Name: Coffee Granita with Cream: The Ultimate Summer Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 260 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups freshly brewed strong coffee (cooled); ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Chocolate shavings; Coffee beans; Cocoa powder

Coffee granita with cream: prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched Sicilian café with every spoonful of this icy, intensely flavored delight! Forget your complicated espresso machines and fancy blenders; this recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few ingredients and a little patience to create a truly unforgettable dessert. Have you ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly balances bitter and sweet, offering a refreshing jolt of caffeine with a creamy, decadent finish? Then look no further.

Granita, a semi-frozen dessert originating from Sicily, boasts a history as rich and layered as its icy texture. Some believe its origins trace back to the Arab influence on the island, where they enjoyed sweetened fruit juices chilled with snow from Mount Etna. Over time, the recipe evolved, and coffee became a beloved flavor, particularly in the bustling port cities. The beauty of coffee granita with cream lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It's a perfect treat on a hot summer day, a sophisticated palate cleanser after a rich meal, or even a unique and energizing breakfast option. People adore it for its invigorating coffee flavor, the satisfying crunch of the ice crystals, and the luxurious contrast of the cool granita against the velvety cream. It's a sensory experience that's both refreshing and deeply satisfying. So, are you ready to make your own little piece of Italian sunshine?

Ingredients:

For the Coffee Granita:
6 cups freshly brewed strong coffee (cooled)
¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the Sweet Cream:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes:
Chocolate shavings
Coffee beans
Cocoa powder

Preparing the Coffee Base:

Brew the Coffee: Start by brewing a really strong batch of coffee. I usually use a French press or a Moka pot for this, as they tend to produce a richer, more concentrated flavor. You want it strong because the freezing process will dilute the coffee's intensity a bit. Let the coffee cool completely. This is crucial! Hot coffee will melt the sugar unevenly and can even crack your container if you put it directly into the freezer.
Dissolve the Sugar: Once the coffee is cooled, pour it into a large pitcher or bowl. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The salt might seem odd, but it actually enhances the coffee flavor and balances the sweetness. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. I like to use a whisk to make sure there are no sugar granules lingering at the bottom. Taste the mixture and adjust the sugar if needed. Remember, it will taste less sweet once frozen.
Strain the Mixture (Optional but Recommended): If you used a French press or have any coffee grounds in your mixture, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. This will ensure a smoother, more refined granita texture. This step is optional, but I find it makes a big difference in the final product.

Freezing and Scraping the Granita:

Pour into a Shallow Dish: Pour the coffee mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish. A metal baking pan works great because it conducts cold quickly, which helps with the freezing process. The shallower the dish, the faster the granita will freeze and the easier it will be to scrape.
Initial Freeze: Place the dish in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes. You want the edges to start freezing, but the center should still be liquid. This initial freeze is important for creating the right texture.
First Scraping: Remove the dish from the freezer and use a fork to scrape the frozen edges towards the center. This breaks up the ice crystals and starts to form the characteristic granita texture. Be thorough and scrape all the frozen parts.
Return to Freezer and Repeat: Place the dish back in the freezer for another 30-45 minutes. Repeat the scraping process. You'll notice that more of the mixture has frozen. Continue scraping until the entire mixture is frozen and has a coarse, icy texture. This usually takes about 2-3 hours total, with scraping every 30-45 minutes. The more frequently you scrape, the finer and more delicate the granita will be.
Final Freeze: Once you've achieved the desired texture, let the granita freeze completely for at least another hour before serving. This will ensure that it's firm and holds its shape.

Preparing the Sweet Cream:

Chill the Equipment: Before you start, chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment (or beaters) in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better. Cold equipment is key to stable whipped cream!
Combine Ingredients: Pour the heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The powdered sugar dissolves more easily than granulated sugar, resulting in a smoother whipped cream.
Whip the Cream: Using a whisk or an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form. Soft peaks are when the cream holds its shape briefly but the tips curl over when you lift the whisk or beaters. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter.
Adjust Sweetness (Optional): Taste the whipped cream and adjust the sweetness if needed. Add a little more powdered sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
Keep Chilled: Cover the whipped cream and refrigerate until ready to serve. This will help it stay firm and prevent it from melting.

Assembling and Serving:

Scoop the Granita: Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to scoop the coffee granita into individual serving glasses or bowls. I like to use clear glasses so you can see the beautiful texture of the granita.
Top with Sweet Cream: Spoon a generous dollop of the sweet cream on top of the granita. You can also use a piping bag to create a more elegant presentation.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chocolate shavings, coffee beans, or a dusting of cocoa powder. These additions not only look beautiful but also enhance the flavor of the granita.
Serve Immediately: Serve the coffee granita with sweet cream immediately. The granita will start to melt if left out for too long, so it's best to enjoy it right away.

Tips and Variations:

Coffee Strength: Adjust the coffee strength to your liking. If you prefer a milder coffee flavor, use less coffee or more water.
Sweetness: The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your taste. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed.
Liqueur: For an adult version, add a tablespoon or two of coffee liqueur (like Kahlua) or amaretto to the coffee mixture before freezing.
Chocolate Granita: Add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder to the coffee mixture for a mocha-flavored granita.
Vegan Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan version of the sweet cream. Make sure to use full-fat coconut cream and chill it in the refrigerator overnight before whipping.
Storage: Leftover granita can be stored in the freezer for up to a week. Just scrape it again before serving to refresh the texture. The sweet cream is best made fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Enjoy!

This coffee granita with sweet cream is a refreshing and delicious treat that's perfect for hot summer days. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This coffee granita with cream is truly a must-try, especially if you're a coffee lover like me. It's the perfect balance of refreshing and indulgent, offering a delightful caffeine kick with a creamy, smooth finish. Forget those overly sweet, artificial-tasting iced coffees – this granita is the real deal, made with simple ingredients and bursting with authentic coffee flavor. What makes this recipe so special? First, it's incredibly easy to make. You don't need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Just a few basic ingredients, a little bit of patience, and you'll be rewarded with a truly exceptional treat. Second, it's incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking, experiment with different types of coffee, and even add a splash of your favorite liqueur for an extra touch of sophistication. Beyond the basic recipe, there are so many ways to customize your coffee granita experience. For a richer, more decadent treat, try using heavy cream instead of regular cream. Or, for a lighter option, you can use coconut cream or almond milk. If you're feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a unique flavor twist. Serving suggestions are endless! Enjoy it as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, a sophisticated dessert after dinner, or even as a unique brunch addition. I love serving mine in chilled glasses with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. You could also try layering it with vanilla ice cream or using it as a topping for your favorite coffee-flavored cake. For a fun variation, consider making a mocha granita by adding a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder to the coffee mixture before freezing. Or, for a more adult-friendly version, add a shot of coffee liqueur, rum, or even a splash of Irish cream. The possibilities are truly endless! I'm confident that this coffee granita with cream will become a new favorite in your household. It's the perfect way to cool down on a hot day, satisfy your coffee cravings, and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. But don't just take my word for it – I encourage you to try this recipe for yourself! I've poured my heart into perfecting it, and I'm so excited for you to experience the deliciousness firsthand. Once you've made it, I'd love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? What did you serve it with? Please share your photos and comments with me! You can tag me on social media or leave a comment on the recipe page. I'm always eager to hear from fellow food lovers and see how you've made this recipe your own. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the most refreshing and delicious coffee granita you've ever tasted. I promise you won't be disappointed! Happy granita-making!