3-Ingredient Watermelon Granita

For a refreshing treat during the hot summer months, try this easy watermelon granita recipe which only requires three ingredients. It is a frozen dessert made of fresh watermelon, sugar, and water, but unlike ice cream, it has a crumbly texture.

To make watermelon granita, you make a simple syrup on the stove with sugar and water. Then, watermelon gets pureed before being mixed with the syrup. After that, the watermelon mixture is placed in the freezer for 4 hours until it is completely frozen, with you scraping it with a fork every hour to ensure it has a crumbly texture. The finished product is a beautiful bright pink color with the delicious taste of refreshing watermelon.

What is Watermelon Granita?

Watermelon granita is an Italian dessert that is semi-frozen and contains fresh watermelon, sugar, and water. While granita has origins in Sicily, it is now enjoyed all across Italy and can have varying texture from being very chunky to being quite smooth. Granita can be made with many different types of fruit, nuts, or chocolate, but if is particularly good with watermelon in the heat of the summer.

Pro Tips

• Place the simple syrup in the fridge to help it cool faster before you mix it with the watermelon puree.
• Use seedless watermelon for the easiest preparation.
• Once you puree the watermelon, pour it through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure the watermelon puree is completely smooth.
• Feel free to decide how chunky or fine of a texture you would like your granita to have.
• This recipe would also be great with other types of melons such as honeydew or cantaloupe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Serve Watermelon Granita?

Watermelon granita should be served in pretty glasses for the most attractive serving method. You could also top it with whipped cream or coconut cream and a mint leaf for a pretty garnish.

Can I Add Other Ingredients to Watermelon Granita?

Yes, you can! If you would like your watermelon granita to have an even more refreshing flavor than it already does, you could blend the watermelon with fresh mint leaves. Alternatively, you could blend the watermelon with some lime zest and juice for a Mexican-inspired flavour profile.

Can I Use Natural Sweeteners in Granita?

Yes, if you don’t love using sugar in your homemade desserts, you could easily replace the sugar with honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup.

Can I Use Different Types of Melons for Granita?

Yes, if you would prefer to make granita with other types of melon, you could easily replace the watermelon with honeydew or cantaloupe instead.

How to Store Watermelon Granita

Your watermelon granita should be stored in the freezer until you plan to serve it, however, you may need to break it up more with a fork if it firms up too much during storage.

How to Make Watermelon Granita

Stir the water with the sugar in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and set it aside to cool.

Cut the watermelon into cubes, avoiding the seeds.

Blend the watermelon in a food processor. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.

Stir the syrup into the watermelon puree.

Pour the watermelon mixture into a freezer-safe dish. Place it in the freezer for 4 hours, scraping it with a fork once every hour.

Serve in dessert glasses.