Matcha Granita

This Matcha Granita is an icy, refreshing dessert easily made with ceremonial matcha, water, and sugar. The mixture is scraped every so often to produce a light and fluffy texture. It's the perfect way to cool down on a truly hot summer day!

What is a granita?

A granita is a refreshing Italian iced dessert originating from Sicily.

It contains water, sugar and flavourings, usually fruit.

The texture of granita is light and coarse which differs from sorbet, which has a more compact and smoother texture.

It also differs from ice cream, which contains cream and is much more creamier in texture. 

Why you'll love this recipe

This Matcha Granita has a light and icy texture with a sweet and earthy undertone.

You don't need any fancy tools: just a fork and a freezer-safe container.

It's simple to make -- all you need is a little time, and some arm strength.

Best of all, it's only 3 ingredients!

Only 3 ingredients

• ceremonial matcha: I used ceremonial matcha which is a vibrant green, delicate green tea that produces the best flavour in this granita; you can still use culinary matcha, but I highly recommend ceremonial
• water
• granulated sugar: depending on the brand of matcha you use, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste

Tools you'll need

• kettle: to boil the water; if you don't have a kettle, you can use a small saucepan
• heat-safe jar: I like using a canning mason jar
• whisk or electric frother: you can use a bamboo whisk or a frother; or a small metal whisk
• fork: use a stainless steel fork that will provide enough friction to scrape against the ice
• shallow freezer-safe container: a shallow container help the mixture freeze more quickly

How to make it

This method of scraping the mixture every half hour or so helps produce a granita that is light yet coarse in texture.

Bring the water up to a boil and cool it to 175F.

Add in the granulated sugar and ceremonial matcha.

Give the matcha a whisk until it dissolves evenly into the water.

Pour the matcha into a shallow freezer-safe container.

Place it into the freezer.

Freeze for 2 hours, and then give the matcha mixture a stir and scrape with a fork. (This produces ice crystals and gives the granita a light texture).

Then, every 30 minutes to 1 hour, scrape the mixture until completely frozen. 

How to serve

Before serving, fluff up the granita with a fork.

Serve the Matcha Granita in a serving glass or bowl.

If you like, pour some condensed milk over the top for a little richness and sweetness. (Optional).

How to store & refreeze the mixture

Keep the Matcha Granita in the freezer for up to 2-3 days.

If the granita is completely frozen solid into a block, you can let it defrost a little, break into chunks and then place it in a blender to whiz it up.

Pour it back into the container, and repeat with the freezing and scraping with a fork every hour.

Or you can do away with the freezing and scraping and pour the matcha slush into a glass to enjoy! 

Flavour variations

Granitas are easy to make your own.

Change it up and try a hojicha roasted tea version instead.

My personal favourite is a jasmine-blueberry tea.

Add blended fruit to the granita for a more refreshing taste.

Other recipes you may like

Be sure to check out these refreshing recipes:

Koicha Matcha Affogato

No-Churn Matcha Ice Cream

Homemade Matcha Espresso Fusion

Iced Matcha Pineapple Drink

Matcha Mochi Ice Cream

Be sure to let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!

Print Recipe

5 from 9 votes

Matcha Granita

This Matcha Granita is an icy, refreshing dessert easily made with ceremonial matcha, water, and sugar. The mixture is scraped every few so often to produce a light and fluffy texture.

Prep Time5 mins

Freezing Time6 hrs

Total Time6 hrs 5 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Asian, Italian

Servings: 4

Calories: 19kcal

Author: Michelle

For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

Ingredients

• 500 ml water boiled and cooled to 175°F
• 15 g granulated sugar
• 6 g ceremonial matcha

Metric | US Customary

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• Bring the water up to a boil and cool it to 175°F. Pour it into a heat-safe jar.
• Add in the granulated sugar and ceremonial matcha.
• Give the matcha and sugar a whisk until it dissolves evenly into the water.
• Pour the matcha mixture into a shallow freezer-safe container.
• Place the container into the freezer.
• Freeze for 2 hours, and then give the matcha mixture a stir and scrape with a fork. (This produces ice crystals and gives the granita a light texture).
• Every 30 minutes to 1 hour, scrape the mixture until completely frozen.
• Fluff the granita with a fork before adding to a serving vessel.

Nutrition

Calories: 19kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

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