Hi, I’m Lina Vexley! One of my fondest memories growing up was picking fresh cherries with my family during summer and turning them into sweet, refreshing sorbet. There’s something magical about taking the burst of fruity sweetness from fresh cherries and transforming them into a frozen treat that’s both tangy and creamy. Whether it’s a hot summer day or you’re just craving something sweet yet light, this Fresh Cherry Sorbet is the perfect way to indulge without the guilt. The key to making this sorbet a hit is the right balance of sweetness and tartness, which comes from fresh lime juice and the simple syrup. Let me take you on this colorful journey of creating a refreshing sorbet, just like we did years ago.
Table of Contents
Preparing the Simple Syrup and Cherries
To begin, we’ll make the simple syrup. In a small saucepan, mix together 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Place it over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, and let it simmer until the sugar completely dissolves. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the syrup from the heat and set it aside to cool.
Next, it’s time to prepare the cherries. Using a cherry pitter, remove the pits from your cherries. You’ll need around 4 cups of pitted cherries, which is roughly 2 pounds of fresh fruit. This will provide the bright, sweet flavor that makes this sorbet so special.
Once the cherries are pitted, transfer them to a blender along with ½ cup of the simple syrup, 3 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Blend the mixture on high until it’s completely smooth and velvety. This step ensures your sorbet will have a silky, creamy texture.
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Fresh Cherry Sorbet Recipe: A Refreshing & Creamy Dessert
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups (1 quart)
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Fresh Cherry Sorbet is a refreshing, dairy-free frozen treat, made with vibrant cherries, lime juice, and simple syrup. Perfect for hot days or as a light dessert after a meal.
Ingredients
4 cups cherries, pitted (~2 lbs)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3 tsp. lime juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Instructions
Freeze the base to your ice cream maker at least 24 hours before making the cherry sorbet.
Make the simple syrup. Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally and simmer until sugar is dissolved, ~3-5 minutes. Set aside and cool.
Pit all of the cherries using a cherry pitter. You should have ~4-5 cups of pitted cherries.
Process the cherries, ½ cup simple syrup, lime juice, and salt in a high-powered blender until smooth.
Strain this mixture through a fine mesh strainer or sieve over a large measuring cup or bowl. Gently stir with a rubber spatula and press the mixture down, then discard the solids.
Use the egg float test to check the sugar levels. Gently lower a clean egg into the cherry mixture. You’re looking for the egg to float just enough so you can see about a nickel-quarter sized patch of the shell showing above the surface for sorbet perfection. If your egg sinks, add a little more simple syrup, stir and perform the egg test again. Store any remaining simple syrup in the fridge.
Taste the sorbet, add more lime juice if desired.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill this mixture in the fridge for 1 hour.
Churn the sorbet in an ice cream maker machine. Place the frozen base into the ice cream maker, pour chilled cherry sorbet mixture in and churn until sorbet consistency resembles a soft-serve consistency, ~15 minutes.
Transfer the sorbet to an 8×5 inch loaf pan or other freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-4 hours, or until sorbet is firm.
When ready to serve, remove from freezer a few minutes prior to scooping.
Notes
Store frozen sorbet in your freezer for up to one month.
Use other fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, peaches, plum, etc.
How to make without an ice cream machine: Freeze pitted cherries until solid. Then process the ingredients in your blender until smooth. Add a little warm water to help along if needed, taste and adjust sweetness. Freeze until solid.
Add Alcohol to make it boozy! Add 1 to 3 tablespoons desired liquor along with the simple syrup when blending the fruit.
Use a food processor if you don’t have a blender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churn, Freeze
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 68g
- Sodium: 242mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Straining and Adjusting Sweetness
Once you’ve blended the cherries into a smooth mixture, it’s time to strain it to remove any solids that could affect the texture of your Fresh Cherry Sorbet. Set up a fine mesh strainer or sieve over a large bowl or measuring cup. Pour the cherry mixture into the strainer, and gently stir with a rubber spatula to help the liquid pass through while pressing the solids down. This will ensure that only the smooth, vibrant cherry liquid remains. Discard the solids left in the strainer—they’ve done their part, but we want the smoothest Fresh Cherry Sorbet possible!
Now comes the important part: adjusting the sweetness of your Fresh Cherry Sorbet. To do this, we’re going to use the egg float test, which is a foolproof method to get the right sugar balance. Carefully place a clean egg into the cherry mixture. You’ll want the egg to float just enough so that you can see a small section of the shell (about the size of a nickel or quarter) above the surface. This indicates that the sugar level is just right for a perfect sorbet.
