Gelato Granucci: Authentic Italian Flavors in Palm Springs 🍨

Looking for the best gelato in Palm Springs? Look no further than Gelato Granucci, where family tradition, premium ingredients, and Italian craftsmanship come together in every scoop. What started as a family recipe in 1920s Europe is now one of Palm Springs’ most beloved artisan dessert destinations.

 

From Italy to the Netherlands to Palm Springs: A Gelato Legacy

Simonetta (“Sam”) was once a portfolio manager. Tom, her husband, worked as a mechanical and software engineer. Today, the pair are proud owners of Gelato Granucci, a boutique gelateria in downtown Palm Springs. Their journey from finance and engineering to gelato-making may sound surprising—but it all makes perfect sense when you hear the story of the Granucci family legacy.

It began in 1929, when Sam’s grandfather, Luigi Granucci, moved from Italy to the Netherlands, bringing his passion for Italian gelato with him. The Granuccis began selling handmade gelato from bicycle carts, slowly building a family-run business rooted in tradition and taste. Over the decades, the business expanded—evolving from carts to full gelaterias, and eventually to a full-scale production facility.

Luigi's son, Edi Granucci, started working in the family business at 12. He played a pivotal role in expanding the enterprise, eventually establishing Gelati Granucci as a prominent gelato supplier in the Netherlands.

In 1996, Edi's dedication and craftsmanship were recognized when he won the Coppa d’Oro, one of the most prestigious awards in the gelato-making world. Today, Sam’s uncle Edi and cousin Didi run the Granucci facility in Apeldoorn, supplying over 50 gelato shops across Europe.

When Sam and Tom relocated to Palm Springs, Sam knew it was time to bring the Granucci tradition to America—and so, Gelato Granucci was born.

Handcrafted Italian Gelato, Made Fresh Daily

Opened in January 2019, Gelato Granucci is a labor of love run by Sam, Tom, and their son Gianluca. Every batch of gelato, sorbet, and granita is handcrafted in-house using time-honored techniques and premium, all-natural ingredients. You’ll find a rotating selection of:

• 10 authentic gelato flavors

• 6 dairy-free sorbet options

• 4 refreshing granitas

The family tradition continues with a creative twist at Gelato Granucci in Palm Springs. One standout flavor is the Toffee Granucci, a collaboration with local confectioner Brandini Toffee. This flavor combines smooth gelato with crunchy toffee bits, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Another unique offering is the Bananas Foster gelato, inspired by Sam and Tom's dining experiences in New Orleans. Initially created to celebrate Mardi Gras, this flavor became so popular that it earned a permanent spot on the menu.

Each spoonful reflects decades of family expertise and a commitment to quality.

Premium Ingredients, Locally and Globally Sourced

Gelato Granucci only sources the best ingredients from local growers and trusted international partners. Italian imports include:

• Sicilian Bronte pistachios

• Tonda Gentile hazelnuts from Piedmont

Closer to home, the team partners with Pearson Ranch in California for fresh citrus, and Joshua Tree Coffee Company for their rich, aromatic espresso used in coffee gelato and granita. Pastry components, including macaron shells and sponge cake, are sourced from local Coachella Valley bakers who share the same passion for quality.