Caramel Granita Recipe: A Refreshing Frozen Dessert with Rich Caramel Flavor

Introduction

If you’re looking for a refreshing frozen dessert with a deep, rich caramel flavor, this Caramel Granita is the perfect choice. Inspired by Italian granita, this easy no-churn treat delivers a smooth yet icy texture with the perfect balance of sweetness.

Unlike ice cream, granita requires no special equipment—just a few simple ingredients and a fork! This homemade version ensures you get the best caramel flavor without preservatives or artificial additives.

What is Caramel Granita?

Granita is a Sicilian frozen dessert that falls somewhere between shaved ice and sorbet. Unlike ice cream, it doesn’t require an ice cream maker. Instead, you freeze the mixture and scrape it with a fork every 30 minutes to create soft, flaky ice crystals.

This caramel-infused granita offers a sweet and creamy taste without the heaviness of traditional ice cream. It’s a delightful no-churn frozen dessert that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients for Caramel Granita

A close-up of a fork scraping caramel granita in a shallow dish, showing its flaky ice texture. — The key to a perfect caramel granita is scraping it every 30 minutes to create light, flaky ice crystals.

To make this delicious homemade caramel granita, you’ll need:

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for the caramel base)
2 ½ cups (590ml) water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for added depth)
Pinch of salt (to enhance the caramel flavor)
Optional: ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (for a creamier texture)

Love frozen desserts? Try our Easy Granita Recipe for a fruity twist!

How to Make Caramel Granita: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Syrup

In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup of sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color, carefully add 2 ½ cups of water. It will bubble up—stir continuously until the caramel dissolves.

Step 2: Add Flavor

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
If using, whisk in ¼ cup of heavy cream for a smoother texture.

Step 3: Freeze and Scrape

Pour the caramel mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish.
Place in the freezer and let it set for 30 minutes. Then, use a fork to scrape the ice.
Repeat this process every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours, until the granita is fluffy and fully frozen.

Best Ways to Serve Caramel Granita

A bowl of caramel granita topped with a caramel drizzle and fresh mint leaves, served on a rustic wooden table. — Elevate your caramel granita with a touch of caramel drizzle and a fresh mint garnish for extra flavor.

Caramel granita is a versatile dessert that pairs well with many toppings. Here are some serving ideas:

With Whipped Cream – Adds a creamy contrast to the icy granita.
Paired with Espresso – Creates a caramel affogato-style dessert.
Garnished with Nuts – Almonds or toasted hazelnuts enhance flavor.
With Chocolate Drizzle – A perfect chocolate-caramel combination.

If you enjoy caramel flavors, you’ll love our Salted Caramel Milkshake recipe!

Tips for the Perfect Caramel Granita

To ensure your caramel granita turns out light and flavorful, follow these expert tips:

Use High-Quality Vanilla – It enhances the caramel’s deep flavor.
Add Water Slowly – Prevent sugar from seizing by stirring carefully.
Scrape Regularly – Keeps the granita from forming large ice chunks.
Try Flavor Variations – Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, spiced taste.

Looking for more frozen desserts? Try our Vegan Tiramisu Recipe for another creamy, refreshing treat!

Conclusion

This Caramel Granita Recipe is a must-try if you love rich caramel flavors in a light, icy dessert. It’s easy to make, requires no ice cream machine, and is perfect for any occasion.

Give this homemade caramel granita a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!