Imen Dridi This refreshing Pioneer Woman Lemon and Grape Granita is a super easy frozen treat made with just grape juice, sugar, water, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. You get a light, icy, and sweet-tart dessert that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for summer cookouts and serves about 8 people.
Pioneer Woman Lemon and Grape Granita Ingredients
- 2 cups 100% grape juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
- 2 1/2 cups cold water
How To Make Pioneer Woman Lemon and Grape Granita
- Make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the grape juice and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 8-9 minutes, until it gets a little syrupy.
- Add water and lemon: Turn off the heat and stir in the cold water and fresh lemon juice.
- Start the freezing process: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, like a 9×13-inch pan. Place it in the freezer, uncovered, for 2 hours.
- Scrape the granita: After 2 hours, take the pan out of the freezer. Use a fork to scrape and stir the mixture, breaking up any frozen parts, especially around the edges.
- Finish freezing: Put the pan back in the freezer. Repeat the scraping process every hour for the next 2 hours. By the end, the mixture should be fully frozen and have a fluffy, icy texture. Keep it in the freezer in a container with a lid until you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Tips
- Use a Shallow Pan: A 9×13-inch pan is great for this. The thin layer of liquid helps it freeze faster and makes it much easier to scrape.
- Don’t Skip the Scraping: Scraping the ice is what makes it a granita and not just a solid block of juice. This is how you get those fluffy, snow-like ice crystals.
- Use 100% Juice: For the best, most authentic flavor, use a good quality 100% grape juice, not a grape-flavored drink or cocktail.
- Fluff Before Serving: If the granita has been in the freezer for a while, it might be a little hard. Just scrape it with a fork a few times to fluff it up again before you scoop it into bowls.
What To Serve Grape Granita
This grape granita is perfect all on its own in a small, chilled bowl. For a little something extra, you could top it with a few fresh grapes or a sprig of mint. It’s a great light dessert to serve after a heavy meal like a summer BBQ.
How To Store Grape Granita Leftovers
Freeze: Keep the finished granita in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. It will stay good in the freezer for up to a month. Before serving again, you will likely need to scrape it with a fork to fluff it up.
Pioneer Woman Lemon and Grape Granita Nutrition Facts
- Serving size: 1 serving (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 22g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 0g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of juice? Yes, this recipe is great with other juices! Try using cranberry, pomegranate, or even apple juice for a different flavor.
What happens if I forget to scrape it? If you forget to scrape it, the mixture will freeze into a solid block of ice. You can let it thaw on the counter for 15-20 minutes and then try to break it up with a sturdy fork.
Can I make it less sweet? You can reduce the sugar to about 1/3 cup, but don’t leave it all out. Sugar doesn’t just add sweetness; it also helps prevent the granita from freezing rock-solid, giving it a better texture.
