Sorbet is a deliciously simple blend of sweetened, frozen fruit. Made from a sugar water base with lemon juice and grated lemon zest, this lemon sorbet has an irresistibly light and creamy texture, without the heaviness of dairy-based sweet treats. Zesty, sweet and tart, this lemon sorbet is a refreshing summer treat you\u2019ll want to make on repeat.<\/p>\n
Our lemon sorbet mixture can be prepared in 15 minutes, plus freezing and cooling time, making this easy prep-ahead treat a busy cook\u2019s best friend. And if you’re craving another fruity flavor, we’ve got you. It’s surprisingly easy to make sorbet at home<\/a> with almost any fruit.<\/p>\n
Place sugar and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, for two minutes. Cool completely.<\/p>\n
Editor\u2019s Tip:<\/em> For precise sugar measurements, consider buying a refractometer. This inexpensive kitchen gadget is useful when gauging how much sugar is already in your fruit puree (remember that this can vary, depending on fruit ripeness). For reference, the ideal sugar concentration of sorbet is between 20% and 30%.<\/p>\n
Stir in lemon zest and juice until the puree mixture is uniform, with the consistency of a smoothie. Fill the container cylinder of your ice cream maker no more than two-thirds full. Freeze according to manufacturer’s directions.<\/p>\n
Transfer sorbet to a freezer container, leaving room at the top for it to expand slightly. Freeze for four hours. Serve in cookie cups with lemon wedges, and top with additional lemon zest, if desired.<\/p>\n
Editor\u2019s Tip:<\/em> If your ice cream maker has room, place your freezer-safe container in the canister before adding the fruit puree. This will save you a step of having to transfer the sorbet directly from the ice cream maker, and it will prevent the sorbet from melting.<\/p>\n
To keep your lemon sorbet as long as possible (and free of freezer burn), select a freezer-safe container with an airtight lid, and seal the container with a layer of wax paper. Homemade lemon sorbet can be frozen for up to three weeks.<\/p>\n
This is why the sugar concentration matters so much (and why that refractometer might be worth it). The fruit puree base should have a sugar concentration between 20% and 30%. Less, and the result will be too tart; more, and it will be too sweet.<\/p>\n
Before you even add the sugar, be sure you’re starting out with the freshest, most ripe fruit you can find. This can make the difference between a so-so result and sorbet worthy of seconds. Check out this primer on how to pick the best berries<\/a>\u2014it will help you discern between many other fruits too. (Psst:<\/em> Note that Meyer lemons are naturally sweeter than regular lemons; if you’re using Meyer lemons, use added sweetener accordingly.)<\/p>\n
Sorbet is best enjoyed the day it’s made, and it won\u2019t form ice crystals that<\/em> fast. If you plan to have leftovers or are making a bigger batch, however, it makes sense to add a splash of alcohol as a stabilizer. Using a neutral alcohol like vodka will give you the benefit of creamy texture without altering the taste.<\/p>\n
While you need enough sugar to give the sorbet its texture, too much can prevent it from freezing, instead giving you a slushy fruit soup. You can try to thicken it by adding more fruit puree and re-freezing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This light and creamy lemon sorbet will delight the senses, and it’s a cinch to make. 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Serve it in cookie cups for a stylish, practical presentation.","recipeIngredient":["1 cup sugar","1 cup water","3 tablespoons grated lemon zest","3\/4 cup lemon juice","Optional: Cookie cups, lemon wedges and additional lemon zest"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make the simple syrup","text":"Place sugar and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, for two minutes. Cool completely. Editor\u2019s Tip: For precise sugar measurements, consider buying a refractometer. This inexpensive kitchen gadget is useful when gauging how much sugar is already in your fruit puree (remember that this can vary, depending on fruit ripeness). For reference, the ideal sugar concentration of sorbet is between 20% and 30%.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lemon-Sorbet_TOHD24_25719_AlejandroMonfort_4.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Add the puree to the ice cream maker","text":"Stir in lemon zest and juice until the puree mixture is uniform, with the consistency of a smoothie. Fill the container cylinder of your ice cream maker no more than two-thirds full. Freeze according to manufacturer's directions.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lemon-Sorbet_TOHD24_25719_AlejandroMonfort_6.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Freeze and serve","text":"Transfer sorbet to a freezer container, leaving room at the top for it to expand slightly. Freeze for four hours. Serve in cookie cups with lemon wedges, and top with additional lemon zest, if desired. Editor\u2019s Tip: If your ice cream maker has room, place your freezer-safe container in the canister before adding the fruit puree. This will save you a step of having to transfer the sorbet directly from the ice cream maker, and it will prevent the sorbet from melting.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lemon-Sorbet_TOHD24_25719_AlejandroMonfort_7.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"about 2 cups","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Rebecca Walden"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 138 calories","fatContent":"0 fat (0 saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"0 cholesterol","sodiumContent":"1mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"36g carbohydrate (34g sugars","fiberContent":"0 fiber)","proteinContent":"0 protein. 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Very delicious recipe that's easy to make! The additional lemon zest really gives this sorbet recipe a big burst of flavor! <\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2016-08-07","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"CyanApple"},"reviewBody":"For my Cuisinart freezer, I doubled the recipe but should NOT have doubled the sugar. I'd cut back by at least 25%. Otherwise, perfectly refreshing. Right out the Cuisanart, add Lemoncello for an excellent adult slushie!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-09-20","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"BlueCandy"},"reviewBody":"I love taste of home recipes and magazines.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2011-03-22","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"BlueSeahorse"},"reviewBody":"This was really good, tart yet sweet, I added lime juice with lemon and added less sugar I will be making this again the hubby loved it.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"25719","romance_copy_dek":"This light and creamy lemon sorbet will delight the senses, and it's a cinch to make. 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