
Martha Stewart’s 1-Ingredient Coca-Cola Granita is a simple yet genius dessert that takes the classic frozen treat to a whole new level. Made from just one ingredient—Coca-Cola—this refreshing dessert requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The trick lies in the technique of scraping and fluffing the frozen soda, transforming it into ice crystals that are light, crispy, and with a subtle fizz. Whether you're craving a cool snack for a summer day or looking to surprise guests with a fun, unique dessert, this Coca-Cola granita is sure to be a hit.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
What makes Martha Stewart’s 1-Ingredient Coca-Cola Granita so delightful is its simplicity. All you need is a liter of Coca-Cola, a shallow baking dish, and a bit of time. The process is hands-off for most of the freezing time, with only occasional scraping to break up the ice as it forms. The result is a frozen treat with a soft, snow-cone-like texture that’s perfect for a hot day. The sweetness of the soda remains but is transformed into crispy, crunchy ice crystals, offering a fun and nostalgic twist on traditional granita. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, and the best part is that it’s made with only one ingredient!
What Is Martha Stewart’s 1-Ingredient Coca-Cola Granita?
Martha Stewart’s 1-Ingredient Coca-Cola Granita is a frozen dessert made by freezing Coca-Cola and scraping it intermittently to create fluffy ice crystals. The process results in a granita with the subtle sweetness and flavor of Coca-Cola, but with a unique texture similar to snow or shaved ice. No special equipment or additional ingredients are needed—just Coca-Cola, a freezer, and a little patience. This dessert is not only easy to make, but it’s also a fun way to experiment with flavors you already love, turning a simple soda into a cool, crispy treat.
Cooking Tips
- Choose the right soda: While Coca-Cola is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other sodas or flavored drinks to create unique variations. Sprite, ginger ale, or even flavored sodas like orange soda would work as well.
- Scrape frequently: The key to getting the perfect fluffy texture is to scrape the Coca-Cola mixture every 30 minutes or so. This prevents the soda from freezing into one big block and helps create the granular, icy texture.
- Use a shallow dish: The flatter the surface, the faster the granita will freeze and the better texture you'll get. A shallow baking dish or a small metal pan works best.
- Be patient: This recipe requires a bit of time—around 1 to 2 hours—but most of it is hands-off. Just remember to check on it occasionally to scrape and fluff the mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different soda for this recipe?
Yes! While Coca-Cola is the classic choice for this recipe, you can substitute with any soda of your choice. Diet sodas, flavored sodas, or even sparkling waters can create fun variations.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the granita in advance. Just make sure to scrape and fluff it before serving. You can store the granita in the freezer for up to a few days, and it will stay fresh as long as it’s properly covered.
How often should I scrape the granita?
It’s best to scrape the granita every 30 minutes or so for the first couple of hours. This helps to break up the ice and create the perfect flaky, crystalized texture.
How do I serve this dessert?
Once your granita has reached the perfect texture, scoop it into bowls or glasses and serve immediately. You can garnish it with a lime wedge, mint, or even a splash of rum for an adult twist.
Can I add other flavors to the granita?
Definitely! You can enhance the flavor of the Coca-Cola granita by adding fresh citrus juice (such as lime or orange), mint leaves, or even a splash of flavored syrup.
How to Store
If you have leftovers, store the granita in an airtight container in the freezer. Before serving again, you may need to scrape it to revive its fluffy texture.
How to Freeze
Once you’ve made the granita, transfer the Coca-Cola into a shallow baking dish and freeze. Scrape the surface every 30 minutes until the mixture reaches a fluffy, snow-like consistency. It should be ready to enjoy in about 1 to 2 hours.
Ingredients
- 1 liter Coca-Cola (or any soda of your choice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pour the Coca-Cola into a baking dish: Choose a shallow baking dish or metal pan and pour in the entire liter of Coca-Cola.
- Place it in the freezer: Set the dish in the freezer and let it freeze for about 1 to 2 hours.
- Scrape the mixture: After 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape the surface of the frozen Coca-Cola. Continue scraping every 30 minutes to break up the ice and create a fluffy, granular texture.
- Serve: Once the granita is fully frozen and has a light, fluffy texture, scoop it into bowls or glasses and serve immediately. Enjoy the cool, crispy Coca-Cola crystals!