This Homemade Lemon Sorbet is super easy to make, and you only need 3 ingredients! (And no ice cream maker required.) This sweet and zesty treat tastes just like frozen lemonade! It's the perfect frozen dessert to enjoy on hot summer days.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Healthy
Sorbet is a much lighter frozen treat compared to ice cream as its base is made with water instead of milk or cream. Because of this, it is a naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan friendly dessert!
I also used sweetened condensed coconut milk which is a great substitute for corn syrup!
Simple
The sorbet base is actually only THREE simple ingredients!
All you need to make this easy lemon sorbet recipe is fresh lemon juice, filtered water, and sweetened condensed coconut milk for sweetness. It also helps to give it a softer texture, less icy texture.
Easy
Traditional sorbet recipes combine water and white sugar in a small saucepan to make a simple syrup which requires more time and more cleaning!
You also typically need an ice cream machine, but this recipe just requires blending and freezing! You can use a food processor or high-speed blender like a Vitamix.
🍴Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Lemon Juice - Fresh squeezed is best, but you can also purchase Santa Cruz Organic Lemon Juice to save time.
- Water - For best flavor, I suggest using filtered water.
- Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk - I used the Organic Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk from Nature's Charm. This is what gives the sorbet its sweetness and soft texture.
If you love easy homemade sorbet recipes like this, you have to try my Lime Sorbet, Healthy Peach Sorbet, and No Sugar Added Pineapple Sorbet!
🍴Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Add Ingredients into Blender
Add one cup lemon juice, one cup water, and ⅓ cup sweetened condensed coconut milk into a high-speed blender.
Step 2: Blend Lemon Mixture
Blend the lemon mixture on high for about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Pour into Container & Freeze
Pour the lemon mixture into a freezer safe airtight container. Freeze for about 6 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Remove from Freezer
Remove the container from the freezer and let it defrost for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Blend Lemon Sorbet
For a less icy sorbet, break the frozen lemon sorbet into smaller chunks and add them into a food processor or blender.
Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Transfer the sorbet into small serving cups using an ice cream scoop. Place the sorbet in the freezer until you're ready to enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Pour the lemon mixture into silicone ice cube trays to make it easier to blend.
- Don't forget to scrape down the edges with a spatula while the sorbet is blending.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can also use a heavy-duty blender like a Vitamix. Both will achieve the right consistency.
- For best results, use fresh lemons to make this recipe. If you'd like to save on prep time, my favorite store-bought organic lemon juice is from the brand Santa Cruz.
- Use an ice cream scoop to serve.
- You can enjoy this sorbet right out of the freezer, but it will be a bit icy. I highly recommend the second blend to create a creamier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
It all depends on your definition of healthy, but this recipe is lower in sugar, and made with only three ingredients! It's also a naturally dairy-free and gluten-free frozen treat.
Sorbet is usually made with a fruit puree, or in this case - lemon juice! The base of sorbet is made with water while ice cream contains dairy products like milk or cream!
Recipe Variations
Flavor
Switch up the flavor by adding in lime juice! You can easily double the recipe and make a lemon lime flavor. Or use a half cup of lime and a half cup of lemon juice to create a lemon lime flavored sorbet!
You can also add in frozen blueberries to make a blueberry lemon sorbet!
For a zingy flavor, save the lemon peel and add a little lemon zest to the mixture. (Use a small hand grater.)
Sweetness
If you're looking for a sweeter treat, just add a couple extra tablespoons of sweetened condensed coconut milk!
Lemonade
Instead of freezing the lemon mixture, serve over ice for a simple and delicious lemonade!
Serving Suggetions
I used mini glass mason jars, but any small cup will work.
For a fancier look, stick a little lemon wedge into each cup and add some lemon zest on top!
Serve them in paper "Italian Ice Cups" for a more nostalgic feel! We always had these at our local Italian Ice shop when I was a kid. By serving them this way, you don't need a spoon!
Scrape out the inside of lemon halves to create lemon shells for serving!
How to store leftovers
Leftover lemon sorbet should be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Make sure you use a freezer-safe container!
When it comes out of the freezer, you will need to let it defrost for about 10 minutes before trying to scoop it out.
I highly recommend you blend it again to create a creamier consistency before serving.
More frozen treats!
After you make this Lemon Sorbet, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!
Recipe Card
Homemade Lemon Sorbet Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Blender or Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Cup Filtered Water
- ⅓ Cup Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk
Instructions
- Add fresh lemon juice, water, and sweetened condensed coconut milk into a high-speed blender.
- Blend the lemon mixture on high for about 30 seconds.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer safe aright container. Freeze for about 6 hours or overnight.
- Remove the container from the freezer and let it defrost for about 10 minutes.
- Break the frozen lemon sorbet into smaller chunks and add them into a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Use an ice cream scoop to serve!
Notes
Expert Tips
- Pour the lemon mixture into silicone ice cube trays to make it easier to blend.
- Don't forget to scrape down the edges with a spatula while the sorbet is blending.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can also use a heavy-duty blender like a Vitamix. Both will achieve the right consistency.
- For best results, use fresh lemons to make this recipe. If you'd like to save on prep time, my favorite store-bought organic lemon juice is from the brand Santa Cruz.
- Use an ice cream scoop to serve.
- You can enjoy this sorbet right out of the freezer, but it will be a bit icy. I highly recommend the second blend to create a creamier texture.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover lemon sorbet should be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Make sure you use a freezer-safe container! When it comes out of the freezer, you will need to let it defrost for about 10 minutes before trying to scoop it out. I highly recommend you blend it again to create a creamier consistency before serving. ** See full post for more information and helpful tips!Nutrition
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