Looking for a super easy frozen dessert? These Jamie Oliver Tinned Fruit Granitas are light, refreshing, and incredibly simple to make. Using canned fruit and a splash of something flavorful, they’re ideal for hot days or after a heavy meal. I made a few flavors last weekend and served them with dollops of cream—huge hit! (inspired by Jamie Oliver)
Ingredients Needed
Mandarin Granita:
- 1 x 298g / 10.5oz tin mandarins in syrup
- 25ml / 1 tbsp Campari
Cherry Granita:
- 1 x 425g / 15oz tin black cherries in syrup
- 25ml / 1 tbsp whisky
Strawberry Granita:
- 1 x 410g / 14.5oz tin strawberries in syrup
- 50ml / 3 tbsp elderflower cordial
- Juice of ½ lemon
Pear Granita:
- 1 x 410g / 14.5oz tin pears in syrup
- 2cm / ¾ inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
- Juice of ½ lemon
Pineapple Granita:
- 1 x 425g / 15oz tin pineapple in syrup
- Juice of 1 lime
Apricot Granita:
- 1 x 411g / 14.5oz tin apricots in syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
How To Make Jamie Oliver Tinned Fruit Granitas
- Blend the Fruit: Choose your flavor and pour the tinned fruit—including syrup—into a blender. Add the matching extras (like Campari or ginger) and blitz until completely smooth. Taste and, if needed, add a touch of sugar.
- Freeze It: Pour the blended mixture into a shallow 20cm (8-inch) freezer-safe dish. Metal, enamel, or stoneware works great here. Freeze for 5 hours, uncovered. Then cover with foil or a lid until ready to serve.
- Scrape and Serve: When you’re ready to serve, use a fork to scrape across the frozen surface and create fluffy ice crystals. Do this just before serving for the best texture.
- Add a Topping: Serve on its own or top with whipped cream, plain yogurt, crème fraîche, or even tinned custard for an extra treat.

Why I Love This Recipe
This one is pure summer magic. It’s super easy (no cooking!), and you can make a batch from pantry ingredients you probably already have. I love mixing and matching the fruit and flavors—pineapple and lime is my personal favorite. It’s light, cool, and always feels a bit fancy even though it’s so simple.
Recipe Tips
- Go shallow: Use a shallow dish to freeze faster and make scraping easier.
- Blend smooth: The smoother the mix, the fluffier your granita will be.
- Scrape right before serving: For the best icy texture, wait until just before serving.
- Switch it up: Try swapping in your favorite liqueurs or juices for a twist.
- Keep it simple: Some combos are already perfect—mandarins and Campari are a dream.
How To Store Leftovers?
- Freeze: Keep granita in a covered, airtight container for up to 3 months. If making ahead, scrape it just before serving to restore that light texture.
- To Serve Again: Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then fluff it back up with a fork. Avoid letting it thaw completely—it should be icy, not slushy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I use fresh fruit instead of tinned?
Sure! Just add sugar or syrup to taste and make sure to include some liquid for freezing. - Is this suitable for kids?
Yes—just leave out the alcohol and use juice or cordial instead. - How long does it take to freeze?
About 5 hours. If you’re making multiple batches, freeze each in a separate dish. - What if I don’t have a blender?
You can mash the fruit by hand, though the texture will be less smooth. - Can I refreeze it after scraping?
Yes, but it’s best freshly scraped. If refrozen, just fluff it again before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings
- Calories: 40
- Total Carbohydrate: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugars: 7.7g
- Protein: 0.2g
Try More Jamie Oliver Recipes:
- Jamie Oliver Traybaked Pear & Ginger Tarte Tatin
- Jamie Oliver Zesty Puff Pastry Swirls
- Jamie Oliver Vegan Apple Crumble
- Jamie Oliver Pear & Blackberry Crumble
Jamie Oliver Tinned Fruit Granitas
Course: Desserts4
servings10
minutes5
minutes40
kcalJamie Oliver Tinned Fruit Granitas are the ultimate frozen treat—quick, fruity, and customizable. Just blend, freeze, and scrape for a refreshing dessert, perfect with cream, yoghurt, or custard
Ingredients
1 tin fruit in syrup
Flavor add-ins: Campari, whisky, elderflower cordial, lemon/lime juice, vanilla, or ginger
Directions
- Blend fruit (with syrup) and flavor add-ins until smooth.
- Pour into a shallow freezer-safe dish.
- Freeze uncovered for 5 hours, then cover.
- Scrape into crystals with a fork just before serving.
- Serve with cream, yogurt, or custard.