Looking for a cool and refreshing treat to beat the heat this summer? Look no further than this delicious cherry granita!
In the summertime, I love using luscious, fresh fruit in my desserts. Some of my favorites are my grilled peaches with Greek yogurt, easy skillet blueberry peach cobbler, and 4 ingredient blueberry yogurt popsicles.
One of my favorite summer treats are fresh cherries with their lovely red hue and sweet flavor. Cherry season comes and goes in the blink of an eye so when I see them in the store, I don't hold back. Cherries are also incredibly nutritious and are packed with antioxidants as well as fiber and Vitamin C.
My Cherry Granita is the perfect way to celebrate summer’s bounty. Featuring sweet cherries and bright lime juice, this grown up slushy is a great way to beat the heat.
How To Make a Granita
Granita is a type of frozen dessert that originated in Italy. It's made by freezing a mixture of water, sugar, and flavorings, such as fruit juice or coffee, and then scraping the mixture with a fork or spoon to create a slushy, flaky texture. The process of scraping the mixture creates small ice crystals that give the granita its signature texture.
Unlike traditional ice cream or gelato, granita does not require a machine to make, and can be easily prepared at home with just a few ingredients and a freezer. Granita is often served as a refreshing dessert or snack on hot summer days. It’s also a perfect palate cleanser in a multi-course meal.
How To Serve This Cherry Granita
I like to serve this cherry granita in bowls or even shot glasses for a fun presentation. You can top it with a dollop of whipped cream and some lime zest for an extra treat.
More Summer Desserts
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Recipe
Cherry Granita
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh, pitted cherries (can substitute frozen cherries off season)
- 1 cup cold water
- 4 teaspoons honey or sweetener of your choice (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional garnishes: whipped cream, lime zest
Instructions
- Blend all of the ingredients together in a blender. Adjust sweetness to taste. Pour the mixture into a shallow glass baking dish and place in the freezer.
- Remove the dish after 30 minutes and using a fork, scrape the mixture, breaking up any icy clumps. Return the dish to the freezer. Repeat the process every thirty minutes or so, scraping the mixture with a fork to break up the ice crystals and create a light and fluffy texture. It should take about 2 hours total.
- Scoop the granita into dessert bowls or glasses. Serve plain or garnish with whipped cream and/or lime zest. Serve immediately.
Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies says
This sounds lovely and so refreshing. Cherries are one fruit I don't have growing on our farm, so you have inspired me to try and find some at our farmers market.
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
This granita sounds fantastic Sonali! I've never tried making granita at home. I'll have to give it a try!
sonaliruder says
Have fun and enjoy! Thanks Kelley!
Lisa Lin says
Sonali, I just love the color of this granita! The cherry lime combination sounds like a dream!
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much Lisa!
Sarah @ Savoring Spoon says
Yum! This looks like a perfect summer treat. Cherries in an icy granita sound amazing on a warm summer night (or day!).
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much Sarah! I hope you've been well 🙂
Regan @ The Healthy Aperture Blog says
This totally screams "laid back summer". Love it!
sonaliruder says
Thanks Regan!
The Toasted Pine Nut says
YUM! I don't think I've ever had granita before, but this has me sold!! And that mocha espresso one sounds perfect!!
sonaliruder says
Oh, you should definitely try one out! They're so refreshing in the summer. Thanks!
Rebecca Pytell says
Cherry lime is SUCH a refreshing combo! Great great sweet summer treat!
sonaliruder says
Thanks Rebecca!
Ashley C. says
Cherries barely last long enough in my house to actually make anything with them. I love to just snack on them. But I definitely need to try this granita. The flavors are delicious and it is a perfect way to cool down!
sonaliruder says
I hear ya, lol! Thanks Ashley!
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
I know just what you mean about the cherry season being so fast. We have sour cherry trees here in Vermont, and as soon as the nets are removed they are picked out by cherry lovers in a matter of hours. This granita sounds so good to me.
sonaliruder says
Wow, that IS fast! Thanks so much Katie!
Katie Serbinski says
Cherries abundant here in Michigan during the summertime and I often run out of things to do with them. But now I think I'll have to make this! I was intimidated by the thought of making granita but it's a lot easier than I thought it was! And I could use a refreshing treat... considering it's already 82 and humid out !
sonaliruder says
Thanks Katie, It's so easy! I bet the boys would love it too!
Ben Maclain | Havocinthekitchen says
This is the quintessence of summer deliciousness. To be honest, I'm willing to suffer from this outrageous heat for a few weeks more to enjoy this kind of desserts!:) Nice job, Sonali!
sonaliruder says
Haha, you're such a trooper! Thanks so much Ben 🙂
Alanna says
Sonali, this looks so good and refreshing! Cherries are one of my absolute favorites (if not my favorite) and I can't get enough of those sweet babies!! The cherry + lime is perfect!
sonaliruder says
As always, we're on the same page- cherries are the bomb! Thanks Alanna!
Cindy's Recipes and Writings says
This looks so refreshing! a perfect summer treat, Sonali!
sonaliruder says
Thanks Cindy!
Dixya says
i love granitas in general but using seasonal cherries this time of the year is just phenomenal.
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much Dixya!
Emily Cooper says
I've been on such a cherry kick lately! I can imagine this would be super refreshing on a hot summer day.
sonaliruder says
Me too! Thanks Emily 🙂
Cali @ Cali's Cuisine says
What a lovely and refreshing summertime treat! I never think to prepare granita at home. Thank you for providing me some inspiration to give something new a try.
sonaliruder says
Thanks Cali! I hope you have fun trying it out 🙂
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
This granita looks amazing, Sonali! loved the vibrant colors and refreshing flavors!
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much Anu!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
This looks amazing! I've been living over in Malaysia for the past 5 years, and while we can get cherries, they are prohibitively expensive. Usually I go back to Oregon for the summer and eat ALL the cherries 🙂 But I am 9 months pregnant, so had to stay home this summer.
I have been making granita-like treats out of frozen watermelon and grapefruit-- definitely the best way to beat the heat!
sonaliruder says
Thank you! Watermelon and grapefruit both sound amazing! 9 months...wow, how exciting!!
Farrah says
Yay for cherries! :D! I don't think I've ever actually had granita before, but this looks + sounds absolutely delicious! <3
sonaliruder says
Thanks Farrah! They're fun and easy to make, you should definitely try it out 🙂