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[donotprint]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


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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.

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28 Comments

  1. The Waspy Redhead says:

    I’m a fanatic for granita right now. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

  2. Brooke (Baking with Basil) says:

    Looks soo refreshing after all the heat we have been having!!

  3. Lindsey @ Hot Polka Dot says:

    Beautiful pictures and lovely recipe! love strawberry and lemon together.

  4. My Kitchen in the Rockies says:

    What a wonderful treat for a hot summer day.
    Your pictures are beautiful.

  5. Amanda says:

    Beautiful pics. Looks flavorful and so refreshing. So humid here lately so I could go for a nice chilled treat.

  6. Eliana says:

    If you’re going to continue bringing us treats like this one, then I don’t want you to stop buying strawberries! Looks delicious.

  7. Maria says:

    What a great treat for summer! Great photos-like always:)

  8. Prerna says:

    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 ;-)

  9. The Blue-Eyed Bakers says:

    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!

  10. Jessica @ How Sweet says:

    I so needed one of these this past weekend in the 90 degree heat! They look super refreshing.