Homemade Italian Lemon Sorbet (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Amanda · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

5 from 1 vote

Total Time 2 hours hours 52 minutes minutes

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

Homemade Italian Lemon Sorbet (1)

Delicious and easy, this Italian lemon sorbet recipe is made in an ice cream maker, using just 3 ingredients. This frozen sorbet recipe will be one of your new favorite things on a hot summer day.

Homemade Italian Lemon Sorbet (2)

Lemon sorbet or sorbetto di limone is a dairy free version of gelato. It's the perfect summer dessert with the best creamy consistency. It can also be served as a palate cleanser for a dinner party or special occasion dinner.You can also use this easy lemon sorbet in a refreshing sgroppino co*cktail.

This simple recipe is a great alternative to traditional ice cream. Not only is it quick to put together, but it’s great for those with dietary restrictions since it’s both gluten free and dairy free.

You are definitely going to want to serve this homemade lemon sorbet at your next Summer party. It would be perfect with Italian steaks on the grill, or chicken caprese with pesto, summer panzanella salad, and pink vodka lemonade!

Jump to:
  • 🍋 Ingredient notes
  • 📋 Substitutions and variations
  • 🔪 Step by step instructions
  • ⭐ Expert tips
  • 💭Frequently asked questions
  • ⏲️ Make ahead and storage instructions
  • 🍋 More lemon recipes
  • #ScarlatiFamilyKitchen
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🍋 Ingredient notes

Homemade Italian Lemon Sorbet (3)
  • Lemons - Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended instead of bottled lemon juice for the best flavor. You will need about 10-12 lemons for the juice and about 3-4 of them for the zest.
  • Simple Syrup - Granulated white sugar, water and lemon zest is all you need to make the lemon simple syrup. This both sweetens and flavors the lemon sorbet. Heating the sugar with the water dissolves it so you get the best flavor and texture to your sorbet. Be careful about changing the quantity of the sugar too much. The ratio is very important to make smooth and creamy lemon sorbet. Too much sugar can make the sorbet slushy and too little sugar can make it icy.

📋 Substitutions and variations

  • Herbs - Add chopped fresh basil or mint when making the lemon simple syrup.
  • Alcohol - The addition of alcohol will lower the freezing point of the sorbet. About 1-2 ounces can be added before it will start to affect the final results. More can be added to the mixture before churning it, however, the end result will be softer.
  • Quantity - This traditional lemon sorbet recipe will make a little more than 1 quart of sorbet. Depending on the size of your ice cream maker, this can be doubled or halved as needed.
  • Toppings - You can add things like strawberry puree, fresh berries or a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk.

🔪 Step by step instructions

First, wash your lemons thoroughly and then zest about 3-4 of them so you have about 2 Tablespoons of zest. Add the zest along with the water and sugar to a medium sized pot on the stovetop.

Heat over medium low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.

While the simple syrup is heating, juice the lemons to get 2 cups of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice into a large bowl or pourable container to remove any extra pulp or seeds that may be in it.

When the syrup is done, also strain it through a sieve into the lemon juice to remove excess zest. Mix the simple syrup and juice together and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.

Homemade Italian Lemon Sorbet (5)

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to churn the sorbet mixture in an ice cream maker. Serve the Italian lemon sorbet immediately or freeze it for a harder consistency.

Homemade Italian Lemon Sorbet (6)

If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that is mentioned, be sure to look it up in our Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitionsfor more information.

Go to Glossary

⭐ Expert tips

  • When zesting the lemons, try to just get just the lemon peel and not that white part or pith. The pith is very bitter and adding it to the simple syrup will negatively affect the end result.
  • Strain both the lemon juice and the simple syrup to remove any pulp, seeds, or excess lemon zest. This will give you the best texture to your lemon sorbet.
  • Use a large glass liquid measuring cup or another pourable container to chill your sorbet mixture. This makes it easy to pour into your ice cream maker.
  • Let the sorbet mixture chill for at least 2 hours before processing it through the ice cream maker. Letting the mixture chill will prevent extra ice crystals from forming during churning for the best smooth consistency.

