Delectable Homemade Caramel Granita Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of granulated sugar
1/4 cup of water
1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1 1/2 cups of whole milk

Steps and instructions

In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Add the lemon juice to the sugar mixture. Continue to cook without stirring until it turns a caramel color.
Remove the caramel from heat and slowly whisk in the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and milk. Be careful as the mixture will bubble up. Continue whisking until everything is well combined and smooth.
Pour the caramel mixture into a shallow dish and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, place the dish in the freezer. After 30 minutes, take the dish out and stir the mixture with a fork, breaking up any large pieces of ice.
Return the dish to the freezer and repeat the stirring process every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours, or until the granita is fully frozen and has a flaky texture.
Serve the caramel granita in dessert glasses, scraping the top with a fork to create a fluffy texture right before serving.

Tools for making

Saucepan - for heating and cooking the caramel mixture
Whisk - for stirring and combining the ingredients
Shallow dish - for pouring and freezing the caramel mixture
Fork - for breaking up the ice and creating a flaky texture
Dessert glasses - for serving the caramel granita

Recipe variations

Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture for a salted caramel flavor.
Stir in some crushed nuts, such as almonds or pecans, before freezing for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle caramel sauce or chocolate sauce over the frozen granita before serving for extra indulgence.
Replace the vanilla extract with other extracts like almond or coconut for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different types of milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk, for a dairy-free version.
Add a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the caramel mixture for a caramel latte granita.
Serve the caramel granita with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
Garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an added pop of color and flavor.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a sweet and refreshing dessert with this Caramel Granita recipe. This Italian-style frozen dessert is a wonderful treat to enjoy on a warm day, made with a delightful blend of caramel, vanilla, cream, and milk. While granita is traditionally served in a semi-frozen state with a somewhat coarse texture, this version features a smoother, flakier consistency, similar to shave ice but with a rich caramel flavor. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, requiring just a few simple steps and ingredients. After a few hours in the freezer with occasional stirring, you'll have a deliciously cooling dessert ready to serve. Enjoy this Caramel Granita as a unique ending to a meal or a refreshing snack on a hot day.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of sugar for this recipe? Yes, you can experiment with different types of sugars like brown sugar or coconut sugar, but keep in mind that it might slightly alter the flavor and texture of the caramel granita.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative? Absolutely! You can use coconut cream, almond milk, or any other non-dairy alternative that suits your dietary preferences. Just note that it may affect the richness and creaminess of the final result.
How long does it take for the caramel mixture to cool before placing it in the freezer? Allow the caramel mixture to cool to room temperature, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
Do I need to stir the mixture in the freezer? Yes, it is important to stir the mixture every 30 minutes while it is freezing. This helps to break up ice crystals and create a flaky texture.
How long does it take for the granita to fully freeze? It usually takes around 2-3 hours for the granita to fully freeze, depending on the depth of the dish and the temperature of your freezer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the caramel granita ahead of time. After it reaches the desired flaky texture, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 days. Just make sure to scrape the top with a fork again before serving to freshen up the texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the ingredients and whisking the caramel mixture.
Saucepan - A medium-sized saucepan for preparing the caramel.
Whisk - Used for stirring and combining the ingredients smoothly.
Shallow Dish - A dish with a wide surface area for freezing the caramel mixture.
Fork - Used to break up the ice crystals during the freezing process.
Dessert Glasses - Serving glasses for presenting and enjoying the caramel granita.

Origin stories

Granita, a semi-frozen dessert, has its roots in Sicily, Italy, dating back to the 12th century. This delightful treat was originally made from the snow of Mount Etna, a still-active volcano in Sicily. It was collected during the winter months, stored in stone chambers known as Neviere or “snow huts,” and used in the summer to prepare refreshing ices. While traditional granitas are commonly flavored with lemon or almonds, modern variations, like our caramel granita, have emerged, providing an indulgent twist on this classic Sicilian dish. Today, granita continues to be enjoyed in Sicily and beyond, a testament to its timeless appeal.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.