Indulge in the refreshing elegance of Pear and Cranberry Granita, a vibrant frozen dessert that's perfect for showcasing the bold flavors of fall and winter. This easy-to-make recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the tart punch of cranberries, enhanced by a touch of zesty lemon juice and aromatic vanilla extract. A hint of orange zest adds a citrusy twist that's optional but irresistible. Slow freezing and gentle scraping create the signature fluffy texture of granita, making it a delightful treat to serve in chilled glasses or bowls. Whether you're celebrating the holidays or craving a light, fruit-forward dessert, this versatile recipe is a crowd-pleaser that's as visually stunning as it is delicious. Keywords: pear cranberry granita recipe, frozen dessert, refreshing fruit granita, winter dessert ideas, holiday granita recipe.
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped pears, cranberries, granulated sugar, and water.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the pears soften, about 8-10 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice, orange zest (if using), and vanilla extract.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids, pressing down with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
Pour the strained liquid into a shallow, freezer-safe dish such as a baking dish or a metal pan.
Place the dish in the freezer. After 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and break up any icy edges. Repeat this scraping process every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours, until the granita is fully frozen and has a fluffy, icy texture.
Once ready, scrape the granita one last time and serve it immediately in chilled glasses or bowls.
Calories |
899 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.0 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 19 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 234.3 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.6 g | 106% | |
| Total Sugars | 179.8 g | ||
| Protein | 3.8 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 98 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 1030 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.