Lime Sherbet
Lime Sherbet is a refreshing homemade frozen dessert made with fresh lime juice, milk, and cream for the perfect balance of citrus brightness and creamy texture. This easy lime sherbet recipe delivers a tangy, smooth, and scoopable treat that’s lighter than ice cream and perfect for summer desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lime juice about 6–8 limes
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional
- 1 –2 drops green food coloring for brighter color
Instructions
- Wash the limes thoroughly. Zest the limes first using a fine grater, then juice them until you have 1 cup of fresh lime juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds and excess pulp.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and lime zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the natural citrus oils.
- Add the lime juice, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the bowl.
- Whisk the mixture until the sugar fully dissolves and everything is well combined.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 1–2 hours until very cold.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once the sherbet reaches a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for 3–4 hours until firm and scoopable.
- Before serving, let the sherbet sit at room temperature for 5 minutes for easier scooping.
Notes
- Always use fresh lime juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Chilling the mixture before churning helps create a smoother texture.
- If the sherbet tastes too tart, add a little extra sugar before churning.
- Optional green food coloring can enhance the color but is not necessary.