Pineapple Granita

Easy Pineapple Granita Recipe – No Ice Cream Maker!

Looking for the ultimate refreshing dessert to cool off this summer? This pineapple granita is frosty, fruity, and incredibly simple to make—no ice cream maker required! Naturally sweetened with pineapple and hydrating coconut water, it’s the perfect light dessert after a summer meal or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Frosty and cool, granitas are the ultimate summer dessert.  Lighter than ice cream and easier than sorbet, they’re a not too sweet finish to any meal or a nice cooling treat to combat the fiercest of heat waves.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Granita

Granitas are one of summer’s simplest pleasures—icy, bright, and endlessly refreshing. Unlike ice cream or sorbet, you don’t need any special equipment or extra fat and sugar. This pineapple granita with coconut water is made from just a handful of ingredients and is as easy as blend, freeze, and scrape.

Infused with a touch of fresh ginger and optional cilantro, this version adds layers of flavor without overpowering the tropical sweetness of the pineapple. The result is a cool, hydrating treat with a sophisticated edge—perfect for the hottest of days.

Ingredients for Pineapple Coconut Water Granita

With only a few fresh ingredients, this tropical granita is light, clean, and naturally sweet.

• Pineapple - Use ripe, sweet pineapple for the best flavor.
• 100% pure coconut water - Look for an unsweetened variety—never from concentrate.
• Fresh ginger - Adds a gentle kick and a hint of spice.
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional) - Surprisingly refreshing and herbal—skip it if you’re not a fan.

How to Make Pineapple Granita (Step-by-Step)

No churning, no fuss. Here’s how to make this refreshing frozen treat:

1. Blend - In a high-speed blender, combine the chopped pineapple, coconut water, and sliced ginger. Blend until completely smooth.
2. Add Cilantro if Using - Add the cilantro leaves and pulse just until small green flecks are visible throughout the mixture.
3. Freeze - Pour the mixture into a wide, shallow metal tray (a baking dish works great). Place in the freezer.
4. Scrape - Once the mixture starts to firm around the edges (about 30–60 minutes), use a fork to scrape and fluff the mixture into icy crystals. Return it to the freezer and repeat this process 3–4 times at 30-minute intervals.
5. Serve - When fully frozen and fluffy, scoop into chilled glasses. Garnish with extra pineapple slices or fresh herbs if desired.

Variations to Try

Want to mix it up? Here are some easy variations on this pineapple granita:

• Go citrusy: Add lime or lemon zest for an extra bright finish.
• Swap the herb: Try fresh mint or Thai basil instead of cilantro.
• Add rum: A splash of rum turns this into an adult-friendly frozen dessert.

A Tropical Treat with a Twist

This pineapple granita is everything a summer dessert should be—easy, refreshing, and full of bright, tropical flavor. With no added sugar and hydrating ingredients, it’s both a treat and a cool-down strategy in one. Whether you include the cilantro or not, it’s a freezer staple you’ll want on repeat all season.