Refreshing 4-Ingredient Strawberry Lime Sherbet
This Strawberry Lime Sherbet is the ultimate summer cooldown. By using only four simple ingredients, the natural sweetness of sun-ripened strawberries takes center stage, while a bright splash of lime provides the perfect zesty balance. It is creamy, vibrant, and incredibly easy to whip up.
Whether you are looking for a lighter alternative to traditional ice cream or a fruit-forward treat that the whole family will love, this homemade sherbet hits the spot. Because it uses Greek yogurt, you get a lovely silkiness without the heavy fat of traditional dairy-based desserts.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Easy Strawberry Sherbet
Many frozen desserts are loaded with artificial flavors and excess sugar. This recipe focuses on fresh fruit and clean ingredients.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need strawberries, yogurt, lime, and a touch of agave.
- Healthier Choice: Using non-fat Greek yogurt keeps it light while adding a boost of protein.
- Versatile: Don’t have an ice cream maker? No problem! We have included a simple hand-mixing method so anyone can enjoy this treat.
- Beautiful Color: The natural deep red of the berries makes this a stunning dessert for summer parties or barbecues.
Ingredients You Will Need
The key to the best flavor is starting with the freshest strawberries available.
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 3/4 cup (approx. 6 oz) strawberry Greek yogurt (non-fat or full-fat both work well)
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar (adjust more or less depending on how sweet your berries are)
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Ice cream maker (optional, but recommended for the smoothest texture)
- Freezer-safe container
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Blend to Perfection
Add your sliced strawberries, strawberry yogurt, and fresh lime juice into a blender. Process the mixture until it is completely smooth and vibrant.
2. Sweeten to Taste
Taste the liquid mixture. If your strawberries are very ripe, you may only need a tiny bit of agave. If they are slightly tart, add the full two tablespoons (or more) of agave syrup until it reaches your preferred sweetness level.
3. Churn the Sherbet
Pour the strawberry mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for churning—this usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Once the cycle is complete, transfer the sherbet to a freezer-safe container.
4. Set the Consistency
For the best results, place the container in the freezer. To ensure an even, creamy texture, stir the mixture briskly every 30 minutes for about 2 hours.
5. No Ice Cream Maker Method
If you don’t have a machine, simply pour the blended mixture into a shallow freezer-safe pan. Place it in the freezer and manually stir it with a fork or whisk every 30 minutes until it reaches a firm, scoopable consistency.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Homemade sherbets can freeze quite firm. Remove the container from the freezer about 20 minutes before you plan to serve it. This allows it to soften just enough to get those perfect, rounded scoops.
Pro-Tips for Success
To get the smoothest possible results, ensure your ice cream freezer bowl has been chilling for a full 24 hours before use. If the insert isn’t cold enough, the sherbet won’t set properly during the churning process.
If you are following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can easily swap the Greek yogurt for a vanilla or strawberry coconut-based yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sherbet different from sorbet?
Yes. Sorbet is typically just fruit and sugar with no dairy. Sherbet includes a small amount of dairy (like the yogurt in this recipe) to give it a creamier texture that sits right between a sorbet and a traditional ice cream.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh berries offer the best flavor, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them slightly before blending so they incorporate easily with the yogurt and lime juice.
How long does homemade sherbet last?
This Strawberry Lime Sherbet is best enjoyed within the first 3 to 5 days. Because it doesn’t contain preservatives, it can develop ice crystals if left in the freezer for too long. Keep it tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of agave?
If you don’t have agave on hand, honey or simple syrup are excellent alternatives. Just keep in mind that honey has a stronger flavor profile that will slightly alter the taste of the berries.
Strawberry Lime Sherbet
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries sliced
- 3/4 cup approx. 6 oz strawberry Greek yogurt (non-fat or full-fat both work well)
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar adjust more or less depending on how sweet your berries are
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients (except the agave) into the blender and blend until smooth.
- Taste the mixture to determine the amount of sweetener needed and sweeten to taste.
- Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturers directions. Once the ice cream maker has finished its cycle pour the sorbet into a container and freeze. You may want to take it out of the freezer and mix it quickly every 30 minutes for 2 hours to keep the consistency even.
- If you do not have an ice cream maker, pour the sorbet mixture from the blender into a freezer safe container (preferrably a shallow container to expedite freezing) and take it out of the freezer to mix it every half hour until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Remove from the freezer 20 minutes prior to serving to soften slightly.
- Notes
