Indulge in the refreshing delight of Chocolate Cream Italian Ice, a dessert that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy with each icy, chocolatey spoonful! Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat, this recipe is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. In just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create a luscious, creamy dessert that your friends and family will rave about. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to impress with a homemade Italian ice that’s rich in flavor and oh-so-refreshing!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves and creates a clear simple syrup.
- Remove the sugar syrup from heat and whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth and fully incorporated, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Allow the chocolate syrup mixture to cool to room temperature, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pan in an ice bath or transferring to a cool metal bowl.
- Once cooled, stir in the vanilla extract and fresh lemon juice, mixing thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish, preferably a metal or glass container that conducts cold quickly.
- Place the dish in the freezer and let it set for approximately 45-60 minutes.
- Remove from freezer and use a fork to scrape and break up any ice crystals, creating a light, fluffy texture. This helps prevent large ice chunks from forming.
- Return to the freezer and repeat the scraping process every 30 minutes, 2-3 times total, until the Italian ice reaches a soft, granita-like consistency.
- Serve immediately in chilled glasses or small dessert bowls. Garnish with a mint leaf or chocolate shavings if desired.
Tips
- Dissolving Sugar: Make sure to stir the sugar continuously while heating to prevent it from caramelizing or burning. A clear syrup is key to achieving that smooth texture.
- Cooling the Mixture: To speed up the cooling process, place your saucepan in a larger bowl filled with ice water. This method helps you get to the next steps faster without compromising flavor.
- Scraping Technique: When scraping the mixture, use a fork to fluff it up gently. This aeration is crucial for achieving that light, granita-like texture that makes Italian ice so delightful.
- Freezing Time: Keep an eye on the mixture as it freezes. The more you scrape, the fluffier it will become, so don’t skip those scraping intervals!
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch of elegance, serve your Italian ice in chilled glasses and top with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. It’s a simple way to elevate your dessert presentation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
