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Watermelon Granita

Watermelon granita is a frozen dessert made by blending ripe watermelon with sugar and then freezing it while periodically scraping the icy crystals. The final texture is a coarse, flaky ice with a vibrant, juicy appearance. It is served as a refreshing cold treat, showcasing the bright pink color and sweet-tart flavor of watermelon.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups ripe watermelon, cubed seedless or deseeded
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar adjust based on sweetness of watermelon
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice optional, enhances flavor

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Freezer
  • Shallow baking dish or freezer-safe container
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Place the watermelon cubes in a blender and add the sugar and lime juice. Blend until smooth and evenly combined, with a bright pink color and a juicily thick texture.
    4 cups ripe watermelon, cubed, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon lime juice
  2. Pour the blended mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place in the freezer.
    4 cups ripe watermelon, cubed, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon lime juice
  3. After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the freezer and use a fork to scrape the icy edges toward the center, breaking up large ice crystals. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours, until the mixture resembles flaky, icy crystals.
  4. Once the granita reaches a fluffy, icy consistency with no large frozen blocks, serve immediately for optimal texture. Scoop into glasses or bowls, and garnish if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or a splash of lime. Store leftovers in the freezer and scrape again before serving to restore texture.