Refreshing Coffee Granita Delight
Coffee granita is a delightful Italian dessert that's perfect for warm weather. It’s a semi-frozen treat that blends the rich flavors of coffee with the texture of icy crystals. Whether you enjoy it as a mid-day refreshment or an after-dinner dessert, coffee granita is simple to make yet sophisticated enough to impress guests.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional for serving)
- Shaved chocolate (optional for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the Coffee Base:
Brew 2 cups of strong coffee using your preferred method (such as a French press or espresso machine). Allow the coffee to cool to room temperature.Sweeten the Coffee:
In a bowl, mix the cooled coffee with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.Freeze the Coffee Mixture:
Pour the coffee mixture into a shallow baking dish. The wider the dish, the faster the granita will freeze. Place it in the freezer and let it sit for about 30 minutes.Scrape the Ice Crystals:
After 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape the ice that has formed around the edges into the center. Return the dish to the freezer. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours. This will give you the perfect granita texture with small, icy crystals.Serve:
Once the granita is fully frozen and flaky, scrape it one final time and spoon it into chilled glasses. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate for a touch of elegance.
Tips
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer your granita less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 1/3 cup.
- Coffee variety: Experiment with different types of coffee to find your preferred flavor. A dark roast will give a bold taste, while a medium roast will be more balanced.
- Flavor boosts: For a twist, you can add a splash of liqueur like Kahlua or Baileys before freezing.