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2 Ingredient Coffee Granita

Heather Baird
2 Ingredient Coffee Granita is the easiest frozen coffee treat you'll make all summer. Made with just coffee and sugar, it freezes into fluffy, icy crystals with bold coffee flavor.
You'll never be disappointed by using a coffee you enjoy drinking, so brew your favorite brand. For the boldest flavor, brew the coffee slightly stronger than you would for drinking. A robust coffee flavor shines through best once frozen. If you're looking for a dependable grocery store option, I use and recommend Lavazza.
See recipe notes for serving suggestions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
3 hours freezing time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian, Sicilian
Servings 6

Equipment

  • 13x9 inch dish

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3 cups strong hot brewed coffee
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl or pitcher with a pour spout, combine the hot coffee and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  • Pour the mixture into a 13x9-inch baking dish. Place the dish in the freezer, uncovered.
  • After about 1 hour, check the mixture. When you see a thin layer of ice crystals forming around the edges of the pan, use a fork to scrape and stir them into the liquid.
  • Return the dish to the freezer. Every 30 to 40 minutes, remove the pan and scrape the mixture with a fork, breaking up the ice crystals and stirring them throughout. The granita will become progressively thicker, slushier, and fluffier with each scraping.
  • Continue scraping every 30 to 40 minutes until the entire mixture is made up of light, fluffy coffee ice crystals. This usually takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours total, depending on your freezer temperature.
  • Once the granita is fully frozen and fluffy, cover the dish and keep it in the freezer until ready to serve.
  • Just before serving, fluff the granita once more with a fork. Spoon into footed dessert dishes, small bowls, or glasses and serve immediately.

Notes

Flavor Variations

Customize your coffee granita by stirring 2 to 3 tablespoons flavored coffee syrup into the hot coffee mixture before adding the sugar. Hazelnut, vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and Irish cream flavors all work well. Brands such as Torani and Monin are easy to find in grocery stores and online.
For an adults-only version, stir 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur, hazelnut liqueur (such as Frangelico), Irish cream liqueur, or whiskey into the hot coffee mixture before freezing. The small amount of alcohol adds flavor without significantly affecting the granita's ability to freeze.
Serving Suggestions
  • Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream.
  • Pour over 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream.
  • Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce.
  • Serve with crisp biscotti on the side.
  • Add a splash of coffee liqueur for an adults-only dessert.
 
Storage
Store covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. If the granita becomes frozen solid, re-scrape with a fork to restore its fluffy texture.
Keyword coffee granita, coffee granita recipe, dark brewed coffee, granulated sugar
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