Almond Granita Recipe Vegan: Refreshing Dairy-Free Treat

Refreshing, light, and utterly delicious, almond granita is the perfect vegan dessert to beat the heat and satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt. This icy treat combines the subtle nuttiness of almonds with the invigorating crunch of coarse ice crystals, resulting in a texture that’s both smooth and exhilarating.

Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated palate cleanser after a rich meal or a quick homemade treat to enjoy on a sunny afternoon, this almond granita recipe is your go-to.

Unlike traditional sorbets or ice creams, granita is incredibly simple to make and requires no fancy equipment beyond your freezer and a fork. Its vegan-friendly ingredients ensure that everyone, regardless of dietary preferences, can enjoy this delightful dessert.

Plus, the natural almond flavor paired with just the right touch of sweetness makes it a refreshing indulgence that feels light and wholesome. Ready to impress your family or guests with a stunning yet straightforward dessert?

Let’s dive into this easy almond granita recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This almond granita recipe is a fabulous way to enjoy a vegan dessert that’s both healthy and flavor-packed. Here’s why it stands out:

• Simple ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples come together to create this refreshing treat.
• Easy prep: No ice cream maker needed, just a fork and a freezer.
• Vegan & allergen-friendly: Made without dairy or eggs, perfect for plant-based diets.
• Customizable sweetness: Adjust the sugar or natural sweeteners to your liking.
• Perfect texture: Light, flaky ice crystals that melt on your tongue.

Plus, it’s a great dessert to prep in advance for summer parties or weeknight treats!

Ingredients

• 2 cups almond milk (unsweetened for a lighter granita)
• 1/3 cup raw almonds (soaked overnight and peeled)
• 1/3 cup sugar (can substitute with maple syrup or agave for a vegan touch)
• 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon (for brightness and balance)
• 1/2 cup water (to adjust consistency)

Equipment

• Blender or food processor
• Freezer-safe shallow baking dish (glass or metal works best)
• Fork (for scraping the granita)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Sieve or nut milk bag (optional, for straining almond pulp)

Instructions

1. Prepare the almonds: Start by soaking the raw almonds overnight in water to soften the skins for easy peeling. After soaking, drain and rub the almonds between your fingers to remove the skins. This step is crucial for a smooth and light granita texture.
2. Make almond milk base: In your blender or food processor, combine the peeled almonds with 2 cups of almond milk, sugar, almond extract, sea salt, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup water. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture: For an ultra-smooth granita, pour the blended mixture through a fine sieve or nut milk bag into a bowl, pressing gently to extract all the liquid. Discard the pulp or save it for baking or smoothies.
4. Freeze the mixture: Pour the strained almond milk mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish. Place it in the freezer uncovered.
5. Scrape the granita: After about 45 minutes, check the granita. When the edges begin to freeze, use a fork to scrape and break up the ice crystals, pulling them toward the center. Repeat this scraping process every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours until the entire mixture is frozen and flaky.
6. Serve immediately: Once the granita has reached a fluffy, granular texture, scoop it into serving bowls or glasses. Garnish as desired and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

“The secret to perfect granita texture is patience and consistent scraping.”

• Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, start by adding 1/4 cup sugar and adjust after blending. You can also use coconut sugar, agave, or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
• Nut alternatives: Swap almonds for cashews or macadamia nuts for a creamier texture, but keep in mind the flavor will change.
• Flavor enhancements: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for an extra flavor dimension.
• Fruit additions: Stir in finely chopped fresh berries or a swirl of berry puree before freezing for a refreshing twist.
• Make it boozy: Add a tablespoon of amaretto or another nut-flavored liqueur for an adult version—just reduce the water slightly.
• For smoother consistency: Blend longer or strain twice for a silky finish, similar to a frozen almond milkshake.

Nutrition Facts

This granita is a light and nutrient-friendly dessert. The almonds provide healthy fats and a modest amount of protein, while the natural sweetness keeps it low in refined sugars, especially if you opt for maple syrup or agave.

Serving Suggestions

Almond granita shines when paired with complementary flavors and textures:

• Serve in chilled dessert glasses with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a fancy presentation.
• Add a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.
• Pair with fresh fruit salad or a bowl of mixed berries to add natural sweetness and color contrast.
• Enjoy as a palate cleanser between courses in a multi-course meal.
• For a brunch treat, serve alongside Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a delightful balance of savory and sweet.

Conclusion

Almond granita is a delightful vegan dessert that combines simplicity with elegance. Its creamy almond flavor and icy texture make it an ideal choice for warm days or whenever you crave a light, refreshing treat.

With just a few wholesome ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that feels indulgent yet nourishing. Plus, its versatility means you can customize the sweetness, add flavors, or even spike it for a grown-up twist.

If you’re eager to explore more delicious recipes, be sure to check out our Bread And Gravy Recipe for comforting flavors or dive into the rich tastes of our Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe. For something uniquely elegant, our Bluebill Duck Recipes are sure to impress your dinner guests.

Enjoy making this almond granita and sharing it with friends and family—it’s a simple pleasure that’s sure to become a summer favorite!

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