If the egg sinks, it means the mixture isn’t sweet enough. In this case, add a little more simple syrup to the mixture, stir it well, and perform the egg test again. You may need to repeat this a few times to get the perfect balance of sweetness. Remember, the goal is to have the sugar level just high enough so the Fresh Cherry Sorbet has the right consistency and sweetness, without being overly sugary.
If you have any leftover simple syrup, store it in the fridge for future use in drinks or other desserts. Once the mixture is at the perfect sweetness level, taste it. You can add more lime juice if you prefer a bit more tangy kick to your sorbet. Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour to chill before churning.
Churning the Fresh Cherry Sorbet
Once your cherry mixture has been chilled, it is time to churn the Fresh Cherry Sorbet. If you are utilizing an ice cream maker, this is the moment when the magic occurs. Transfer the chilled cherry sorbet mixture into the ice cream maker’s frozen base. Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and churn the mixture until it achieves a soft-serve texture. This process typically takes around 15 minutes, although it may differ based on your machine. The outcome should be a creamy, smooth texture that is ideal for serving or freezing.
Churning the Fresh Cherry Sorbet helps incorporate air, giving it that light, fluffy texture that makes sorbet so refreshing. Once it has reached the desired consistency, it’s time to transfer the sorbet into a freezer-safe container, such as an 8×5-inch loaf pan. Spread the sorbet evenly and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the freezer to firm up for 2-4 hours. This additional freezing time ensures that your Fresh Cherry Sorbet has a firm, scoopable texture that is perfect for serving.
Freezing and Serving the Fresh Cherry Sorbet
Once your Fresh Cherry Sorbet has reached a soft-serve consistency, it’s time to freeze it until firm and ready to serve. Transfer the sorbet into an 8×5-inch loaf pan or another freezer-safe container. Use a spatula to smooth the top, then cover the container with plastic wrap to help prevent ice crystals from forming. Place the sorbet in the freezer for 2-4 hours to allow it to set to a perfect, scoopable texture.
When you’re ready to serve, remove the Fresh Cherry Sorbet from the freezer for about 5 minutes before scooping. This brief time outside the freezer helps soften the sorbet just enough to make it easier to scoop and ensures that the texture remains creamy and smooth.
Scoop the sorbet into bowls or cones, and feel free to garnish it with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of lime zest for an extra touch of color and flavor. This not only elevates the visual appeal of the sorbet but also complements its tart and sweet flavor profile.
If there are any leftovers, store the Fresh Cherry Sorbet in the freezer for up to a month. Make sure the container is tightly sealed with plastic wrap or a lid to keep the sorbet fresh and prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.
This Fresh Cherry Sorbet is a vibrant, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Conclusion
This Fresh Cherry Sorbet is a refreshing, creamy treat that’s perfect for summer or anytime you want a light and fruity dessert. The simple ingredients—fresh cherries, lime, and a touch of sweetness—combine to create a sorbet that’s full of flavor and incredibly satisfying. Whether you serve it at a family gathering or enjoy it on your own, this sorbet is sure to impress. Enjoy it fresh from the freezer or as a fun twist on your favorite fruit sorbet flavors.
FAQ
What is the secret to good sorbet?
The secret to a great sorbet is balancing sweetness and tartness, which is achieved with a simple syrup and the right amount of lime juice in this Fresh Cherry Sorbet recipe. Additionally, straining the mixture ensures a silky texture, and churning it gives it the light, airy consistency that makes sorbet so refreshing.
Is Cherry sorbet a sativa or indica?
Cherry sorbet is a delicious dessert made with fresh fruit and does not contain cannabis strains like sativa or indica. It’s a sweet, refreshing treat for everyone.
What’s the difference between sherbet and sorbet?
Sherbet contains dairy, making it creamier, while sorbet, like this Fresh Cherry Sorbet, is made without dairy, giving it a lighter, fruitier texture. Sorbet is a great choice for those looking for a dairy-free option.
How do you keep sorbet creamy?
To keep sorbet creamy, it’s important to churn it thoroughly in an ice cream maker. The process of churning incorporates air and prevents ice crystals from forming. Additionally, using a simple syrup, as in this Fresh Cherry Sorbet recipe, helps maintain a smooth texture.