This strawberry sorbet is a light, refreshing dessert made with just four simple ingredients: fresh or frozen strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. It's the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day, offering a burst of natural fruit flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this strawberry sorbet captures the pure essence of ripe strawberries. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether I'm entertaining guests or just craving a sweet treat, this sorbet is my go-to for a delightful, homemade dessert that everyone enjoys.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups water
- 5 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, cleaned and quartered (about 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or lime juice
Directions
- I start by rinsing the strawberries thoroughly and cutting them into quarters. If I'm using frozen strawberries, I make sure they're thawed before proceeding.
- In a medium saucepan, I bring the water and sugar to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves to create a simple syrup. Then, I remove it from the heat and let it cool.
- Once the syrup has cooled, I combine it with the lemon juice and prepared strawberries in a large bowl.
- I transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until it's completely smooth.
- Finally, I pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze it overnight or for at least 6 hours until it's firm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. The preparation time is about 10 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for cooking the simple syrup. The sorbet needs to freeze for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve the desired consistency.
Variations
I enjoy experimenting with this recipe by adding different flavors. Sometimes, I substitute the lemon juice with lime juice for a tangier taste. Other times, I add a handful of fresh mint leaves during blending for a refreshing twist.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer, where it keeps well for up to two weeks. If the sorbet becomes too hard, I let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften it slightly.
FAQs
How can I make the sorbet smoother?
To achieve a smoother texture, I make sure to blend the mixture thoroughly until it's completely smooth. If desired, I strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or pulp before freezing.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! I often substitute strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, mangoes, or peaches. The process remains the same, but I adjust the sugar quantity based on the sweetness of the fruit used.
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
No, an ice cream maker isn't necessary. This recipe is designed to be made without one. However, if I have an ice cream maker, I sometimes use it to churn the mixture before freezing for an even creamier texture.
How long does the sorbet last in the freezer?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the sorbet maintains its best quality for up to two weeks. Over time, it may develop ice crystals, so I try to enjoy it within this period.
Can I reduce the sugar content?
Yes, I can adjust the sugar to my taste. However, sugar not only sweetens the sorbet but also affects its texture by preventing it from freezing too hard. If I reduce the sugar, I might need to consume the sorbet sooner or allow it to soften longer before serving.
Conclusion
This strawberry sorbet is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of strawberries. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, I can create a refreshing treat that's perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a complement to other desserts, this sorbet is sure to please.
Strawberry Sorbet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A light and refreshing strawberry sorbet made with just four ingredients. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day, bursting with natural fruit flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups water
- 5 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, cleaned and quartered (about 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or lime juice
Instructions
- Rinse and quarter the strawberries. Thaw if using frozen.
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool.
- Combine cooled syrup, lemon juice, and strawberries in a large bowl.
- Blend the mixture until completely smooth using a blender or food processor.
- Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before freezing.
- Experiment with lime juice or fresh mint for variations.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the freezer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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