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Cold Brew Coffee Granita – The Perfect Frozen Dessert

Cold Brew Coffee Granita – The Perfect Frozen Dessert

Looking for the perfect frozen dessert to cool you off on a warm, sunny day? I have you covered with this easy 2-ingredient Cold Brew Coffee Granita. This frozen dessert is light, refreshing, and the perfect little pick me up, especially for coffee lovers.

Granitas are one of my favorite frozen desserts because they are so easy to make. They are like a popsicle chopped into beautiful ice crystals filled with flavor. I chose to do a cold brew coffee granita instead of a traditional coffee/espresso granita because I enjoy the smooth, full-bodied taste of cold brew coffee.

Once you make this granita recipe, you are going to not only want to make it again but to try it with new flavors. So get your spoon ready to dig into this special Cold Brew Coffee Granita!

A close up of Cold Brew Coffee Granita with a dollop of whipped cream on top. In the background is another bowl of granita and a cold brew coffee maker.

Full disclaimer –  This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on the link you will have the option to purchase a product at no extra cost to you, but I would receive a small commission. I want to thank everyone for following and supporting us on all of “Our Sweet Adventures.” 



Our Experience of Granita in Italy

Just like the cannoli, granita originated in Sicily but can be found throughout the boot – mostly along the Southern Coast. During our travels in Italy, we enjoyed granita in Capri, Amalfi, Sorrento, and several other cities. From local favorites of coffee granita to lemon granita, you can find a variety of different flavors.

Though we have not traveled to Sicily (yet), one of my favorite places in Italy with granita is Capri. During our one day in Capri, we saw several lemon granita carts. These lemon granita carts were an island hit and for good reason. The fresh lemon granita was the perfect frozen dessert to enjoy on a warm summer day on the island.



What is Granita?

Granita is a beloved frozen dessert made with sugar, water, and your flavor of choice. Essentially it is shaved ice made from sweetened fruit puree or another liquid. It is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or inside a fruit such as a lemon and orange.

Two bowls filled with cold brew coffee granita and a dollop of whipped cream on top - the perfect frozen dessert.

The most common flavors of granita are lemon, mixed berry, coffee, and chocolate. However, as briefly stated, you can turn almost any fruit into a sweetened puree to make granita. So do not be afraid to get creative! Better yet, you can also spike your granita for that extra kick.


What is the Difference Between Granita and Sorbet?

People often get granita and sorbet confused thinking it is the same frozen dessert, but they are different. Though both frozen desserts use the same simple ingredients – water, fruit puree, and sugar, the main difference is the process and texture.

Granita is flavored-shaved ice crystals. Whereas sorbet is a smooth and silky frozen dessert. Furthermore, granita is made by freezing the liquid in a shallow container and using a fork to create ice crystals over time. Sorbet is made by pouring chilled liquid into an ice cream maker to create its smooth texture.



What is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew coffee is one of many great ways to enjoy your morning caffeinated drink. After years of being an avid coffee drinking, I can say with confidence that cold brew coffee is truly awesome. Here is why…

Though it takes time, cold brew coffee is a full-bodied, smooth, rich, and (sometimes) more caffeinated beverage than most coffee drinks. More importantly, because of its process, cold brew coffee has very low levels of acidity which are very helpful to sensitive digestive systems.

To make cold brew coffee, you steep ground coffee with room temperature or cold water for 24 hours. The ratio of coffee-to-water is between 1:4 and 1:8, which is also a little higher than a typical brewed cup of coffee. Once brewed for 24 hours, the cold brew coffee is filtered so there is no sediment.

A clear glass coffee maker filled with cold brew coffee next to two bowls filled with cold brew coffee granita and a dollop of whipped cream on top.



Cold Brew Coffee Granita Ingredients

Cold brew coffee granita is literally the perfect frozen dessert because it only takes two ingredients. For the cold brew coffee, you can make your own (ingredients listed below) or buy it pre-made.

  • Cold brew coffee
  • Sugar

If you want to make homemade whipped cream you will also need….

  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar

Lastly, if you want to make your own cold brew coffee here are the ingredients you will need….

  • Cold filtered water
  • Freshly ground coffee



How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Granita

I am going to break the process of making cold brew coffee into different sections: the cold brew coffee granita itself, homemade whipped cream, and brewing cold brew coffee without a device.

Almost a birds-eye view of a glass bowl filled with Cold Brew Coffee Granita and dollop of whipped cream and three coffee beans on top.


Cold Brew Coffee Granita

In a small pot over low-medium heat, whisk together the cold brew coffee and sugar. Be careful to not heat the coffee up too much – just enough to dissolve the sugar. Heating up cold brew coffee does not affect the taste, texture, or acidity but keeping it at a low temperature will speed up the freezing process.

Whisk the sugar into the cold brew coffee. When you whisk constantly, it helps dissolve into the liquid more quickly. It should take less than 2 minutes. Once dissolved, pour the cold brew coffee mix into a shallow plastic container and place it in the freezer. Let it sit for one hour.

