As the British summer reaches its peak, there's no more elegant way to cool down than with a sophisticated, grown-up frozen dessert. Celebrated baker and cookbook author Benjamina Ebuehi has shared her recipe for a stunning spiced coffee granita, a perfect project for a warm afternoon that requires no fancy ice-cream machine.
This isn't your average iced coffee. Ebuehi's creation is a study in layered flavours and contrasting textures. The base begins with strongly brewed coffee, deeply infused with the warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and just a hint of black pepper. This spiced brew is then sweetened and frozen into a crystalline, slushy confection that is both intensely flavourful and incredibly refreshing.
The Art of the Granita
The magic of this dessert lies in its simplicity. Unlike gelato or ice cream, a granita requires no churning. The method is wonderfully hands-on: once the spiced coffee mixture is poured into a shallow dish and placed in the freezer, you simply break up the forming ice crystals with a fork every 30 minutes. This process creates the granita's signature light, flaky texture that melts delightfully on the tongue.
A Crown of Spiced Cream
Ebuehi elevates the granita from a simple slush to a dessert worthy of any dinner party with its topping. Just before serving, a cloud of softly whipped cream is gently folded through with a touch of icing sugar and a echo of the same warming spices used in the coffee base. This spiced cream provides a luxurious, rich counterpoint to the sharp, icy granules beneath.
Serving the Perfect Dessert
The final presentation is a true delight. Layers of the dark, fragrant granita are spooned into glasses or bowls and generously topped with dollops of the spiced whipped cream. The result is a visually striking and complex dessert that balances bitterness and sweetness, warmth and coolness, and smoothness against a satisfying icy crunch. It’s the ultimate make-ahead treat for effortlessly impressing guests or for enjoying a moment of pure indulgence on a sunny day.
