I have an addiction to buying strawberries right now, especially the locally grown ones that have been making their seasonal appearance at my fave market.
I find the berries from local farms to so much more juicy, fragrant and sweet compared to the shipped in variety.
Due to this strawberry buying obsession, I am constantly testing out recipes that will utilize my ample supply of berries. This recipe is not only a perfect way to make the most of seasonal berries, but it also a great way to beat the summer heat.
If you have never heard of granita before, it is a semi frozen dessert that originated in Sicily. It’s a simple combination of water, sugar and various flavorings and is somewhat similar to Italian Ice. The beauty of making granita is that you do not need an ice cream maker to enjoy this frozen treat. Essentially you make the base and toss it into the freezer, pulling it out to agitate every once in a while. Once it’s pretty frozen, scrape it with a fork to separate the ice crystals and as easy as that, you have yourself an amazing summer dessert.
The lemon juice in this granita recipe adds just a little punch of brightness and acidity while still maintaining the sweet essence of the fresh strawberries. In my opinion, this strawberry and lemon combination is a match made in granita heaven! Have you ever made granita before? If so, leave a comment letting me know your favorite flavors, I can’t wait to make more of this icy dessert in the coming summer months. Have a great day and thanks so much for stopping by MBA.
Looking for more strawberry recipes?
Fresh Strawberry Bread from My Baking Addiction
Strawberry Cream Cake from My Baking Addicion
Creme Filled Strawberries from Bakers Royale
Strawberry Crumble Bars from Technicolor Kitchen
Strawberry Lemon Granita
Ingredients
1 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
2 lemons; juiced (about 4 tablespoons) *see not below
3 cups sliced hulled strawberries (about 1 pound whole berries)
Directions
1. Make a simple syrup by combining the sugar with 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Place over medium heat and heat until the sugar in completely dissolved; swirl the pan occasionally. Let cool.
2. Place strawberries and lemon juice into a blender or food processor until smooth.
3. Pour the cooled simple syrup into the strawberry and lemon puree and blend to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 metal or Pyrex baking dish and place in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Ice will begin to form along the outer edges of the pan. Using fork, stir icy portions into middle of pan. Freeze until mixture is frozen, stirring edges into center every 20 to 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours. Using fork, scrape the granita into flaky crystals. Cover tightly and freeze.
5. If desired, serve with fresh berries and a sprig of mint.
Note: The juice of two lemons will give you a well balanced flavor, if you are looking for more of a lemon kick, feel free to add more lemon juice.
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
I so needed one of these this past weekend in the 90 degree heat! They look super refreshing.
We just discovered granitas and are just a touch obsessed. No bulky machines to haul out of the cupboard. Water, sugar, delicious fresh berries…yum yum yum. Love the strawberry and lemon combo…just made an almond milk version which was pretty delicious…but definitely loving the fruit idea!
Gosh! that’s such an awesome recipe and what a great idea to combine two of my favorite ingredients ‘strawberry’ & ‘lemon’. Even I have ample amount in my fridge.
Thanks for the wonderful recipe and easy too.. I guess my hubby will be doing it
What a great treat for summer! Great photos-like always:)
If you’re going to continue bringing us treats like this one, then I don’t want you to stop buying strawberries! Looks delicious.
Beautiful pics. Looks flavorful and so refreshing. So humid here lately so I could go for a nice chilled treat.
What a wonderful treat for a hot summer day.
Your pictures are beautiful.
Beautiful pictures and lovely recipe! love strawberry and lemon together.
Looks soo refreshing after all the heat we have been having!!
I’m a fanatic for granita right now. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
yummy – i’ve been making grape-lime sorbet this week but i’m ready for strawberry and lemon now!
I’ve never made a granita before, but I suppose if I ever did, it would have to have pineapple and/or coconut in it… mmmm
I’ve never had a granita before, but I do love a good Italian ice. The strawberry lemon flavor sounds like the perfect combination of sweet and sour!
Me too! I’ve been buying lots of strawberries and other berries. This looks so refreshing!
What a lovely granita.
This looks so refreshing! I have never made a granita before but definitely have that on my list of summer recipes!
I have a fridge full of strawberries right now and 100 degree days on the horizon. This looks like a must make, very soon!
I am in extreme need of recipes to use up all the strawberries I bought! This is perfect–thanks!
Looks delicious and refreshing! My favorite granita is pink grapefruit.
this looks delicious! lovely photo!
I made this the other night! Ohhh boy it was one of the best, most refreshing things I’ve made in a longgg time. Thanks for sharing! The fiance was totally thankful for it as well!
How many servings do you think this makes??
I would say about 4 servings.
I would say that the best part of this dessert is that it is healthy. Nothing says good taste mixed in with a happy heart!
Amazing! I’ve been wanting to make a cold treat all summer and haven’t because I don’t have an ice cream maker. I have some strawberries and lemon in the fridge and this looks like the perfect frozen, light snack for me