Peach Sorbet

There’s something about the first taste of ripe peaches that instantly feels like summer in a bowl. The juicy, fragrant fruit has a way of bringing back memories of sunny afternoons, backyard barbecues, and carefree days. If you love peaches but want a light, refreshing way to enjoy them beyond eating them fresh or in pies, peach sorbet is a fantastic option. It’s fruity, naturally sweet, and cools you down on the hottest days without the heaviness of ice cream.

Peach sorbet is a perfect balance of simple ingredients and vibrant flavor. Unlike ice cream, it’s dairy-free and made mostly with fruit, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten things up. The texture is silky and smooth, yet icy and refreshing, making it an ideal palate cleanser or a guilt-free dessert. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving a sweet snack, this frozen treat feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make at home.

What’s great about peach sorbet is how it really highlights the natural flavor of the fruit. If you pick ripe, juicy peaches or buy them in season, the sorbet comes alive with intense peach flavor that’s far better than anything store-bought. Plus, you can customize the sweetness to your taste or add a hint of herbs like mint or basil for a unique twist. It’s a versatile recipe that feels both elegant and comforting—a sweet little celebration of summer’s bounty in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love It

• Naturally Refreshing and Light: Peach sorbet is dairy-free and lower in fat than traditional ice cream, making it a perfect guilt-free treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
• Bursting with Real Fruit Flavor: Made primarily from fresh peaches, this sorbet highlights the fruit’s natural sweetness and vibrant aroma, giving you a taste of summer in every bite.
• Easy to Make at Home: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, peach sorbet is an accessible recipe, even if you don’t own an ice cream maker.
• Customizable and Versatile: You can adjust the sweetness, add a splash of citrus, or infuse herbs like mint or rosemary to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a backyard party, looking for a light dessert after dinner, or simply want a refreshing snack, peach sorbet fits the bill beautifully.

Ingredient List

For the Sorbet:

• 4 cups ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• A pinch of salt

Ingredient Notes

• I always recommend using ripe, juicy peaches—this is key to getting the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice! It brightens the sorbet and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• The pinch of salt might seem small, but it really helps enhance the overall flavor.
• You can swap granulated sugar for honey or agave syrup if you want a more natural sweetener; just adjust to taste.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Blender or Food Processor: To puree the peaches smoothly. I love using my high-speed blender for the creamiest texture.
• Saucepan: To make the simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water.
• Fine Mesh Sieve (optional): To strain the peach puree for an extra smooth sorbet, especially if you want to remove any peach skin bits.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine all ingredients before freezing.
• Ice Cream Maker (optional): For the best, smoothest texture, but you can also freeze without one.
• Freezer-Safe Container: To store the sorbet while it freezes, preferably shallow for quicker freezing.
• Spatula: For mixing and scraping down the sides of the blender or bowl.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Simple Syrup

• In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
• Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
• Pro Tip: Make the syrup ahead of time and chill it in the fridge to speed up the process later.

Step 2: Peel and Slice the Peaches

• Start by washing your peaches thoroughly.
• To peel easily, score a small “X” at the bottom of each peach and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer immediately to ice water. The skin should slip off easily.
• Slice the peeled peaches, removing the pits.

Step 3: Puree the Peaches

• Add the sliced peaches to your blender or food processor.
• Pour in the cooled simple syrup, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
• Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Pro Tip: If you want an ultra-smooth sorbet, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove any bits of skin or fibrous pulp.

Step 4: Chill the Mixture

• Pour the peach puree mixture into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
• Pro Tip: Chilling the base helps the sorbet freeze faster and results in a smoother texture.

Step 5: Freeze the Sorbet

• Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20-30 minutes).
• If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe container and freeze.
• Every 30 minutes, stir vigorously with a fork or spatula to break up ice crystals. Repeat until fully frozen (about 3-4 hours).
• Pro Tip: Stirring frequently when freezing without a machine mimics the churning process and keeps the sorbet smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Once the sorbet is firm and scoopable, transfer to serving bowls or cones.
• If it’s too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
• Garnish with fresh peach slices or a sprig of mint for an extra touch.

Enjoy your homemade peach sorbet — the perfect way to cool down and savor the sweetness of summer!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use the ripest peaches you can find—they make the biggest difference in flavor and sweetness.
• Make sure the simple syrup is fully cooled before blending to avoid heating the peaches and affecting texture.
• Chill your peach mixture thoroughly before freezing to help it freeze faster and smoother.
• If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t skip the stirring every 30 minutes — it prevents icy chunks.
• Store sorbet in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn and preserve flavor.
• Let the sorbet sit out for a few minutes before scooping for easier serving.
• Experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or mint during blending for a refreshing twist.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Swap granulated sugar for honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup for a natural sweetener alternative.
• Use nectarines instead of peaches for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
• Add a splash of white wine or peach schnapps to the mixture before freezing for an adult version.
• Mix in a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for added color and flavor.
• For a creamier texture, stir in a little coconut milk before freezing.
• Infuse the simple syrup with herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a subtle aromatic note.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve peach sorbet in elegant martini glasses for a refreshing summer party dessert.
• I love pairing this sorbet with a warm slice of pound cake or angel food cake—it’s a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures!
• Scoop it on top of fresh berries or a fruit salad for an extra fruity treat.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish as a palate cleanser between courses at a dinner party.
• Add a sprig of fresh mint or a thin slice of peach on top for a pretty, simple garnish that elevates presentation.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store peach sorbet in an airtight, freezer-safe container to keep it fresh and prevent freezer burn.
• Keep it in the coldest part of your freezer for best texture and flavor preservation.
• When ready to serve, remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.
• Avoid thawing and refreezing multiple times, as this can affect texture and cause ice crystals to form.
• Use within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make peach sorbet without an ice cream maker?

Absolutely! Just freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until it’s firm. It takes a bit longer but still turns out deliciously smooth.

How do I know when my peaches are ripe enough for sorbet?

Look for peaches that are fragrant, slightly soft to the touch (but not mushy), and have a vibrant color. Ripe peaches will give your sorbet the best natural sweetness.

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen peaches work well, especially out of season. Just thaw them first and drain any excess juice before blending.

How long does peach sorbet last in the freezer?

For best taste and texture, enjoy within 1-2 weeks. After that, it may start to lose flavor and develop ice crystals.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Peach sorbet is naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly since it uses no animal products.

Can I add alcohol to this recipe?

Yes! A splash of peach schnapps or white wine adds a lovely depth, but be careful not to add too much or it may prevent the sorbet from freezing properly.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

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