Giada De Laurentiis’ 2-Ingredient Italian Ice is the perfect treat for hot summer days. Refreshing, easy to make, and incredibly versatile, this recipe will have you enjoying your own homemade Italian ice in no time. With just two simple ingredients—infused syrup and shaved ice—you can create a delicious dessert that’s packed with flavor and will cool you down on even the hottest days. Whether you’re craving a lemony zing, a fruity raspberry twist, or a blueberry burst, this recipe is as customizable as it is simple.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
What makes Giada De Laurentiis’ Italian ice so irresistible is its balance of freshness and simplicity. The syrup, which you can infuse with your favorite fruits like lemon, raspberry, or blueberry, provides a burst of natural sweetness and flavor. When paired with light, fluffy shaved ice, it creates a dessert that’s perfectly refreshing without being too heavy. The best part? This 2-ingredient recipe can be customized with any fruit syrup you prefer, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy enough for anyone to make, whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro.
What Is Giada De Laurentiis’ 2-Ingredient Italian Ice?
Giada’s 2-Ingredient Italian Ice is a simple yet delicious dessert made by pouring an infused syrup over freshly shaved ice. The syrup, typically made with fruit, sugar, and water, is simmered to a thick, syrupy consistency and then combined with fluffy shaved ice. This creates a refreshing and naturally sweet dessert perfect for summer. You can make the syrup ahead of time, and with just a blender or food processor to prepare the ice, it’s a fast and fun treat for all ages.
Cooking Tips
- Infuse the syrup: When making the syrup, use a 2:1:1 ratio of fruit, sugar, and water. You can use fresh or frozen fruit, and for a smoother consistency, you can strain the syrup after it simmers to remove any pulp or seeds.
- Shave the ice properly: To get that perfect fluffy texture, make sure you use enough ice and pulse the blender or food processor until the ice reaches a snow-like consistency. Some blenders even have a pre-programmed slush setting to make the process easier.
- Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruits like mango, strawberry, or peach. The syrup can be made with any fruit you love, so you’re free to get creative with your flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought fruit syrup?
Yes, you can use store-bought syrup if you’re short on time, but making your own fruit syrup will give you a fresher, more natural flavor. Plus, homemade syrup allows you to customize the sweetness level and fruit flavors.
Can I make this recipe without a blender or food processor?
If you don’t have a blender or food processor, you can manually crush the ice by placing it in a plastic bag and hitting it with a rolling pin until it reaches a fine, fluffy texture. It might take a bit longer, but it will work just fine.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply shave the ice and pour the syrup over it for an instant treat.
Can I freeze the Italian ice for later?
Yes, after pouring the syrup over the shaved ice, you can freeze it for later. Just allow it to thaw a little before serving, and it will be just as refreshing.
Can I use other fruits besides lemon, raspberry, or blueberry?
Absolutely! You can make Italian ice with any fruit you enjoy. Consider trying flavors like watermelon, kiwi, mango, or even tropical fruits like pineapple or passionfruit. Just adjust the syrup’s sugar content based on the fruit’s natural sweetness.
How to Store
Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The shaved ice is best served immediately, but you can store it in the freezer for a few hours and scrape it again before serving.
How to Freeze
To store leftover Italian ice, freeze the shaved ice mixture in a shallow container. When ready to serve, scrape it with a fork to break it into fluffy, snow-like pieces.
Ingredients
For the Infused Syrup:
- 1 to 2 cups fruit of your choice (such as lemon, raspberry, blueberry)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
For the Italian Ice:
- 4 to 5 cups ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the infused syrup: In a saucepan, combine your chosen fruit, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes until it reduces to a syrupy consistency. If you prefer a smoother syrup, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any fruit pulp. Let it cool.
- Prepare the shaved ice: Place ice cubes into a blender or food processor. Pulse until the ice reaches a fine, fluffy texture. You may need to scrape the ice off the sides of the blender and pulse again to achieve the right consistency.
- Combine the ice and syrup: Scoop the shaved ice into bowls or glasses. Pour the prepared fruit syrup generously over the ice and stir to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately for the freshest, most refreshing experience, or refrigerate for later use.
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