3-Ingredient Coffee Granita Recipe for a Refreshing Treat

Name: 3-Ingredient Coffee Granita Recipe for a Refreshing Treat
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Author: lia

Published: December 29, 2025

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to beat the summer heat – coffee granita! This icy, refreshing dessert is like a grown-up slushie but with all the sophistication of your favorite coffee shop drink. And the best part? It only takes three ingredients and zero baking. I first fell in love with it during a sweltering August afternoon when my air conditioner decided to quit – this frosty treat literally saved the day! Now I keep a batch in my freezer all summer long for those “too hot to move” moments. Trust me, once you try this simple coffee granita, you’ll wonder how you ever survived summer without it.

Coffee Granita - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Granita

Okay, let me count the ways this frosty little miracle will steal your heart:

No oven required – When it’s 90 degrees out, turning on the stove feels like a crime. This granita keeps your kitchen cool.
Three ingredients – Coffee, sugar, vanilla. That’s it! (Okay, four if you count the whipped cream – but who’s counting?)
Perfect texture – Those tiny, flaky ice crystals melt on your tongue like a snowflake made of espresso.
Instant refreshment – One spoonful and you’ll feel that caffeine kick and cooling relief at the same time. Magic!

Seriously, it’s like your morning coffee and a snow cone had a delicious baby. What’s not to love?

Coffee Granita Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients – I bet you have most in your kitchen already!

2 cups strong brewed coffee (cooled to room temp – trust me, hot coffee makes weird ice crystals)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (or more if you like it sweet – I sometimes sneak in an extra tablespoon)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (the real stuff makes all the difference)
Whipped cream (optional, but highly recommended – it’s like putting a fluffy cloud on your coffee snow!)

That’s it! Four simple ingredients for the most refreshing coffee treat you’ll ever taste.

How to Make Coffee Granita

Okay, let’s turn that delicious coffee into the perfect icy treat! Don’t worry – this couldn’t be simpler. The magic happens in your freezer with just a little patience (and some strategic scraping). Here’s exactly how I make mine:

Mix the Base

First, grab a big bowl and pour in your cooled coffee. Add the sugar and vanilla, then whisk like crazy until that sugar completely disappears. I usually give it a good 2-3 minutes – you shouldn’t feel any graininess when you rub the liquid between your fingers. This step is crucial for smooth, sweet crystals later!

Freeze and Scrape

Now, pour your mixture into a shallow baking dish – I use my trusty 9×13 pan. The shallow part is important! Deep containers freeze too slowly and make chunky ice. Pop it in the freezer and set a timer for 1 hour. When it dings, grab a fork and scrape across the surface – you’ll see those first beautiful ice flakes forming! Repeat this every 30 minutes, breaking up any big chunks. After 3-4 scrapings, you’ll have a mountain of fluffy coffee snow.

Coffee Granita - detail 2

Serve Perfectly

Here’s my favorite part – serving! Scoop your granita into chilled glasses (I pop mine in the freezer for 10 minutes first). Top with a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy – the contrast of cold, creamy, and crunchy is divine. Now take that first spoonful and let the coffee magic begin!

Tips for the Best Coffee Granita

After making this dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve learned a few secrets for coffee granita perfection:

Fresh is best – Use freshly brewed coffee, not instant or day-old stuff. The flavor difference is night and day!
Sweeten to taste – Start with 1/4 cup sugar, then add more if needed. I always taste my mix before freezing.
Shallow wins – That 9×13 pan isn’t just convenient – it freezes faster for better texture.
Scrape with love – Don’t skip those 30-minute intervals! The more you scrape, the flakier your granita.
Cold glasses – Chilling your serving dishes keeps the granita from melting too fast.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have granita that would make an Italian nonna proud!

Coffee Granita Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun twists to mix things up:

Mocha magic – Whisk in 1 tablespoon cocoa powder with the sugar for a chocolate-coffee dream
Spiced delight – Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg with the vanilla
Double espresso – Replace 1/2 cup coffee with cold espresso for an extra kick
Creamy version – Mix in 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk for a richer texture

Each variation keeps the refreshing base while adding new flavor dimensions – perfect for when you want something familiar but exciting!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Here’s the beautiful thing about coffee granita – it actually gets better after a day in the freezer! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container (I use mason jars) where it’ll keep for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to serve again, give it a quick scrape with a fork to fluff it back up. For next-level enjoyment, serve with crunchy biscotti for dipping or fresh berries for a fruity contrast to that rich coffee flavor.

Coffee Granita Nutrition

Here’s the skinny on your frosty treat: each serving (about 1/2 cup) has roughly 50 calories and 12g sugar. Remember, these are just estimates – your exact numbers will dance a bit depending on how sweet you make yours and whether you add that glorious whipped cream cloud on top!

Common Questions About Coffee Granita

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about making perfect coffee granita:

Can I use decaf coffee? Absolutely! This is my go-to when I want that coffee flavor without the caffeine buzz. Just brew your decaf extra strong so the flavor shines through.

How long does coffee granita keep? In an airtight container, it lasts beautifully for about 2 weeks in the freezer. The texture might get harder over time – just scrape it again before serving to bring back that perfect flakiness.

What if I forget to scrape every 30 minutes? No panic! If it freezes solid, just let it sit at room temp for 5 minutes, then scrape vigorously. You’ll still get great texture – just maybe not quite as delicate.

Can I make this without sugar? You can try sugar substitutes, but granita needs some sweetness to prevent freezing rock-hard. I’d recommend using at least a little sugar or honey for best results.

Now that you’re a coffee granita expert, grab those ingredients and make some icy magic! Don’t forget to tell me how yours turns out in the comments below – I love hearing your coffee adventures!