Description
A light and refreshing lemon sorbet with a bright citrus flavor, perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, made with simple ingredients for a smooth and icy dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves to make a simple syrup.
- Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the cooled syrup into the lemon mixture and stir well.
- Add vanilla extract if desired and mix thoroughly.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 1–2 hours until very cold.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions until it reaches a sorbet consistency.
- If not using an ice cream maker, pour into a shallow container and freeze, stirring with a fork every 30–45 minutes to break up ice crystals until smooth.
- Once the sorbet reaches the desired texture, freeze for an additional 1–2 hours to firm up.
- Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier scooping.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice may taste less vibrant.
- Adjust sugar slightly to balance sweetness and tartness to your preference.
- For variation, add lime or orange juice for a mixed citrus sorbet.
- Infuse syrup with fresh mint leaves for a subtle herbal flavor, then remove before mixing.
- Add a tablespoon of honey or a splash of simple syrup for a softer texture.
- A small amount of alcohol (like vodka or limoncello) can help keep the sorbet softer.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- If sorbet becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature briefly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