💭Frequently asked questions

Is sorbet the same thing as Italian ice?

Sorbet has a smoother texture than Italian ice due to the process in which it is made. Sorbet is a mixture of fruit juice or puree that is mixed with sugar syrup and then frozen. Italian ice, on the other hand, is made by blending ice with flavorings and sweeteners. Italian ice has a much more coarse texture to it but is also lighter and more airy.

⏲️ Make ahead and storage instructions

The sorbet liquid mixture can be made 1-2 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. After churning, storing sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer is best. It should last about 1-2 months.

🍋 More lemon recipes

If you loved this Italian lemon sorbet recipe, check out these other lemon recipes that I know you will love too!

  • Whipped Lemon Ricotta
  • Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
  • Lemon Dutch Baby with Fresh Blueberries
  • Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

#ScarlatiFamilyKitchen

If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and give it a rating. I love to hear from each and every one of you! Tag me onFacebookandInstagramas well! It makes my day to see all of your photos of the food you have made.

📖 Recipe

Homemade Italian Lemon Sorbet (7)

Italian Lemon Sorbet Recipe

Amanda

This delicious and easy Italian lemon sorbet recipe is made in an ice cream maker, using 3 ingredients. This frozen sorbet recipe will be one of your new favorite things on a hot summer day.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Chilling Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 52 minutes mins

Course desserts, Sweets

Cuisine Italian

Servings 10 servings

Calories 165 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon zest approximately 3-4 lemons
  • 2 cups fresh lemon juice approximately 10-12 lemons

Instructions

  • Combine the water, sugar, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan over medium low heat. Let cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the sugar has dissolved.

  • Strain the lemon simple syrup through a sieve into a large bowl or pourable container. Strain the lemon juice into the bowl or container with the simple syrup.

  • Stir to combine the juice and simple syrup together and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

  • After chilling, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to process the mixture through the ice cream maker.

  • Serve immediately or freeze for a firmer texture.

Video

Notes

  • Try to just get the lemon peel and not that white part or pith because it is very bitter.
  • Strain both the lemon juice and the simple syrup to remove any pulp, seeds, or excess lemon zest for the best texture.
  • Use a large glass liquid measuring cup or another pourable container to chill your sorbet mixture so it is easily poured into the ice cream maker.
  • Letting the mixture chill for at least 2 hours will prevent extra ice crystals from forming during churning for the best smooth consistency.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Herbs - Add chopped fresh basil or mint when making the lemon simple syrup.
  • Alcohol - The addition of alcohol will lower the freezing point of the sorbet. About 1-2 ounces can be added before it will start to affect the final results. More can be added to the mixture before churning it, however, the end result will be softer.
  • Quantity - This recipe makes a little bit more than 1 quart of sorbet. Depending on the size of the ice cream maker, this can be doubled or halved as needed.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

The sorbet liquid can be made 1-2 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. After churning, the sorbet will keep in an airtight container in the freezer for about 1-2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.003gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 53mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 41gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.1mg

Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @scarlatifamilykitchen or tag #scarlatifamilykitchen!

More 4th of July + Memorial Day + Labor Day Recipes

  • Grilled St. Louis Ribs with Coffee Molasses BBQ Sauce
  • Italian Meat Stromboli
  • Italian Sangria
  • Parmesan Bread Bites with Pizza Dough

Reader Interactions

Comments

No Comments

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Homemade Italian Lemon Sorbet (2024)

FAQs

What is sorbet called in Italy? ›

The word sherbet entered the Italian language as sorbetto, which later became sorbet in French. August Escoffier describes sorbet as "very light and barely-congealed ices, served after the Entrées. They serve in freshening the stomach; preparing it to properly receive the roast.

What makes sorbet so creamy? ›

Without fat from dairy or eggs, it's the suspension of sugar within the fruit purée that allows the sorbet to churn into something with a creamy mouthfeel. You need 20-30% sugar in your sorbet, which will come from your fruit plus some added sugar.

