Can I use an ice cream machine instead of the scraping method?
Yes, but you will get a finer, smoother texture closer to sorbet. The hand-scraped method is the only way to achieve the authentic coarse Sicilian crystal structure.
Italian · breakfast
Granita di Caffè: The Frozen Breakfast Sicily Does Best
#italian#sicilian#coffee#frozen-dessert#breakfast
255m
Total time
4
Servings
265
kcal
easy
Difficulty
Jul 6, 2026
INGREDIENTS.
4
Other
- 400 ml double-strength espresso or moka pot coffee
Pantry
- 100 ml water
- 100 g caster sugar
- 3 drops vanilla extract
Spice
- 1 pinch salt
Dairy
- 200 ml heavy cream
THE METHOD.
tap to check off
0/8 done
FAQ · Things people ask
About this recipe.
How strong should the coffee be?
Strong enough to taste uncomfortably intense on its own — roughly double the strength of a normal espresso drink. Once diluted with the sugar-water mixture and frozen, the intensity becomes correct.
Does the cream need to be freshly whipped?
Yes. Canned whipped cream collapses almost immediately on contact with the cold granita. Whip it to soft peaks just before serving.
Can I make this without an espresso machine?
A moka pot is the traditional tool and works perfectly. Strong French press coffee can substitute, though the flavor will be less concentrated.
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