Lime sorbet is the ultimate cool-down treat for hot days, thanks to its zesty flavor and refreshing icy texture. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, craving a light dessert after dinner, or just need a citrusy pick-me-up, this lime sorbet hits the spot. Best of all, this lime sorbet recipe is incredibly easy, just four simple ingredients and no special equipment required.
Whether you’re new to sorbet-making or just looking for something quick and refreshing, this homemade lime sorbet is a win. It’s naturally vegan, dairy-free, and totally customizable with a twist of mint or coconut water if you’re feeling creative. Plus, you don’t need an ice cream maker, though we’ll show you how to use one if you’ve got it.
This recipe makes four servings, making it just right for families or a quick make-ahead dessert when guests pop over. If you’re ready for a clean, citrusy finish to your day, you’re going to love what’s next.
Why You’ll Love This Lime Sorbet
A Perfect Summer Treat
Looking for a dessert that’s cool, light, and bursting with flavor? This lime sorbet delivers a tangy citrus punch that instantly refreshes. It’s the kind of treat you crave after a sun-drenched afternoon or a heavy meal. The bright green hue, fresh aroma, and icy texture come together to make every bite a moment of summer.
Whether served at a backyard BBQ or scooped into fancy cups for a dinner party, this refreshing summer sorbet stands out as both elegant and effortless. No cream, no heaviness, just pure lime flavor.
Naturally Vegan & Dairy-Free
No dairy? No problem. This dairy-free lime dessert is made with just fresh lime juice, zest, sugar, and water, no milk, no eggs, no hidden ingredients. That means it’s perfect for plant-based diets or anyone avoiding lactose, and it doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
Plus, since it’s made from real fruit and basic pantry staples, this vegan lime sorbet feels clean, light, and surprisingly satisfying. It’s a guilt-free pleasure you’ll want to keep in your freezer all season long.
Just 4 Ingredients!
It’s hard to believe something this delicious could come together with just four ingredients, but that’s the beauty of it. You’ll need:
Fresh lime juice
Lime zest
Granulated sugar
Water
That’s it! Want to get fancy? Add a splash of coconut water for extra smoothness or toss in a few mint leaves for a twist. But even on its own, this easy lime sorbet brings big flavor with minimal effort.
Recipe
Ingredients for 4 Servings
You don’t need a mile-long shopping list to make a bright and delicious lime sorbet. In fact, with just four ingredients, you can whip up this refreshing treat in no time.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh lime juice | 1 cup (about 4–5 limes) |
| Lime zest | 1 tablespoon |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
That’s it! These ingredients combine into a perfectly balanced blend of tartness and sweetness that defines the classic lime sorbet recipe.
Optional Flavor Boosts:
Mint leaves (2–3) for a fresh herbal twist
Coconut water (swap for regular water) for a smooth island vibe
A pinch of salt to enhance flavor depth
This base is incredibly versatile. Whether you keep it classic or try a variation, this sorbet with fresh lime juice will impress.
How to Make Lime Sorbet (Step-by-Step)
Ready to whip up your own lime sorbet at home? Whether you’re using an ice cream maker or going fully no-churn, the process is simple and beginner-friendly. Here’s how to do it in just three easy steps.
Step 1 – Make a Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup sugar with 1 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Tip: You can make the syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Step 2 – Add Lime Juice & Zest
Once the syrup is cool, whisk in 1 cup fresh lime juice and 1 tablespoon lime zest. Mix well so all the citrus oils and flavors are evenly incorporated. For a smoother texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove zest bits (totally optional).
Step 3 – Freeze & Churn
No Ice Cream Maker?
Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish.
Freeze for 2–3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes with a fork to break up ice crystals.
After 3–4 stirs, it should be smooth and scoopable.
With an Ice Cream Maker:
Pour mixture into the pre-chilled bowl.
Churn for 20–25 minutes until it reaches soft-serve texture.
