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.
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.
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.
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. Itβs perfect as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up or a light dessert after a meal.