Almond Granita Recipe That’s Refreshing and Easy to Make

When the summer heat hits, nothing refreshes quite like a cool, icy treat. Enter almond granita—a delightfully simple, subtly nutty frozen dessert that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to make.

Originating from Sicily, granita is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavorings, perfect for those who want a light, refreshing alternative to heavier ice creams or sorbets. The almond variety brings a rich, fragrant aroma and a smooth, slightly crunchy texture that will captivate your taste buds.

Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated dessert for a dinner party or a quick cool-down snack, this almond granita recipe is sure to become your summer go-to. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for almost all dietary preferences.

Ready to indulge in a little bit of Italian summer magic? Let’s dive into the recipe and discover what makes almond granita so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This almond granita recipe stands out for its simplicity and pure flavor. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it harnesses the natural sweetness and nuttiness of almonds without relying on artificial additives or heavy cream.

The texture is perfectly icy and flaky, offering a cooling sensation that melts beautifully on your tongue.

It’s also incredibly versatile: you can serve it as a palate cleanser between courses, a light dessert after a meal, or even as a refreshing breakfast treat. Plus, since it’s dairy-free, it’s a fantastic option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.

If you love experimenting with flavors, you can easily tweak this recipe by adding a splash of almond liqueur or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra dimension.

For those interested in other refreshing vegan desserts, check out our Vegan Icecream Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Treats or our collection of Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy for more delicious inspiration.

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw almonds
• 4 cups water
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Optional: toasted almond slivers for garnish

Equipment

• Blender or food processor
• Fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag
• Large mixing bowl
• Freezer-safe shallow pan or baking dish
• Fork for scraping the granita
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Soak the almonds: Place the raw almonds in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften and release their flavor.
2. Prepare the almond milk: Drain the soaked almonds and rinse them well. Add the almonds and 4 cups of fresh water to a blender or food processor. Blend on high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
3. Strain the mixture: Pour the almond mixture through a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag into a large bowl, pressing or squeezing to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the leftover almond pulp or save it for another use.
4. Sweeten and flavor: Stir in the granulated sugar, almond extract, and fresh lemon juice into the almond milk. Mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness or almond extract if desired.
5. Freeze the mixture: Pour the almond mixture into a shallow freezer-safe pan. Place it in the freezer uncovered.
6. Scrape the granita: After about 1 hour, use a fork to scrape and break up any ice crystals forming on the edges. Repeat this scraping process every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours, until the granita is fully frozen and flaky.
7. Serve: Scoop the icy granita into bowls or glasses. Garnish with toasted almond slivers for an extra crunch and nutty aroma.

Tips & Variations

“For the best texture, be patient with the scraping process. It transforms the granita into its signature flaky, snow-like consistency.”

To add more depth of flavor, try infusing the soaking water with a cinnamon stick or a few cardamom pods before blending. You can also replace the water with almond milk or oat milk if you prefer a creamier texture.

For a boozy twist, stir in a tablespoon of amaretto or another almond-flavored liqueur just before freezing. This not only enhances the almond flavor but also helps keep the granita slightly softer.

If you want to experiment beyond almonds, check out our Almond Paste Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious & Homemade to learn more about working with almonds in desserts.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Almond granita is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes. Serve it as a refreshing palate cleanser between courses during a multi-course meal.

It also works beautifully as a light dessert after a rich dinner, especially alongside fresh berries or a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce.

For a sophisticated touch, serve granita in elegant glasses topped with a sprig of mint or a twist of lemon zest. It can also be a fantastic addition to brunch menus, complementing dishes like vegan waffles or fruit salads.

If you enjoy exploring other light and delightful recipes, try our A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals or discover quick bites in our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Conclusion

Almond granita is a stunningly simple yet elegant dessert that captures the essence of summer with every icy bite. Its delicate almond flavor and refreshing texture make it a perfect treat for warm days or whenever you crave something cool and light.

The recipe’s minimal ingredient list and easy preparation mean you can whip it up quickly, impressing guests or treating yourself with minimal fuss.

Beyond its deliciousness, almond granita is also a healthy option—dairy-free, low in fat, and naturally gluten-free. Whether you serve it solo or with complementary dishes, it’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Ready to chill out with something sweet and nutty? Give this almond granita a try and enjoy a little taste of Sicily at home!

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