Sherbet Recipes

Sherbet

Sherbet is an often overlooked frozen treat made with fruit juice rather than heavy cream. Lighter and healthier than ice cream but less trendy than sorbet or ices, sherbet is frequently used in dessert and punch recipes, or as a sweet treat on its own.

In Britain, sherbet is actually an effervescent fruit drink or fizzy powder rather than a frozen dessert. The term “sherbert” is frequently used interchangeably with sherbet, and in the United States either term invariably refers to a range of frozen treats. The most popular sherbet flavors are orange, lime, and pineapple, though strawberry, grape, watermelon, and other fruit flavors are favorite choices as well. Many companies manufacture rainbow sherbet varieties, with multiple fruit flavors mixed together in colorful swirls for a delicious blend of classic tastes.

Sherbet Tips

The key characteristic of sherbet is its smoothness: paying careful attention to the given recipe and cooking techniques will insure that homemade sherbet is silky and creamy. Sherbet does not usually have mixed-in ingredient bits like ice cream does (chocolate chips or cookie dough, for example), though many cooks experiment with adding bits of complimentary fruits for a tasty surprise. Because most sherbet is naturally very sweet (a result of the sugar added to fruit juice), it is not generally served with heavy sauces, though a light fruit puree or drizzle of chocolate turns any sherbet into a gourmet treat. Sherbet melts more quickly than traditional ice cream and should be served in chilled dishes for the best presentation. A sprig of mint or fruit garnish is an elegant yet understated accent to colorful sherbet.