They both use fruit puree, sugar, and water as ingredients. However, the major difference between the two lies in the texture. Whereas sorbets are churned to create a smooth consistency, granitas are frozen and scraped repeatedly, resulting in a flaky, icy structure.
What’s the difference between granita and frappuccino?
When it comes to a Starbucks Granita, the coffee or tea isn’t blended with the ice unlike a Frappuccino. As a result, the Granita has a lighter texture than a Frappuccino. This is exactly what Starbucks aimed for while crafting this refreshing beverage.
Is granita a still frozen dessert?
This section is about a popular dessert called Granita, which hails from the Italian region of Sicily. It is a mixture of sugar, water, and flavorings that is partially frozen to create a unique texture. This dessert can be found all over Italy, in different styles and variations.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the frozen coffee granita recipe is a delectable frozen dessert fit for coffee lovers. The granita’s texture and flavor are unrivaled, and its versatility makes it an ideal treat for any occasion. The recipe is easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen.
Whether you prefer iced coffee, espresso, or cold brew, this recipe has got you covered. You can always tweak the ingredients to suit your taste buds and add various flavors such as coffee liqueur or whipped cream to make it even more special.
With the tips and tricks provided in this article, you’ll master the art of making this frozen dessert like a pro barista. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and get started on this easy coffee recipe today! Trust me; your taste buds will thank you later.
Frozen Coffee Granita Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups hot very strong coffee (you can even use flavored coffee for this, such as chocolate almond or Irish Cream, etc) or 2 cups espresso coffee (you can even use flavored coffee for this, such as chocolate almond or Irish Cream, etc)
- 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- whipped cream
Instructions
- In a bowl stir together hot coffee and sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved, then add in vanilla.
- Pour into an 8-inch metal baking pan and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes, until slushy (this should take about 1-1/2 hours).
- Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir vigorously with a fork until slightly smoother and more uniform in texture (about 30 seconds).
- Return to the freezer until firm enough to scoop (about another 30-40 minutes.
- Divide the granita into serving dishes and top with whipped cream.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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