What is lemon sorbet made of? ›

Stir lemon syrup with peel, lemon juice, and mineral water together in a pitcher or bowl. Pour into an ice cream maker, and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. Garnish each serving with a twist of lemon peel. If you do not have an ice cream maker, you may freeze it in a tall canister.

What are the ingredients in irresistibles lemon sorbet? ›

Our lemon sorbet is a decadent dairy-free treat worth savouring. WATER, GLUCOSE, SUGAR, CONCENTRATED LEMON JUICE, CAROB BEAN GUM, METHYL CELLULOSE, GUAR GUM, NATURAL FLAVOUR. We strive to always offer you the most up-to-date product information.

Is sorbet healthier than ice cream? ›

Not only is sorbet a healthier alternative to ice cream, but it is also a dessert that can be enjoyed guilt-free. With no eggs or cream present in the recipe, sorbet contains fewer calories and less fat compared to traditional ice cream.

What is the difference between sorbet and sorbetto? ›

Sorbetto is the Italian word for sorbet, but there is a huge difference between the two. Sorbetto is slowly churned incorporating less air and creating smaller ice crystals which brings out a more intense flavour and creamy smooth texture.

What is the secret to good sorbet? ›

The Master Ratio

If you don't know the exact sugar content of your fruit, the best thing you can do is play it safe. A sugar concentration between 20% to 30% will generally produce a scoopable, creamy sorbet. * Add less and your sorbet is too icy to scoop; add more and it may never freeze.

What to add to sorbet to keep it soft? ›

By adding some other sugar(s) than the ordinary white (sucrose), we can affect the crystallisation in ways that hamper the formation of icy crystals (keeping the sorbet soft) but without making it overly sweet. Glucose- and corn syrups are handy here.

Why add vodka to sorbet? ›

Since alcohol doesn't freeze, the vodka helps add smoothness to the the crunchy, icy texture of the sorbet.

Is homemade sorbet good for you? ›

1. It's low in calories and easy to eat after a meal. 2. It is full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals when you add fresh or frozen fruit.

Why put egg white in sorbet? ›

The optional egg white helps to stabilize, emulsify, and preserve the texture of the sorbet if you are going to keep it in your freezer for a few days.

Why do you need sugar in sorbet? ›

The base is either fruit puree for sorbet or milk/cream for ice cream. It may be enriched with egg yolks for flavour and its emulsification qualities (it helps bind everything together and give a firmer texture to your finished product). There is ALWAYS sugar, for sweetness and for its crucial role in 'scoopability'.

What's the difference between lemon sorbet and lemon sherbet? ›

For starters, since the basic elemental difference is that sherbet includes dairy and sorbet does not, it is an especially important distinction if you or someone in your sphere is vegan or chooses to eat dairy-free, since then you know you can serve sorbet without worry.

What's the difference between sherbet and sorbet? ›

The major difference between the two is that sherbet is made with dairy and sorbet isn't. Sherbet has more of a creamy texture that you'd expect from ice cream thanks to ingredients like milk, heavy cream, or buttermilk in the mix. Sorbet, on the other hand, is simply sugar and fruit.

What Italian dessert is similar to sorbet? ›

Granita is a type of Italian ice cream dessert that is made from ice, water, and flavouring. It is similar to sorbet but has a coarser, flakier texture. This is usually served as a refreshing summer treat and can be made with a variety of fruit flavours.

Is Italian ice the same as sorbet? ›

Granita (aka Italian Ice)

Granitas have ingredients that are identical to sorbet—pureed fruit (or juice), sugar, and water—but they differ in texture. Unlike sorbet, which is smooth-churned, granita is scraped repeatedly during the freezing process, loosening its structure into icy flakes.

What is Italian ice cream called in Italy? ›

What Is Gelato? Gelato is a frozen treat that hails from Italy; the word "gelato" actually means "ice cream" in Italian.

What is Sicilian gelato called? ›

The most popular type of Italian ice cream in Sicily is called "gelato alla cassata," which is a delicious combination of ricotta cheese, candied fruit, and chocolate chips. It is a traditional and beloved flavor that captures the essence of Sicilian desserts.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 5267

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.