This Easy Fresh Cherry Sorbet is a refreshing treat perfect for warm days! Made with just ripe cherries, sugar, and a squeeze of lemon, it’s simple and delicious.
I can’t resist the bright cherry flavor! Plus, it’s a fun way to cool off in the summer. I love serving it with a sprig of mint on top for that extra touch! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cherries: Ripe cherries are essential for the best flavor. Look for firm, shiny ones. If you can’t find fresh cherries, you could use frozen ones, but make sure they’re pitted before using.
Granulated Sugar: This is what sweetens the sorbet. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, try using honey or agave syrup instead, but adjust to taste as they can be sweeter than sugar.
Lime Juice: I love lime for its bright taste that complements cherries well. If lime isn’t available, lemon juice works perfectly too! You could even experiment with orange juice for a different flavor profile.
Mint Leaves: While optional, mint adds a nice touch of freshness when serving. If you don’t have mint, you can skip it or use basil for something unique!
How Do I Make a Smooth Cherry Puree?
Getting your cherry puree just right is crucial for a smooth sorbet. Here’s how to do it:
- First, pit the cherries and place them in a blender. This is the easiest way to prepare them.
- Blend until you’ve got a smooth mixture. If your blender struggles a bit, add a tablespoon of water to help it along.
- Next, pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve over a bowl. This removes any leftover skins and pulp for a silky texture.
- Use the back of a spoon to press through as much liquid as possible – every drop counts!
Following these steps will ensure your sorbet is smooth and enjoyable.
Easy Fresh Cherry Sorbet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (or lemon juice)
- Optional garnish: fresh mint leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cherry sorbet takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need 1 hour to chill the cherry mixture, plus some more time for churning and freezing. In total, plan for around 3 hours before it’s ready to serve, but most of that time is just waiting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Simple Syrup:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves, then remove the pan from the heat. Let your simple syrup cool to room temperature.
2. Blend the Cherries:
Take your pitted cherries and place them in a blender or food processor. Blend until you have a smooth puree. This is where the cherry flavor really comes alive!
3. Strain the Puree:
Pour the cherry puree through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any skins and pulp, ensuring a silky-smooth texture. Use a spoon to press the puree through the sieve so you get every drop of flavor!
4. Combine and Chill:
Stir the cooled simple syrup and the freshly squeezed lime juice into the strained cherry juice, mixing it all together well. Now, pop the mixture into the refrigerator and chill it for at least 1 hour until it’s nice and cold.
5. Churn the Sorbet:
Once your mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions—usually about 20-25 minutes—until it reaches a thick, sorbet consistency.
6. Freeze to Firm Up:
Transfer the sorbet into an airtight container and freeze it for at least 2 more hours to firm up completely before serving. This step is crucial for that perfect texture!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop your fresh cherry sorbet into bowls or cones. If you’d like, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and elegance. Enjoy this refreshing treat on a hot day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Sorbet?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well, especially if fresh ones aren’t in season. Just make sure to thaw them completely before blending to achieve a smooth puree.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of My Sorbet?
If you like your sorbet less sweet, start with 1/2 cup of sugar instead of 3/4 cup. You can always taste the mixture before churning it and add more sugar if needed, but remember that freezing can dull sweetness slightly!
How Do I Store Leftover Sorbet?
Store any leftover sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To keep it from getting icy, smooth the surface before sealing and try to minimize exposure to air.
Can I Add Other Flavors to This Sorbet?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Just make sure to maintain the ratio of cherries to simple syrup to keep the sorbet’s texture balanced.
