Plum Sorbet Recipe – Easy, Refreshing, and Naturally Sweet
1. Introduction
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a cool, fruity sorbet on a warm day. Plum Sorbet is the perfect way to enjoy the juicy sweetness of plums in a light, frozen dessert. It’s naturally sweet, bursting with flavor, and an incredibly easy treat to make at home. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s not only simple but also healthy, this sorbet is your answer. Plus, it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and a great way to use up any plums that are in season!
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step of making this vibrant Plum Sorbet from scratch. You’ll learn how to create a silky smooth texture and adjust the sweetness to your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will help you make a delicious frozen dessert that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
To make this Plum Sorbet, you’ll only need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- Fresh Plums – Plums are the star of the show here. Choose ripe, juicy plums for the best flavor. You can use any variety of plums, but I recommend red or purple plums for a deep, vibrant color.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar is typically used to sweeten the sorbet. The amount can be adjusted depending on how sweet your plums are. If you want to use a healthier alternative, options like maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead.
- Lemon Juice – A small amount of lemon juice adds a tangy kick to balance the natural sweetness of the plums. It also helps enhance the fruit flavor.
- Water – Water is added to help dissolve the sugar and create a smooth consistency for the sorbet.
Common Substitutions:
- Sugar: You can use coconut sugar, stevia, or honey instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- Plums: If fresh plums are out of season, you can use frozen plums, or swap them with other fruits like peaches, berries, or cherries.
- Lemon Juice: If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice will work just fine, though fresh is always best for flavor.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Plum Sorbet at home is surprisingly simple, and it only takes a few easy steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Plums
Start by washing your plums thoroughly. Cut them in half and remove the pits. You can either peel the plums or leave the skins on, depending on your texture preference. The skin adds more fiber and flavor, but it can also create a slightly thicker sorbet. If you want a super smooth sorbet, peeling the plums is a good option.
Step 2: Cook the Plums
Place the plums in a medium saucepan along with 1/4 cup of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the plums soften and break down. This will take about 10-15 minutes. Once the plums are softened, remove from the heat and let them cool slightly.
Step 3: Puree the Plums
Once the plums have cooled a bit, transfer them to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. If you prefer a super smooth sorbet, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any remaining pulp or skin.
Step 4: Sweeten the Sorbet
Add sugar to the plum puree and stir until it dissolves. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness to your liking. If the sorbet is too tart, add more sugar. If you’re using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, start with 1/4 cup and taste as you go. Stir in the lemon juice to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness.
Step 5: Freeze the Sorbet
Once the mixture is sweetened and well-mixed, pour it into a shallow, freezer-safe container. Place it in the freezer and allow it to freeze for about 1 hour. Once the edges begin to freeze, take a fork and scrape the sorbet to break up any ice crystals. This step helps create a light, fluffy texture. Continue to scrape the sorbet every 30 minutes for the next 3-4 hours, until the sorbet is fully frozen and fluffy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sorbet is ready, scoop it into bowls or glasses and serve immediately. You can garnish it with fresh mint leaves or extra plum slices for a decorative touch.
4. Tips and Variations
- For Extra Creaminess: Add a small amount of coconut milk or almond milk to the plum mixture before freezing. This will give the sorbet a creamier texture while keeping it dairy-free.
- For a More Intense Flavor: You can infuse the plum mixture with a splash of rum or vodka before freezing. Alcohol prevents the sorbet from freezing too hard and adds a unique flavor.
- Berry Infusion: Feel free to mix in other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. These berries pair wonderfully with plums and create a colorful, flavorful sorbet.
- No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem! Even without an ice cream maker, you can achieve a great sorbet texture. Just make sure to scrape it every 30 minutes while it freezes to keep the texture smooth and fluffy.
5. Serving Suggestions
Plum Sorbet is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to serve it:
- Pair with a Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with berries, citrus, and melons complements the tartness of the sorbet perfectly.
- Serve with a Slice of Cake: A light, fluffy vanilla or almond cake pairs wonderfully with this sorbet.
- Top with Fresh Mint or Berries: Garnishing with a sprig of fresh mint or a few additional plums adds color and freshness to your dessert.
- Serve with Sparkling Wine or Prosecco: For an elegant twist, serve the sorbet alongside a glass of bubbly. The sweetness of the sorbet and the effervescence of the wine make for a refreshing pairing.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers:
If you have leftover sorbet, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. It’s best to enjoy the sorbet within the first few days for the freshest texture.
Reheating Instructions:
Since sorbet is meant to be served frozen, it doesn’t need reheating. However, if it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. Alternatively, you can scrape it with a fork to soften the texture.
7. Recipe Notes
- Can Be Prepped Ahead of Time: Sorbet can be made a day or two in advance. Just make sure to let it sit for a few minutes before serving if it’s too hard to scoop.
- Best with Fresh Plums: While you can use frozen plums, fresh plums will give the sorbet the best flavor and texture.
- Optional Equipment: If you prefer an even smoother sorbet, you can use an ice cream maker. However, the freezer scraping method works just as well!
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 80 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Carbs | 21g |
| Sugar | 19g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Calcium | 10mg |
| Iron | 0.2mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (cooking time)
- Total Time: 4-5 hours (freezing time)
Ingredients
- 6 ripe plums
- 1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Wash and pit the plums, then cook them with water until soft.
- Puree the plums until smooth.
- Add sugar and lemon juice, stir until dissolved.
- Freeze the mixture, scraping every 30 minutes for about 4 hours.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Can be prepped ahead of time.
- Best when made with fresh fruit.
Nutrition
See above.
🏷️ Diet Tags: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
🌿 Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.
10. Final Thoughts or Conclusion
This Plum Sorbet is the perfect dessert for any occasion—light, refreshing, and full of natural fruit flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Whether you’re serving it at a summer party or enjoying it as a treat on your own, this sorbet is sure to impress. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear about your variations and how you enjoyed this sweet, fruity treat