When the sides start to crystalize (freeze), use a fork and gently scrape the mixture to break up any big ice crystal chunks into smaller ones. Try to rake the ice crystals to be evenly distributed in the plastic container for consistency. Place the mixture back in the freezer and let it sit for another 30 minutes.

Remove the granita from the freezer and scrape the ice crystals with a fork again. Freeze the granita for 30 more minutes. After a total of two hours, remove the granita from the freezer. At this time, there should be more big ice crystals to scrape into small crystals.

The final product should look like beautiful fine crystals. If the granita does not have the right texture, it’s okay. Place it back in the freezer and repeat the process until it is perfect!

When you are ready, gently scoop the cold brew coffee granita into a bowl. I recommend adding a dollop of whipped cream (just like the Italians), and enjoy!


Making Whipped Cream

Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer with the whisk attachment, slowly start whisking the heavy cream and powdered sugar together. Gradually increase the speed until the whipped cream has medium peaks.


Brewing Cold Brew Coffee Without a Device

Brewing cold brew coffee is super easy. Once you do the steps, you can sit back and wait for some of the smoothest coffee you will ever enjoy. With that said, you need to prepare cold brew coffee 24 hours in advance.

The ratio of water to ground coffee I prefer is 4:1. So, 4 cups of cold, filtered water to 1 cup of freshly ground coffee.

First, grind your desired coffee beans until you have 1 cup of freshly ground coffee. Then add the cold filtered water and freshly ground coffee into a pitcher (or container of choice) and mix together. Cover and let this sit at room temperature for 24 hours.

Remove the coffee grounds by pouring the mixture through a filter to remove all of the sediment. Then pour your cold brew coffee into another container until you are ready to use if for the granita. Or simply enjoy it by itself!



Tips and Tidbits

Here are a few tips and tidbits for making cold brew coffee granita.

A close-up of a spoon full of Cold Brew Coffee Granita with a bowl of granita in the background.


If the Granita is Too Frozen

During the process of making the cold brew coffee granita, if the mixture gets too frozen or rock hard to scrape, it’s okay. You can either let it sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes or microwave the mixture for a few seconds until its easy to scrape again.


Spice or Kick it Up!

This is a very basic recipe, so feel free to mix things up a bit by adding your preference of spices or alcohol. You can infuse vanilla beans or cinnamon sticks to the cold brew coffee. Or add a few ounces of Frangelico, Kahlua, or Baileys to the mixture after the sugar is dissolved in the cold brew coffee.


Storing Granita

You can store granita in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. When you are ready to serve the granita, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 10 – 20 minutes. Then scrape the ice crystals again to refresh the granita and enjoy!

Cold Brew Coffee Granita

Cold Brew Coffee Granita

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freezer Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

An easy and delicious frozen dessert with a little pick me up to enjoy on a warm, sunny day!

Ingredients

Cold Brew Coffee Granita

Whipped Cream (if desired)

  • 3/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Making Cold Brew Coffee Granita

  1. In a small pot over low-medium heat, whisk together the cold brew coffee and sugar. You do not want to heat the coffee up too much - just enough to dissolve the sugar. Whisking the sugar constantly will help speed up the process. It should take less than 2 minutes.
  2. Pour the cold brew coffee mix into a shallow plastic container and place it in the freezer. Let it sit for one hour.
  3. When the sides start to crystalize (freeze), use a fork and gently scrape the mixture. You want to break up any big ice crystal chunks unto smaller ones and raking them to be evenly distributed in the plastic container. Place back in the freezer and let it sit for another 30 minutes.
  4. Scrape the ice crystals with a fork again. At this time, there should be more big ice crystals. Repeat the process of scraping the mixture and let it freeze for another 30 minutes.
  5. Remove the granita from the freezer and scrape the crystals one more time. The final product should look fine crystals.
  6. Serve in your desired dish, add a dollop of whipped cream, and enjoy!

Making Whipped Cream

  1. Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer with the whisk attachment. Start whisking the ingredients together slowly, gradually increasing the speed until the whipped cream has medium peaks.

Brewing Cold Brew Coffee Without a Device

  1. You will need to prep 24 hours in advance.
  2. Grind coffee beans until you have 1 cup of freshly ground coffee. Then measure 4 cups of cold filtered water.
  3. Add the water and freshly ground coffee into a pitcher or container and mix together. Cover the pitcher and let this sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
  4. Remove the coffee grounds by pouring the mixture through a filter to remove all of the sediment.
  5. Pour your cold brew coffee in your container of choice until you are ready to use if for the granita.

Notes

Feel free to kick up your cold brew coffee granita a notch by adding Frangelico, Kahlua, or any other favorite spirit of choice.

Or spice up your cold brew coffee granita by adding cinnamon sticks and vanilla bean to the cold brew process.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, when you click on the link you will have the option to purchase a product at no extra cost to you, but I would receive a small commission. I want to thank everyone for following and supporting us on all of “Our Sweet Adventures” and for cooking with my recipes on "Christina's Culinary Creations".

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