Imagine enjoying a sweet and icy coffee treat on a hot day. Coffee granita offers a unique way to savor your favorite drink. This simple dessert requires only a few ingredients and minimal effort.
What Is Coffee Granita?
Coffee granita is a simple yet delicious dessert. Originating from Sicily, it is popular in many Italian regions. The process of making granita involves freezing a mixture of coffee, sugar, and water. This mixture is then scraped to create a light, icy texture. Enjoying coffee granita is a delightful experience.
Here are some key characteristics of coffee granita:
- Texture: Light and fluffy, not creamy.
- Flavor: Bold coffee taste, often enhanced with additional flavors.
- Serving: Served in a cup or a bowl, often garnished with whipped cream.
Making coffee granita is easy. Here is a simple table showing the basic ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Freshly brewed coffee | 300ml |
| Sugar | 2 Tablespoons |
| Heavy Cream | 100g |
The combination of these ingredients creates a refreshing treat. Enjoy coffee granita on a sunny afternoon or as a unique dessert.
How Granita Differs From Other Coffee Desserts
Granita is not the same as other coffee desserts. It has a unique preparation method. Unlike ice cream or gelato, granita does not use cream. This gives it a lighter texture. Here are some differences:
- Texture: Granita is icy and crumbly, while ice cream is smooth and creamy.
- Ingredients: Granita uses no dairy, making it dairy-free.
- Preparation: Granita is scraped during freezing, creating a fluffy consistency.
Other coffee desserts, like tiramisu or affogato, involve layers or combinations. Granita stands out as a simple, refreshing option. Here’s a brief comparison:
| Dessert | Texture | Dairy |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Granita | Icy and crumbly | No |
| Ice Cream | Smooth and creamy | Yes |
| Tiramisu | Layered and creamy | Yes |
This uniqueness makes coffee granita a delightful choice. It offers a refreshing taste that coffee lovers will enjoy.
Easy Coffee Granita Recipe
Equipment
- Medium-sized bowl or pitcher
- Whisk or spoon
- Shallow dish or pan
- Fork
Ingredients
- 300 ml Strong Coffee
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 100 g Heavy Cream
- 10 g Sugar
- 1 g Cream stabiliser (if your cream is less than 35% fat)
Instructions
- Brew & Sweeten The CoffeeStart by brewing 300ml of strong coffee using your favorite coffee beans or ground coffee. Here’s how to prepare it:Brew using your preferred method: drip, French press, or espresso.Let the coffee cool for a few minutes after brewing.Next, sweeten your coffee. Granita requires a touch of sweetness to balance the coffee’s bold flavor. For this recipe, use:2 tablespoons of sugar (as listed in the ingredients).Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. Taste the coffee and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Chill The Coffee BaseAfter brewing and sweetening, it’s time to chill the coffee base. Cooling is essential for the granita’s texture. Follow these steps:Pour the sweetened coffee into a large, shallow dish.Spread the coffee out evenly to help it cool faster.Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.Check the coffee base after chilling. It should be cold but not frozen. Proper cooling ensures the granita will freeze properly and have the perfect texture.
- Initiate Freezing & First ScrapingOnce the coffee base is chilled, it’s time to freeze it. This step is crucial for creating the granita’s icy texture:Place the dish in the freezer.After 30 minutes, check the coffee. You should see some ice forming around the edges.Use a fork to scrape the frozen edges into the center.Scrape gently—this is the first scraping. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for about 2 to 3 hours to create light, fluffy ice flakes.
- Freeze & FlakeContinue the freezing and scraping process to ensure your granita has the right texture. After the final scraping:Leave the granita in the freezer for another hour.Once frozen, use a fork to fluff the granita.Test the texture—it should be light and airy.Store the granita in an airtight container to keep it fresh and flavorful.You can prepare this ahead of time for easy serving.
- Whip, Layer & EnjoyYour coffee granita is almost ready to serve! Finish it off with these steps:Whip the Cream:Use 100g of heavy cream, 10g of sugar, and 1g of cream stabilizer (if needed).Use a hand mixer or whisk to whip the cream until it forms soft peaks.Layer the Granita and Cream:Add a layer of the whipped cream on top of the granita.Serve in clear glasses or bowls for a visually stunning dessert.Garnish and Serve:Garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.Enjoy your refreshing coffee granita—a perfect treat for hot days or as a light dessert after meals.
Serving Coffee Granita
With just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning presentation that impresses your guests. Let’s explore how to enhance your coffee granita with creative garnishes and presentation ideas.
Creative Garnishes To Enhance The Flavor
Garnishes can elevate the taste and appearance of your coffee granita. Simple additions can make a big difference. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds creaminess.
- Cocoa Powder: A light dusting enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon gives warmth and spice.
- Chocolate Shavings: These add a rich touch and texture.
- Mint Leaves: Fresh mint adds color and a refreshing taste.
Each garnish complements the coffee flavor beautifully. You can mix and match these toppings based on your preference. Here is a table summarizing the garnishes and their flavor profiles:
| Garnish | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Whipped Cream | Creamy, Sweet |
| Cocoa Powder | Chocolatey, Rich |
| Cinnamon | Warm, Spicy |
| Chocolate Shavings | Rich, Decadent |
| Mint Leaves | Fresh, Cool |
Experiment with different combinations. You will find a flavor that suits your taste.
Presentation Ideas For An Impressive Finish
Presentation is key when serving coffee granita. A beautiful display makes the dessert more appealing. Here are some creative ideas to impress your guests:
- Use Elegant Glassware: Serve in clear glasses to show off the texture.
- Layering: Create layers with whipped cream and granita for visual appeal.
- Colorful Spoons: Use vibrant spoons for a fun touch.
- Serving on a Tray: Present several cups on a decorative tray.
- Garnish the Rim: Dip glass rims in chocolate or caramel for a sweet touch.
Each idea adds a special touch. Here are some tips for a stunning finish:
- Chill the glasses before serving.
- Drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce inside the glass.
- Use edible flowers for a pop of color.
These simple tips will impress your guests. Enjoy your coffee granita in style!
Nutritional Fact Coffee Granita
Understanding the nutritional content helps you enjoy your coffee granita guilt-free. Let’s explore the caffeine levels and calorie count in this delightful treat.
How Much Caffeine Is In Coffee Granita?
Coffee granita contains caffeine, derived from the coffee used to make it. The amount of caffeine can vary based on the type and strength of coffee. On average, coffee granita has about 120-150mg of caffeine per serving. This amount can give you a nice boost of energy.
Here’s a quick breakdown of caffeine content based on the coffee used:
- Espresso: Approximately 63mg of caffeine per shot.
- Regular brewed coffee: About 95mg of caffeine per 8oz cup.
- Decaf coffee: Roughly 5mg of caffeine per cup.
For example, if you use two shots of espresso in your granita, the caffeine content could reach up to 126mg. This makes coffee granita a great option for coffee lovers seeking a refreshing dessert with a caffeine kick.
Calorie Count And Serving Size For Coffee Granita
The calorie count for coffee granita varies based on the ingredients used. A typical serving of coffee granita can contain around 483 calories. This count includes the coffee, sugar, and any additional ingredients you may add.
Here’s a simple table showing the calorie breakdown:
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| Coffee (8oz) | 2 |
| Sugar (1/4 cup) | 192 |
| Water (1 cup) | 0 |
| Optional flavorings (vanilla, etc.) | Approx. 50 |
| Total | 483 |
Control the calorie count by adjusting the sugar. Use less sugar or sugar substitutes to make a lighter version. A serving size of coffee granita is typically about 1 cup. This makes it a satisfying dessert while keeping the calorie count in check.