Let’s be real—when summer rolls around, we all want something cold, sweet, and easy to make. That’s where Fresh Strawberry Granita comes in.
It’s the perfect dessert for hot days, and the best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or chef-level skills to pull it off. I’ve made this recipe countless times, both at home and in professional kitchens, and I’m here to walk you through it step by step.
By the end of this, you’ll feel like a granita pro.
What Even is Granita?
If you’ve never had granita before, think of it as the laid-back cousin of sorbet. It’s a semi-frozen Italian dessert made with just fruit, sugar, and water.
The texture is icy and flaky, almost like snow, and it melts in your mouth in the most refreshing way. It’s ridiculously easy to make, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.
Why Strawberries? (And Can I Use Other Fruits?)
Strawberries are my go-to for granita because they’re sweet, juicy, and packed with flavor.
But here’s the thing—you can use almost any fruit you like. I’ve made granita with watermelon, mango, even coffee (yes, coffee granita is a thing, and it’s amazing). If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing fruits or adding herbs like mint or basil. The possibilities are endless.
What You’ll Need For Strawberry Granita
Here’s the beauty of granita: the ingredient list is short and sweet. For Fresh Strawberry Granita, you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and washed) –
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, but it adds a nice zing)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Fresh Strawberry Granita
Okay, let’s get into it. I’ll walk you through the process, including some chef’s tips I’ve picked up over the years.
1. Blend the Strawberries
- Toss the strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice into a blender.
- Blend until smooth. If you like a little texture, pulse it a few times instead of going full blast.
Chef’s Tip: Taste the mixture before freezing. If your strawberries aren’t super sweet, you might need to add a bit more sugar. Trust your taste buds—they’re your best tool in the kitchen.
2. Strain It (Optional)
If you want a super smooth granita, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. I usually skip this step because I don’t mind a little texture, but it’s up to you.
3. Freeze and Scrape
- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish (a metal baking pan works great).
- Stick it in the freezer.
- After about an hour, grab a fork and scrape the mixture, breaking up any ice crystals.
- Repeat this every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours, or until you’ve got that perfect, fluffy granita texture.
Chef’s Tip: Set a timer for the scraping step. It’s easy to forget, and if you do, you’ll end up with a solid block of ice instead of granita. (Trust me, I’ve been there.)
Common Questions (And My Answers)
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Absolutely. Just thaw them first, and you’re good to go. Frozen berries are a lifesaver when fresh ones aren’t in season.
What If I Don’t Have a Blender?
No blender? No problem. You can mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher. It’ll be a bit chunkier, but still delicious.
How Do I Store Leftover Granita?
Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer. It’ll last about a week. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Granita
Here are some tricks I’ve learned over the years to make your granita next-level:
- Use Ripe, In-Season Strawberries: They’re sweeter and more flavorful. If your berries are a little bland, add a splash of balsamic vinegar—it enhances the sweetness.
- Scrape, Don’t Stir: Use a fork to scrape the mixture, not stir it. This creates those beautiful, flaky crystals.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a sprig of mint, a pinch of chili powder, or even a splash of prosecco for a fun twist.
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Granita
Presentation matters, even at home. Here’s how I like to serve granita:
- In a Chilled Glass: It keeps the strawberry granita from melting too fast.
- With a Garnish: Fresh mint leaves, a slice of lemon, or a few extra strawberry slices make it look fancy.
- As a Palate Cleanser: Serve small portions between courses at a dinner party. It’s light, refreshing, and impressive.
Granita for Everyone: Dietary Tweaks
One of the things I love about granita is how adaptable it is. Here’s how to tweak it for different diets:
- Vegan? Use agave or maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Low-Sugar? Swap in a sugar-free sweetener or reduce the sugar amount.
- Gluten-Free? You’re already good to go—granita is naturally gluten-free.
My Favorite Granita Variations
Once you’ve mastered strawberry granita, try these other flavors:
- Watermelon + Lime: Perfect for a poolside treat.
- Mango + Chili: Sweet with a little heat.
- Coffee + Vanilla: A grown-up dessert that’s perfect after dinner.
Why I Love Making Granita
I’ll let you in on a little secret: granita is one of my favorite desserts to make because it’s so forgiving.
You don’t need perfect measurements or fancy tools. It’s all about using good ingredients and having a little patience. Plus, it’s a great way to use up fruit that’s about to go bad. (We’ve all been there, right?)
Ready to Make Your Own Fresh Strawberry Granita?
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy, refreshing, and totally customizable, this is it.
Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. And hey, if you come up with a killer flavor combo, let me know—I’m always looking for new ideas.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those strawberries and get started on your Fresh Strawberry Granita today. You’ve got this!
Have you tried our strawberry recipes like Strawberry Shortcakes and Chocolate-Covered Strawberries?