When it comes to refreshing desserts, few things beat the cool, tangy taste of sorbet. This Raspberry Lemon Sorbet is a delightful, low-sugar option that’s perfect for warm weather or anytime you want a sweet treat that doesn’t leave you feeling guilty. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this sorbet offers a balance of tartness from fresh raspberries and lemons, with just a touch of natural sweetness. It’s not only easy to make but also a healthier alternative to store-bought ice creams and sorbets that can be loaded with refined sugars and artificial ingredients. Whether you’re following a low-sugar diet or just looking for a light dessert, this sorbet is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
To make this refreshing Raspberry Lemon Sorbet, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, if fresh is not available)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste – you can also use stevia or another sugar substitute)
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (for an extra citrusy punch)
- Pinch of salt (optional, enhances the flavor)
This recipe is naturally low in sugar, but the honey or maple syrup can be substituted or adjusted according to your sweetness preference.
Procedure
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by washing your fresh raspberries under cold water. If you are using frozen raspberries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand.
- Juice the lemons to get fresh lemon juice. You can also zest the lemons at this stage if you’re using lemon zest.
Step 2: Blend the Raspberries
- In a blender or food processor, add the raspberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, ensuring there are no large chunks of fruit left.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
- To get a silky-smooth texture, you’ll need to strain the raspberry mixture to remove the seeds. Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and pour the blended mixture through it, using a spoon or spatula to help push the puree through. Discard the seeds.
Step 4: Sweeten the Sorbet
- In the strained raspberry liquid, add the honey or maple syrup (or sweetener of your choice). Stir well to combine. Taste the mixture, and if you want it sweeter, you can add more sweetener to taste.
Step 5: Freeze the Sorbet
- Pour the sweetened raspberry-lemon mixture into a shallow container (such as a baking dish). This will allow it to freeze more evenly and make scraping easier later.
- Place the container in the freezer. After about 30 minutes, take it out and use a fork to scrape the mixture, breaking up any ice crystals. Return it to the freezer and repeat this scraping process every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours, until the sorbet has a fluffy, granular texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the sorbet has reached the desired consistency, scoop it into bowls or glasses, garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh raspberries, and serve immediately.