Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Coffee Flavor: Made with strong espresso for an intense coffee taste.
- Refreshing Texture: Light, fluffy ice crystals created by regular scraping during freezing.
- Simple & No Machines: Just freeze and scrape—no ice cream maker required.
- Versatile: Easily adapted to be dairy-free or dressed up with toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Brew the Espresso & Sweeten
Brew 2 cups of espresso and stir in sugar while hot until dissolved. Add vanilla extract and allow to cool slightly.
Step 2: Pour & Freeze
Pour the sweetened espresso mixture into a shallow baking dish and place in the freezer.
Step 3: Scrape the Granita
After 30 minutes, scrape the frozen edges with a fork to create ice crystals. Repeat scraping every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours until the granita is fully frozen and fluffy.
Step 4: Scoop & Serve
Spoon the granita into glasses and top each with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Step 5: Add Toppings & Enjoy
Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freeze & Scrape Time: 2–3 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut or almond-based vanilla ice cream.
- Extra Richness: Drizzle an extra shot of espresso over the ice cream before serving.
- Fancy Touch: Add chocolate shavings or cocoa powder as garnish.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftover granita covered in the freezer.
- Before serving leftovers, re-scrape with a fork to refresh the texture.
- Best enjoyed fresh for the lightest, fluffiest texture.
FAQs
How often should I scrape the granita?
Every 30 minutes to create fluffy ice crystals.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, make the espresso mixture in advance and refrigerate before freezing.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap vanilla ice cream with a plant-based alternative.
What’s the best way to serve granita?
In small glasses topped with a scoop of ice cream and optional garnish.
How do I keep the granita from freezing too hard?
Regular scraping breaks up ice formation, keeping it fluffy.
Can I use flavored vanilla ice cream?
Yes, but keep flavors complementary to espresso.
Can I store granita for more than a day?
Yes, but texture is best on the first day.
Can I make granita without sugar?
Yes, but sugar balances bitterness and helps texture.
Conclusion
Espresso Granita with Vanilla Ice Cream is a simple yet indulgent dessert that pairs bold coffee flavor with refreshing icy texture and creamy vanilla. Perfect for coffee lovers looking for a cool treat, it’s easy to make and sure to impress any time of year.
Espresso Granita with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing and scraping
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Espresso Granita with Vanilla Ice Cream is a bold, icy coffee dessert topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, perfect for a refreshing summer treat or after-dinner indulgence.
Ingredients
2 cups freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup vanilla ice cream
Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Brew 2 cups of espresso and stir in sugar while hot until dissolved. Add vanilla extract and allow to cool slightly.
- Pour the sweetened espresso mixture into a shallow baking dish and place in the freezer.
- After 30 minutes, scrape the frozen edges with a fork to create ice crystals. Repeat scraping every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours until fully frozen and fluffy.
- Spoon the granita into glasses and top each with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use coconut or almond-based vanilla ice cream for a dairy-free option.
Drizzle an extra shot of espresso over the ice cream for added richness.
Add chocolate shavings or cocoa powder as a garnish for a fancy touch.
Store leftover granita covered in the freezer; re-scrape before serving to refresh texture.
Best enjoyed fresh for lightest, fluffiest texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: approx. 200-250 kcal
- Sugar: 20-25 g
- Sodium: 10-20 mg
- Fat: 7-9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5-6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1-2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2-3 g
- Cholesterol: 25-35 mg