Transfer to a container and freeze another hour before serving.
This method works beautifully for no-churn lime sorbet, keeping it light and smooth without fancy tools.
Quick Times & Nutrition Info
Time Breakdown
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 10 minutes |
| Chill time (no-churn) | 2–3 hours |
| Churn/freeze time | 20–40 minutes |
Whether you go no-churn or use a machine, you’ll spend minimal hands-on time, ideal for a quick, fuss-free dessert.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Sugar | 34 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Naturally low in fat and rich in vitamin C, this lime sorbet recipe is a smart pick when you’re craving something sweet without the guilt.
Visual Guide + Serving Tips
You’ve mixed, frozen, and stirred, now it’s time to enjoy! Here’s what your homemade lime sorbet should look like and a few simple ways to serve it beautifully.
What It Should Look Like
At this point, your sorbet should be light green, smooth yet icy, and scoopable like soft snow. A few specks of zest may remain if you chose not to strain, it’s all good!
Best Ways to Serve
Scoop into chilled glass bowls or mini jars
Garnish with lime zest curls, mint sprigs, or toasted coconut flakes
Serve between savory courses as a palate cleanser
Pair with shortbread cookies for a fancy twist
Bonus: Freeze in silicone molds for mini sorbet bites!
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Simple, refreshing, and just the right balance of tangy and sweet—this lime sorbet recipe is a go-to dessert for warm days or anytime you crave a clean, light finish to a meal. With only four ingredients and no special tools required, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in rotation.
If you enjoy simple treats like this, you might also love our easy homemade chocolate ice cream or these fruity peach cobbler cookies. Looking for something warm and comforting? Try the best blueberry cobbler recipe made easy a perfect pairing with a scoop of lime sorbet.
Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, this easy lime sorbet hits all the right notes: fresh flavor, smooth texture, and minimal effort.
Join the CookMinutes Community
Have you tried this recipe? Did you add your own twist, maybe coconut water or a dash of mint? We’d love to hear how it turned out!
Tag us on Instagram @CookMinutes or leave a comment below with your experience.
Recommended Read
The Chemical Constituents of Citrus Fruits – ScienceDirect
Curious about what gives lime sorbet its distinct tartness? This scientific overview breaks down the chemistry of citrus fruits in detail.
FAQ – Your Lime Sorbet Questions Answered
Absolutely! This no-churn lime sorbet method works like a charm. All you need is a shallow dish, a fork, and a little patience. Stirring every 30 minutes helps break up ice crystals and gives you that scoopable texture, no machine needed.
Yes, but with caution. Sugar isn’t just for sweetness, it also affects the texture. Less sugar means icier sorbet. If you’re trying to cut back, reduce the sugar by 2–3 tablespoons and add a bit of corn syrup or honey (if not strictly vegan) to help keep it soft.
Stored in an airtight container, your sorbet will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. After that, it might become harder and develop ice crystals. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving for the best scoop.
Technically yes, but fresh lime juice is what makes this recipe shine. Bottled juice can taste flat or overly acidic. If using bottled, choose one that’s 100% juice with no additives, and add extra zest for flavor.
Definitely! This recipe works well with lemon, grapefruit, or even blood orange. You can mix and match juices for your own citrus sorbet recipe variation. Just keep the total liquid at 1 cup.
Easy Lime Sorbet Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This zesty, refreshing lime sorbet is made with just 4 ingredients. Naturally vegan and dairy-free, it’s the perfect citrus dessert for summer or a light finish to any meal.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
1 tbsp lime zest
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
Instructions
In a small saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let cool to room temperature.
Whisk in lime juice and lime zest. Optional: strain to remove zest bits.
For no-churn: Pour into a shallow dish and freeze 2–3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
For machine: Pour into a pre-chilled ice cream maker and churn 20–25 minutes. Transfer to container and freeze for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Add mint, coconut water, or a pinch of salt for variation. Let soften at room temperature before scooping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Churn
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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