☕Coffee Granita☕
๐ Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 ml) freshly brewed strong coffee or espresso.
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar,
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract or a splash of coffee liqueur.
- Whipped cream for serving (optional but highly recommended).
⏱️ Total Time:
- Preparation: 10 minutes.
- Freezing: About 3–4 hours (with stirring every 30–45 minutes).
๐ฉ๐ณ Step-by-Step Preparation:
- Brew the Coffee: Brew 2 cups of strong coffee or espresso. While it's still hot, stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Add vanilla or liqueur if using. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Freeze the Coffee Mixture :Pour the sweetened coffee into a shallow, wide container (metal or glass works best). Place it in the freezer.
- Scrape and Stir: After 30–45 minutes, ice crystals will start to form. Use a fork to stir and scrape the mixture, breaking up the crystals. Repeat every 30–45 minutes for the next 3–4 hours until it has a fluffy, icy texture.
- Final Scrape:Once fully frozen and flaky, give it one last scrape to make it soft and granita-like.
๐ฝ️ How to Serve:
- Scoop the granita into chilled glasses or bowls.
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream if you like.
- Serve immediately with a spoon and enjoy under the sun or pretend you're on a terrace in Sicily.
❓ FAQ – Coffee Granita
Q: Can I make this without an espresso machine?
A: Yes! You can use very strong brewed coffee, moka pot coffee, or even instant coffee dissolved in less water to concentrate the flavor.
Q: How long does coffee granita last in the freezer?
A: It keeps well for up to a week, but you’ll need to scrape it again before serving to regain that soft, slushy texture.
Q: Can I make it less sweet?
A: Absolutely. Adjust the sugar to your taste. Keep in mind that freezing dulls sweetness, so it may taste slightly less sweet once frozen.
Q: What can I use instead of whipped cream?
A: You can serve it plain, or top it with a spoonful of mascarpone, a scoop of vanilla gelato, or even a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk.
Q: Can I make a decaf version?
A: Of course! Just use decaffeinated coffee. The result is just as delicious and great for evening desserts.