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watermelon granita recipe

Watermelon Granita

Marcus Reed AuthorMarcus Reed
This watermelon granita is a refreshing and easy-to-make frozen dessert, perfect for cooling down on hot summer days.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 100 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 blender
  • 1 shallow baking dish
  • 1 fork for scraping granita

Ingredients
  

Granita Base

  • 4 cups seedless watermelon cubed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup water

Optional Add-ins

  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Lime zest
  • A splash of vodka
  • A pinch of sea salt

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cut a ripe watermelon into cubes, ensuring it is seedless for a smooth texture. Measure out 4 cups of watermelon cubes.
  • Combine the watermelon cubes, granulated sugar, fresh lime juice, and water in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Pour the blended mixture into a shallow baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Place the dish in the freezer for 30 minutes to allow the mixture to start setting.

Freezing and Scraping

  • After 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and break up the ice crystals, ensuring an even texture. Return to the freezer.
  • Continue to scrape the granita every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours, until it reaches a fluffy, icy consistency.

Serving

  • Spoon the granita into chilled bowls or glasses. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lime wedges if desired.

Storage

  • Keep leftover granita in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Scrape before serving to regain texture.

Notes

Pro Tips: Choose a ripe watermelon for the best flavor. Use a shallow dish for even freezing. Scrape regularly to maintain texture.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
How to Serve: Serve in chilled bowls with mint garnish for extra freshness.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare a day in advance for best results.
Keyword frozen treats, summer desserts, watermelon granita