Ice-Cold Coconut Lime Granita with Mint

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing frozen dessert featuring bright lime juice and creamy coconut milk, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. This recipe (vegan, dairy-free), ready in about 15 minutes, layers coconut milk, fresh lime juice, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 International cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves completely and syrup is clear, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup coconut milk, 1/3 cup fresh lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, and the cooled sugar syrup until fully blended and smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour the mixture into a shallow metal baking dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and break up the ice crystals, repeating this process 3-4 times until the granita is fully frozen and fluffy.
  4. Step 4: Just before serving, stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves for a refreshing herbal note. Scoop into chilled glasses and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ice-Cold Coconut Lime Granita with Mint take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Ice-Cold Coconut Lime Granita with Mint?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ice-Cold Coconut Lime Granita with Mint?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ice-Cold Coconut Lime Granita with Mint for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Ice-Cold Coconut Lime Granita with Mint vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.