this orange granita does take a few hours, but the process is so hands off that you won't even notice until your crunchy, citrusy dessert is ready!
i love ice. if you give me ice, i can almost guarantee i'll be a happier person. i take my friends' cups when they're done with their drinks, and hoard all that ice. at least, i did until my dentist called me out for chewing ice.
but it was inevitable that i'd post granita on here, because i still love ice.
granita is basically flavored ice, the coarse italian version of shaved ice. the base of this orange granita is juice: pour storebought orange juice into a shallow container, stick in the freezer, and you're almost there.
every 30 minutes or so, aka whenever you get bored and wander into the kitchen for snacks or tea, run a fork through the granita to scrape up the ice crystals and make sure that they don't freeze together into one big ice block. after 3 hours, you have granita!
i've layered this orange granita into champagne glasses; definitely not necessary, but we're treating ourselves, we're living our lives. (i also don't care for champagne, so i wouldn't use these glasses otherwise).
a cloud of almond-flavored whipped cream (slice of summery peach on top optional) doesn't hurt either.
the crunchy, citrus-y granita goes so well with a little bit of almond-y decadent cream, like classy ice your dentist won't be as mad at you for chomping on.
want more fruity creamy desserts? these matcha cherry creamsicles are a personal favorite, as is this coconut sago with strawberries!
It's like a classy creamsicle! Fruity orange granita with dreamy almond whipped cream.
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
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Pour the juice into a 9x13" pan and freeze for 2-3 hours. Depending on the size of your pan, the granita will freeze at a different speed (ie a bigger pan means the juice will freeze faster). Every 20-30 minutes, using a fork, scrape the ice (all of it, not just the top layer), to make sure that the juice doesn't freeze into one block.
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In a medium bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Add the almond extract, then mix until combined.
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Divide the granita between 6 champagne glasses, then top with the whipped cream. Serve immediately.
mimi rippee says
wow, what a wonderful flavor combination! Pretty pictures, too!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynn’s Sweets and Treats says
Mmmm creamsicles are the BEST!!! I bet the addition of almond flavor makes these just to die for! Perfect for summer!!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
What a refreshing idea for summer! I love that you added almond extract to your cream, it's so tasty!
mae says
that does sound good. I read somewhere that chewing on ice signals that you have some type of vitamin deficiency. Also bad for your teeth.
best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
priya says
I totally love the combination of orange and almonds 🙂 totally drooling over this.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Your dessert reminds me of an adult creamsicle. 🙂
Maria | kitchenathoskins says
Granitas are always the best summer treat in my opinion. It is so easy, flavorful, guilt free and uses the best that the season has to offer!! I totally love the whipped cream topping which makes it a elegant dessert!
Aaliya says
Oh wow, It looks so yummy I love orange juice with a combination of almond.
sherry says
this looks so pretty! i do love an orange-flavoured dessert. i love that you've just used juice for the granita and not added any other syrups etc. so it's good for you too:) cheers sherry
Emma @ Bake Then Eat says
So pretty and I bet refreshing too such a great idea.