There’s something absolutely magical about a scoop of Cherry Sorbet on a sunny afternoon. Tart, vibrant cherries get a starring role in this luscious frozen treat, with every bite tasting like a summertime picnic. The recipe comes together with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, paints your spoon in brilliant ruby red, and is entirely dairy-free and vegan-friendly! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bursting with real fruit flavor and is easy enough for any night of the week, cherry sorbet belongs at the top of your must-make list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Cherry Sorbet:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vodka (optional, for smoother texture)
How to Make Cherry Sorbet
Step 1: Prepare the Simple Syrup
Start by setting a small saucepan over medium heat. Combine the granulated sugar and water, stirring slowly until the sugar has fully dissolved. This quick step creates a smooth simple syrup, which ensures your cherry sorbet turns out silky and free of gritty sugar crystals. Once dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature so it blends seamlessly with the cherries in the next step.
Step 2: Blend the Cherry Mixture
Place your pitted cherries in a blender or food processor along with the cooled simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and vodka (if you’re using it for extra creaminess). Blend everything until completely smooth—the longer you blend, the finer and silkier your sorbet will be. If you prefer a perfectly smooth texture, feel free to pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any tiny cherry bits or skins.
Step 3: Churn Until Frozen
Transfer the cherry mixture to your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The churning process transforms your purée into a dreamy, scoopable sorbet in about 20–25 minutes. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, simply pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring with a fork every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until frozen and smooth—this usually takes around 3–4 hours. Either way, you’ll end up with a fresh, satisfying cherry sorbet!
Step 4: Serve or Store
You can enjoy your cherry sorbet immediately for a soft-serve texture, or transfer it to an airtight container and freeze until firmer. If you opt for storing, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to ensure it’s soft and luscious—just like your favorite scoop shop treat!
How to Serve Cherry Sorbet
Garnishes
Cherry sorbet shines brilliantly on its own, but a sprinkle of garnishes can add even more appeal. Try topping with fresh mint leaves, a handful of chopped pistachios for crunch, or some extra pitted cherries for double delight. A little lemon zest can also bring an added layer of brightness to every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This sorbet pairs beautifully with light almond biscotti or crisp shortbread cookies. You could also serve it alongside a platter of fresh berries or a citrusy fruit salad for a showstopping yet simple dessert spread. It makes a refreshing palate cleanser between rich courses as well!
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-worthy presentation, scoop cherry sorbet into vintage glassware or hollowed-out fruit bowls. Try sandwiching it between thin sugar cookies or layering it with vanilla ice cream for a cherry-vanilla parfait. You can even float a scoop in sparkling water or prosecco to wow your guests at brunch or summer gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cherry sorbet in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer. Press a piece of parchment directly onto the surface before sealing to help prevent ice crystals from forming and keep your sorbet smooth.
Freezing
Cherry sorbet keeps wonderfully for up to two weeks in the freezer. For best texture, make sure your container is truly airtight. If you notice the surface starting to get icy, a quick stir during the first hour or two of freezing helps ward off ice crystals and ensure a creamy consistency.
Reheating
Sorbet doesn’t require reheating, but if it becomes too firm in the freezer, just let it rest on the countertop for 5 to 10 minutes. It will soften up, making it easy to scoop and serve with that perfect velvety finish.
FAQs
Can I use sweet or tart cherries for cherry sorbet?
Absolutely! Both sweet and tart cherries work beautifully. Sweet cherries deliver a mellow, juicy flavor while tart cherries provide an extra punch. You can even mix them for a more complex taste—just adjust the sugar to match their natural sweetness.
Do I have to use an ice cream maker to make cherry sorbet?
No ice cream maker? No problem! The no-churn method works just as well. Pour your mixture into a shallow dish and use a fork to stir it every 30 minutes as it freezes. This manual method still produces deliciously smooth results, though it does take a bit more patience.
Why add vodka to the recipe?
Vodka helps prevent cherry sorbet from freezing rock-solid, resulting in a texture that’s easier to scoop straight from the freezer. The small amount doesn’t leave any alcoholic taste, but you can skip it if you prefer a zero-alcohol dessert.
How can I make the sorbet sweeter or more tart?
The great thing about cherry sorbet is how customizable it is. Taste your blended mixture before freezing, then add more sugar for sweetness or an extra splash of lemon juice for tang. Start with small amounts and adjust until the flavor hits your personal sweet spot.
Is cherry sorbet gluten-free and vegan?
Yes! This cherry sorbet recipe is naturally gluten-free and completely plant-based, so it suits a wide range of dietary needs. Just double-check that your vodka (if using) is gluten-free to be extra safe.
Final Thoughts
If you love desserts that feel fancy but are secretly so simple, this cherry sorbet is calling your name. The flavor is pure summer, the texture is dreamy, and it’s guaranteed to win hearts wherever it’s served. I hope you give this recipe a try the next time cherries are calling your name—you just might find your new favorite homemade treat.
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Cherry Sorbet Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus freezing
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy the refreshing taste of homemade Cherry Sorbet with this easy recipe. Made with fresh or frozen cherries, this dairy-free dessert is perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
Fresh Cherry Sorbet:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vodka (optional, for smoother texture)
Instructions
- Create Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Let cool.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine cherries, simple syrup, lemon juice, and vodka. Blend until smooth.
- Strain Mixture: Optional – strain mixture through a sieve to remove solids.
- Churn Sorbet: Transfer mixture to ice cream maker and churn until sorbet consistency is reached.
- Freeze: If no ice cream maker, freeze mixture in a dish, stirring every 30 minutes until frozen.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or store in freezer.
Notes
- Adding vodka helps prevent icy texture.
- Adjust sweetness based on cherry ripeness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
