Name: Lemon Granita & Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 250 min
Ingredients: 4 large lemons (zest and juice); 2 cups water; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional for extra flavor); 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract

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If the summer heat arrives, nothing is better than a refreshing Lemon Granita and cream Recipe. The icy and tart dessert originated in Italy and is a great option to cool down on an extremely hot day. Granita is a frozen dessert composed of sugar, water, and various flavors. It is served in many different ways across Italy, and Sicily is where it was first introduced. A touch of cream takes this traditional dessert to a different level of pleasure.

Granita is frequently mistaken for sorbet or ice cream; however, its texture is less crystalline and gives it its unique crunch. It’s also incredibly simple to prepare and requires no expensive Ice cream maker. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, it’s possible to make an amazing homemade lemon granita with a creamy cream topping that loved ones will be delighted with.

A citrusy and refreshing lemon granita with a velvety and creamy cream, great for summer.

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Granita :

Four huge citruses (zest as well as juice)
2 cups water
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon zest (optional for extra flavor)

For the Cream Topping :

1 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lemon Granita:

Make juice and zest from the lemons. You can also remove the seeds. The result is about 3/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Make a mixture of sugar and water in a pan. Gently heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolving, making an easy syrup. Remove it from the stove and allow it to cool until at room temperature.
Mix the zest of a lemon and the juice into the syrup.
The mixture should be placed in a shallow oven-safe dish and put it inside the freezer.
Take a look at the mixture after about 30 minutes. Once it has begun to cool and harden, scratch the surface using a fork until you get a frozen flake. Repeat this procedure every 30 minutes for 4-6 hours or until it is completely frozen and appears to have a smooth, light surface.

2. Prepare the Cream:

Mix the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a bowl until you get soft peaks. Use a hand mixer or a whisk for this.
Make sure to keep the cream chilled until the time you’re ready to serve.

3. Serve:

For serving, spoon the lemon granita into bowls or glasses and serve with a large portion of whipping cream. For a refreshing flavor, add lemon zest or a few sprigs of mint.

Notes:

You can alter the sugar levels of granitas by using more or less sugar, depending on your personal preference.
It is possible to add more lemon zest if you want a stronger taste.
It is possible to use coconut cream in place of heavy cream as a dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

Serving Size 1 cup of lemon granita with cream
Calories: 150 kcal
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple to make Easy to Make does not require any equipment to make this dessert. All you need is a fork, as well as a freezer.
Fresh and light Refreshing and Light combination of tart lemons with a smooth topping provides an ideal balance of delicious and refreshing tastes.
Ideal for Hot Days The delicious dessert is an excellent method to cool down throughout summer.
Modifiable The ability to swap lemon with fruits and berries from the citrus family quickly alters the flavor.
Family-friendly: It is a great choice for adults, and children will appreciate the refreshing, fresh flavor of lemon granita with its soft, creamy texture.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemons are essential for a bright and acidic taste. If you’re looking to make citrus more interesting, try using oranges or limes for a distinct citrus taste. Meyer lemons can be a great option for those who prefer a sweeter, more aromatic taste.
Sugar is utilized to sweeten Granita and give it the perfect consistency. If you’d prefer a more natural sweetener, choose to use sugar or honey. However, be sure to alter the amount according to your preference, as they’re sweeter than sugar.
Water: Water aids in diluting the sugar and lemon juice mixture, allowing it to be more consistent. To enhance the flavor, it is possible to infuse the water with basil or mint before adding it to the lemon juice.
Heavy cream: The creamy cream topping makes this dish truly delicious. If you’re lactose-free, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream. It adds an exotic twist to the dish.
Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla flavoring in the whipped cream enhances the flavor and adds delicious sweetness. You can try different flavorings, such as almond extract and coconut extract.

How to Make Lemon Granita & Cream (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Make the Lemon Base

Begin by making the granita’s base. This recipe uses fresh lemon juice and zest. Make sure you filter the juice thoroughly to remove seeds. However, you may keep the pulp to provide an extra texture.

Step 2: Make Simple Syrup

Simple syrups are essential in sweetening the granita without rendering it too cold. The sugar and water are heated in a pan and stirred until the sugar has dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool completely before mixing it with lemon juice.

Step 3: Freeze and Scrape

When you’ve incorporated the lemon juice with simple syrup, put it in a shallow container in the dish and then put it into the freezer. One of the most important things to do for an ideal granita is to scrape it every 30 minutes to ensure you have that flaky, clean texture, not an ice-like block.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

When your granita has cooled make the cream by whipping it for a couple of minutes. Adding powdered sugar and vanilla extract can add just the right amount of sweetness to enhance the flavor of the Granita. Mix until it reaches soft peaks. You can then store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

The granita is ready to serve when it has been completely chilled and flaked. Scoop the granita into glasses or bowls, add a spoonful of whipped cream, and decorate with lemon zest or mint to add the perfect freshness.

Expert Tips for Success

Scraping the Granita To get the ideal texture of granita, you need to scrape the mix with a fork regularly. The result will be tiny, crisp flakes typical of a great Granita.
The Lemon flavor boost: If you like strong lemon flavors, you can add additional zest or a hint of lemon extract to the granita before freezing it. You can also infuse the simple syrup with lemon peel to give it a citrus flavor.
The consistency of the cream you whip: You must be mindful not to whip too much cream. The goal is soft peaks, which means the cream must remain in its original shape but feel thin and fluid.
You can customize the Granita to try new flavor combinations. Try other fruits such as berries, oranges, or passionfruit. Follow the same process by adjusting the sweetness to match the tartness of the fruit.

Variations and Customizations

Berry Lemon Granita: Make sure to add mashed fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, to the lemon mixture before making it into a fruity spin on the traditional Granita.
Herb-infused Granita: To give your granita a sophisticated taste, mix the syrup with fresh basil, thyme, or mint.
Sparkling Granita For a unique variation, add a little sparkling water or champagne to the granita before freezing. This will give it a light, sparkling texture, ideal for celebrations.
Coconut Cream Topper: You can use whipped coconut cream instead of regular cream for a tropical feel. It is perfect and perfectly matches the tartness of lemon.
Lemon-Lime Granita Mix together the juice of lime and lemon for a more tart and rich citrus flavor. It’s ideal if you enjoy some extra zing for your desserts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing left-over Granita: Granita can be kept in the freezer for up to one week. Wrap it in plastic wrap or a lid to prevent freezing burns. When you’re ready to serve it, allow it to thaw for about a minute, and then scrape it up with a fork to re-establish the icy feel.
Whipped Cream: The cream can be kept in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to two days. If it becomes deflated, stir it up again until you get back soft peak.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Granita & Cream is a dessert with many variations which can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas:

Mix it up With Fresh Fruit Serve it with fresh berries or pieces of tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple.
For a more elegant appearance, serve it in Martini glasses. Pour the Granita into glasses of martinis and then top it with cream whipped and mint leaves.
Serve with Biscuit to add some crunch, such as almond biscotti or shortbread cookies to the side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: Could I make granita with no the use of sugar?

A: Yes! Natural sugar substitutes, such as honey or agave syrup, are available, which could alter the consistency. Sugar can prevent the granita from freezing and turning into a solid block.

Q What time does it take to prepare lemon granita?

A: The current prep time is around 10 minutes. The freezing process and periodic scraping will take 4-6 hours.

Question: Should I buy the juice of a lemon that I buy from a store?

A: Although you may get fresh lemon juice, it is the best choice for the greatest taste. The juice in bottles may not have the vibrant, fresh flavor fresh lemons give.

lemon Sorbet: The classic frozen dessert that is made by mixing sugar and lemon juice to create a creamy, cold dessert.
Mango Granita is a tropical take on Granita made with fresh mango puree, which gives it a lively, sweet, and sour taste.
Lime Ice Cream is creamy, delicious, and zingy, ideal for those who like sweet and tart desserts.

Conclusion

Its Lemon Granita & Cream Recipe is a delicious, simple-to-make dessert for any summer occasion. The tart lemon flavor and smooth whip topping provide a perfect blend of textures and flavors. This Granita will be a hit, whether served as a dessert light for the summer party or unwinding between courses. Try it, and taste the fresh flavor of Italy in your home!