This Berry Sorbet is a smooth, icy, and vibrant dessert bursting with the natural sweetness and tartness of real mixed berries. Light and refreshing, it’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day or finish a meal with a clean, fruity palate cleanser. Whether you use fresh or frozen berries, this treat is a colorful showcase of summer’s best.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Berry sorbet is incredibly easy to make, naturally dairy-free, and vegan-friendly. It captures the pure, unfiltered flavor of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, all balanced with a touch of lemon juice and a silky homemade simple syrup. It’s a wholesome, low-calorie dessert that’s ideal for warm weather, elegant dinner parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth the healthy way.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries – fresh or frozen)
- water
- granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- lemon juice
directions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, forming a simple syrup. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- In a blender or food processor, blend the mixed berries until smooth.
- For a smoother texture, strain the berry purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds (optional, especially recommended if using raspberries or blackberries).
- Stir in the lemon juice and cooled simple syrup until fully combined.
- With an ice cream maker: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches sorbet consistency.
- Without an ice cream maker: Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish. Freeze for about 4 hours, stirring with a fork every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals, until smooth and scoopable.
- Transfer the finished sorbet to an airtight container and store in the freezer. Allow to soften for a few minutes at room temperature before scooping and serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (chill time included)
- Calories per serving: 110 kcal
Variations
- Herbal Twist: Add a few fresh basil or mint leaves during blending for a refreshing herbal note.
- Citrus Boost: Substitute orange or lime juice for a different citrus profile.
- Berry Blend Options: Use only one type of berry or mix in cherries for a more complex flavor.
- Boozy Sorbet: Add 1 tablespoon of vodka or berry liqueur before freezing to help keep the texture smooth.
- Honey Sweetened: Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative.
storage/reheating
Store the sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. For best texture, let the sorbet sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. Do not reheat—this is a frozen dessert meant to be enjoyed chilled.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, frozen berries work perfectly. No need to thaw—just blend as directed.
How can I make this without refined sugar?
Use honey, agave, or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Adjust to taste.
What if I don’t strain the purée?
Skipping the straining step will result in a more rustic sorbet with berry seeds. It’s optional but recommended for smoother texture.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for brightness, but bottled works in a pinch.
Do I need an ice cream maker?
No—this sorbet can be made without one by stirring the mixture while freezing in a shallow dish.
Why is my sorbet icy instead of smooth?
Without an ice cream maker, frequent stirring helps prevent large ice crystals. Adding a small amount of alcohol can also improve texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Let it soften before serving.
Is this sorbet vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely—mango, peach, or banana blend well with berries.
How do I serve it elegantly?
Serve in chilled glasses or bowls, garnished with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a thin citrus slice.
Conclusion
Berry Sorbet is a quick, customizable, and refreshing dessert made with real fruit and minimal effort. Whether you’re cooling off in the summer or looking for a light finish to a hearty meal, this smooth, tangy sorbet is sure to satisfy. With bright color, bold flavor, and simple ingredients, it’s a freezer staple for fruit lovers and health-conscious dessert fans alike.
Print
Berry Sorbet
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This refreshing berry sorbet is a vibrant, naturally sweet treat made from real mixed berries, perfect for cooling off on a warm day with a smooth, icy texture and deep fruity flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries – fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved to make a simple syrup. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a blender or food processor, purée the mixed berries until smooth.
- Optional: Strain the berry purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds for a smoother texture.
- Stir the lemon juice and cooled simple syrup into the berry purée until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until sorbet consistency is reached.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until firm and scoopable (about 3–4 hours).
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until ready to serve. Let soften slightly before scooping.
Notes
- Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of the berries and your taste preference.
- Lemon juice enhances the brightness and balances the sweetness of the sorbet.
- Best enjoyed within 1 week for freshest flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg