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    Home » Recipes » Matcha

    Matcha Granita

    Published: Jul 7, 2021 by Michelle · 9 Comments

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    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!

    Two glasses of matcha granita on a wooden board, with spoons and matcha powder on the side.

    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!

    Close up of matcha granita ice crystals in a jar.
    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. 

    Hand pouring condensed milk into a glass of matcha granita.
    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! 

    Matcha slush in a glass jar with straw on a wooden board.

    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!

    Matcha granitas in glass jars with spoon stuck in one with condensed milk.

     

    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
    Prevent 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.

    Did you try this recipe?Mention @siftandsimmer or tag #siftandsimmer!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ben | Havocinthekitchen

      July 08, 2021 at 3:47 am

      5 stars
      While, of course, I love ice cream and sorbet, I often enjoy granita as a perfect guilt-free summer treat. This one looks and sounds wonderful - so unique and delightful!

      Reply
    2. David @ Spiced

      July 08, 2021 at 5:18 am

      5 stars
      It's been insanely hot here the past week or so, and a granita sounds like just the thing for these hot afternoons! I love the matcha twist on this classic treat - count me in!!

      Reply
    3. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      July 10, 2021 at 2:00 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious and refreshing granita! Your matcha recipes are my fave, Michelle. This sounds terrific for a hot summer day!

      Reply
    4. Katerina | Once a Foodie

      July 10, 2021 at 11:22 pm

      5 stars
      Oh wow, Michelle, this looks so refreshing and it's such a clever idea! I love the idea of snacking on these in summer. Hope you've been well.

      Reply
    5. Jenny

      July 11, 2021 at 7:19 am

      5 stars
      It's been way too hot for hot matcha tea, so I can't wait to try this. I never would have thought to make a matcha granita but it sounds so good. And I love the vibrant green color!

      Reply
    6. Dannii

      July 13, 2021 at 8:26 am

      5 stars
      What a great way to use matcha. The colour of this is amazing.

      Reply
    7. Sarah Baumeister

      July 15, 2021 at 8:39 am

      5 stars
      Such a pretty and refreshing treat. The color makes me so happy.

      Reply
    8. Raymund

      July 20, 2021 at 1:17 pm

      5 stars
      Very vibrant colour, my daughter would love this as she loves anything matcha. For me I guess a touch of cream on that will be my preference

      Reply
    9. Katherine

      July 21, 2021 at 8:44 am

      5 stars
      WOW, the color of this granita is insane. Looks incredible.

      Reply

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    My name is Michelle and Sift & Simmer is a food recipe blog featuring easy, creative and delicious recipes. I believe that the best food is made from scratch. Read More…

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