Iced Coffee Granita

πŸ•’ Prep: 10 min
πŸ”₯ Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 8

If you're looking for a refreshing twist on your regular iced coffee, this Iced Coffee Granita might just become your new favorite treat. Perfect for hot days, this simple yet delightful recipe transforms your morning brew into a frozen, scoopable delight.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to make with just a few ingredients.
  • Perfectly customizable to your taste preferences.
  • No special equipment needed β€” just a fork and a freezer.
  • A refreshing alternative to the usual iced coffee.

Ingredients

2 cups freshly brewed strong coffee
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Ice cubes (for serving)

Ingredients Explained

Coffee: The star of the show. Make sure it's freshly brewed and strong for full flavor. Granulated sugar: Sweetens the deal and helps create that perfect granular texture. Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with coffee. Heavy cream: Optional, but it adds a creamy richness if you're in the mood. Ice cubes: Enhances the chill factor when serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a metal dish for faster freezing.
  • Don't skip the scraping β€” it makes all the difference in texture.
  • Adjust the sugar to your taste; some folks like it less sweet.

Detailed Instructions

Start by brewing 2 cups of strong coffee. While it's still hot, stir in the sugar until it's completely dissolved. The heat helps the sugar melt nicely, ensuring a smooth mix. Add that splash of vanilla extract and let the whole thing cool to room temperature. This is important because pouring hot liquid into the freezer isn't a great idea.

Once cooled, pour your coffee mixture into a shallow metal baking dish. The metal helps it freeze faster, which is what we want. Place the dish in the freezer and wait for about 30 minutes. When you check back, you'll see the edges starting to freeze. Grab a fork and scrape those icy bits toward the center. This is how you create that signature granita texture.

Continue this scrape-and-freeze process every 30 minutes for about 2 to 3 hours. Each time you scrape, you're breaking up the ice crystals, which is what gives granita its fluffy, granular texture. Once everything is frozen and scraped, it's ready to serve. Scoop it into chilled glasses, add a splash of cream if you're feeling indulgent, and maybe a few ice cubes to keep things extra cold.

Simplified Instructions

1. Brew 2 cups of strong coffee and stir in the granulated sugar until dissolved.
2. Add vanilla extract and allow the coffee mixture to cool to room temperature.
3. Pour the coffee mixture into a shallow metal baking dish.
4. Place the dish in the freezer and allow it to freeze for about 30 minutes.
5. Using a fork, scrape the frozen edges into the center of the dish and return to the freezer.
6. Repeat scraping every 30 minutes for about 2 to 3 hours until you have a fluffy, granular texture.
7. Once fully frozen and scraped, serve in chilled glasses with a splash of heavy cream if desired and a few ice cubes.

Serving Suggestions

This granita pairs beautifully with a light breakfast pastry or a simple biscotti. For a more decadent treat, top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. It’s perfect as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up or a light dessert after a meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use decaf coffee?
Absolutely. If you prefer to avoid caffeine, decaf works just fine.
What if I don't have a metal dish?
A glass dish will work, but it may take a bit longer to freeze.
Can I use flavored coffee?
Sure! Flavored coffee can add an extra layer of taste to your granita.

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