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This Black Cherry Granita has rescued many summer gatherings for me, cooling off friends and family in the sweetest way. Its jewel-toned shimmer and bold cherry taste always get rave reviews. I love how easy it is to whip up with just a handful of ingredients, no fancy gear required.
The first time I served this, everyone insisted they did not like cherry desserts until the first chilly spoonful. Now it is always requested when the forecast promises a heatwave.
Ingredients
- Fresh cherries: This is the star so look for firm deep red cherries for the most flavor and color
- Sugar: Optional if your cherries are already sweet enough or if you want a lighter treat
- Black Cherry Sparkling Ice: Naturally Flavored Sparkling Water adds a bubbly tang and layers of cherry flavor; choose a brand with a strong natural cherry essence
- Almond extract: Just a touch gives the granita a subtle warmth that brings out the flavor of the cherries; fresh high-quality almond extract makes a difference
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cherries:
- Wash, remove stems, and pit the fresh cherries carefully to ensure no pits remain. The better your cherries, the brighter and sweeter the granita will taste.
- Blitz the Mixture:
- In a food processor or blender, blend the cherries until completely smooth. If you want a silkier texture, strain out solid bits using a fine mesh sieve.
- Incorporate Sugar and Liquid:
- Add the sugar to taste, then pour in the Black Cherry Sparkling Ice along with the almond extract. Blend until every ingredient combines into a smooth fruity puree.
- Freeze the Base:
- Pour the mixture into a metal loaf pan or similarly sized shallow bowl. A metal pan helps the granita freeze more evenly and makes scraping easier later.
- Scrape to Form Granita Texture:
- After about four hours in the freezer, use a fork to scrape and break up any frozen edges. This helps create the signature icy flakes. Repeat this process once or twice as the mixture continues to freeze.
- Final Freeze and Serve:
- Let the granita freeze overnight. When you are ready to serve, use a spoon or fork to scrape the mixture again, scooping the granita crystals into serving dishes. Enjoy right away for maximum crunch and chill.
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Cherries have always been my favorite fruit as soon as summer hits. I look forward to making this granita the very first week cherries appear at the market because it somehow tastes just like my childhood and always sets the mood for backyard dinners.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover granita tightly covered in the freezer where it stays fresh for up to one week. If it hardens too much, let it rest five minutes at room temperature then fluff with a fork to regain its icy texture. I rarely have leftovers but it is a fun surprise to find a scoop tucked away later in the week.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Black Cherry Sparkling Ice, any good quality cherry or berry sparkling water works. Regular sparkling water with a splash of cherry juice also gives a nice effect. If almonds are not for you, a dash of vanilla extract adds warmth without any allergy worries.
Serving Suggestions
This granita is lovely beside a plate of buttery shortbread cookies or topped with a few more fresh cherries. Sometimes I dress it up at parties with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a handful of chopped toasted almonds for crunch. If grown-ups are indulging, a spoonful of kirsch or Amaretto over the top is a delicious twist.
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This Black Cherry Granita is my go-to answer when the heat hits or I want to offer something special but refreshingly different than traditional ice cream. The thrill of scooping those ruby flakes never loses its magic or its cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you pit fresh cherries quickly?
Use a cherry pitter or push a sturdy straw through the cherry to remove the pit efficiently and minimize mess.
- → Can I substitute regular sparkling water for Black Cherry Sparkling Ice?
Yes, you can use plain sparkling water with a little extra sugar and a splash of cherry juice for flavor.
- → How do I achieve the signature icy texture?
After freezing, use a fork to scrape the mixture every few hours to form flaky crystals and prevent large ice blocks.
- → Is almond extract necessary?
Almond extract adds depth, but you can omit or replace it with vanilla or lemon extract if preferred.
- → How long can granita be stored in the freezer?
Granita is best enjoyed within 1 week, stored covered to retain its fresh flavor and texture.