If you want to indulge in a healthy and light frozen treat that is dairy free, this easy peach granita recipe is for you! Gluten free and with a vegan option! No ice cream maker needed!
Making frozen summer treats at home - we all love the idea of it, have all the ingredients, and then somehow it's either the lack of time, an ice cream maker, or Popsicle molds that break the deal. Enter this granita recipe - the frozen summer treat that will leave you with no excuses!
Granita is a super refreshing, slushy Italian ice dessert that requires no fancy equipment like an ice cream maker or molds. This dairy-free frozen treat comes in a variety of fruity, summery flavors such as melon, nectarine, berry, coffee or strawberry granita .
So what is the difference between sorbet and granita anyway? Well, it is all in the texture, really. Sorbet is really smooth and soft, whereas granita is crunchier, coarser, and flakier — a bit like eating shaved ice or snow. Fun fact - in Mexico granita is actually called 'nieve' which is 'snow' in Spanish. Calling a spade a spade, I like it!
For this granita recipe, I went with fresh peaches because they are in season now. Despite this being a frozen dessert, whenever possible you want to pick fresh, sweet fruit that is BURSTING with flavor. This way you can also keep this dessert low in sugar. Your taste buds will thank you and you can thank ME later.
Because the ingredients are so few, be sure to use the finest quality products to ensure the best-tasting result. That means ripe sweet peaches, REAl lemon juice instead of the bottled stuff, and nice honey. Yes, you can use sugar instead to keep this granita recipe vegan.
You can serve peach granita alone, or garnished with s dollop of cream, a wedge of peach, fresh mint and/or edible flowers. Why not serve it with some homemade lemon coconut cookies for an elegant and well-rounded final course?
How to make peach granita at home:
Step 1 - Place the peaches, water, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Add some honey (or sugar) to taste, depending on how sweet the peaches are (I used three tablespoons honey). Blend until smooth.
Tip: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the natural sweetness of your fruit.
Step 2 & 3 - Pour peach mixture into a large baking dish suitable for freezing and place flat in the freezer. If possible, use a big metal pan to make sure the liquid is as spread out as possible - surface area is your friend here. This will speed up the freezing process.
Step 4 & 5 - Freeze for about ½ hour or until icy at the edges. Using a fork, scrape ice crystals from the edges. Stir the mixture well, breaking all icy chunks, and put back in the freezer.
Step 6 - Repeat every half hour for about 3 hours (exact time will depend on your freezer). Granita is ready when granular but still slushy. Scrape granita into glasses or small bowls and serve immediately (it melts quickly!)
Can I make granita ahead of time?
Granita can be made 1 week ahead, covered, and stored in the freezer.
How to store leftovers?
Any leftovers should be kept in the freezer covered and when you're ready to eat, let it sit on the counter for a few minutes (exact time will vary depending on the quantity you have left) until it softens and you can scrape it again and break the icy chunks. Place it back in the freezer for a final freezer for about 15-30 minutes before serving.
Tips for making this granita recipe:
- Pick ripe, sweet fruit, and still make sure to test the mix before freezing to adjust the amount of sweetness and lemon juice.
- Lime juice can be used instead of lemon.
- If you are feeling naughty, you could add liquor or wine, or even kombucha instead of water. Pick something with a little acidity that balances the fruit’s sweetness.
- Adding a pinch of salt brings out the sweetness.
- Serve this as is or with coconut whip, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or spoon it over yogurt for a really "chill" breakfast.
How to make Easy Peach Granita at home
If you want to indulge in a healthy and light frozen treat that is dairy-free, this easy peach granita recipe is for you! Gluten-free and with a vegan option! No ice cream maker needed!
Ingredients
- 5 ripe peaches peeled, pit removed and roughly chopped
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or lime juice
- ¼ cup honey or sugar more or less to taste - see recipe
Instructions
-
Place peaches, water and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Add honey (or sugar) to taste, depending on how sweet the peaches are (I used three tablespoons honey). Blend until smooth.
-
Pour peach mixture into a large baking dish suitable for freezing and place flat in the freezer. If possible, use a big (to make sure the liquid is as spread out as possible) + metal pan. This will speed up the freezing process.
-
Freeze for about ½ hour or until icy at the edges. Using a fork, scrape ice crystals from the edges. Stir mixture well, breaking all icy chunks, and put back in the freezer.
-
Repeat every half hour for about 3 hours (exact time will depend on your freezer). Granita is ready when granular but still slushy (see step #6 above)
-
Scrape granita into glasses or small bowls and serve immediately (it melts quickly!)
Recipe Notes
Make ahead / Leftovers: If you have leftovers or want to make this ahead, keep in the freezer covered and when you're ready to eat, let it sit on the counter for a few minutes (exact time will vary depending on the quantity you have) until it softens and you can scrape it again and break the icy chunks. Place it back in the freezer for a final freezer for about 15-30 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Pick ripe, sweet fruit, and still make sure to test the mix before freezing to adjust the amount of sweetness and lemon juice.
- Lime juice can be used instead of lemon.
- If you are feeling naughty, you could add liquor or wine, or even kombucha instead of water. Pick something with a little acidity that balances the fruit’s sweetness.
- Adding a pinch of salt brings out the sweetness.
- Serve this as is or with coconut whip of a dollop of Greek yogurt. Or spoon it over yogurt for a really "chill" breakfast.
If you tried this easy Peach Granita Recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and let me know how it went in the comments – I love hearing from you! You can also follow me on Instagram , Pinterest and Facebook for more deliciousness and behind-the-scenes!
Charla
I love how simple and seasonal granita is, I definitely gotta try it!
Marie
Thanks Charla! A must-have during summer in my book 🙂
Toni
I really loved how easy this is to make!! Thank you for the recipe!
Marie
My pleasure Toni, glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Abigail Raines
I'm always looking for summer treats that require no baking so I'm glad to find this easy and tasty peach granita!
Marie
Yes, it's perfect for those hot summer days when you can't be bothered to turn on the oven!
Jill
This is great because a lot of times I'll come home with peaches that taste good but that are ruined in trying to get them peeled or off the pit. Now I can make granita with them!
Marie
Absolutely! I hope you give it a try Jill 🙂