Imagine this: it’s a blazing summer afternoon, the sun is relentless, and you’re craving something icy, fruity, and utterly refreshing. Enter this Fresh Cherry Sorbet—a jewel-toned, tangy-sweet treat that cools you to your core while making your taste buds sing.
This dairy-free, vegan sorbet is bursting with the bold flavor of ripe cherries and a splash of fresh lime juice, making it the ultimate summer fruit sorbet. Whether you’re using fresh-picked cherries or a stash from your freezer, you’ll be delighted by how easy it is to whip up. Bonus? You can go classic with an ice cream maker or opt for the no-churn cherry sorbet method—your choice!
In This Guide
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Cherry Sorbet Recipe
This recipe is a dream for anyone who loves cold fruit desserts:
- It’s naturally vegan and low in fat, making it a healthy dessert alternative.
- Works equally well with fresh or frozen cherries, so it’s perfect year-round.
- Infused with fresh lime for brightness and balance—no fake flavors here!
- It’s a beginner-friendly sorbet that even kids can help make.
- An ideal easy dessert recipe for hot days or a light after-dinner treat.
Need more frozen dessert ideas? Pin your favorite summer desserts from our Pinterest collection and explore our cherry creations!
Fresh Cherry Sorbet Ingredients and Key Prep Notes

Let’s break down what makes this homemade cherry sorbet so irresistible:
- Sweet Cherries (4 cups pitted): Opt for the ripest cherries you can find—fresh from the market or thawed from frozen. A cherry pitter makes prep a breeze.
- Simple Syrup (1 cup water + 1 cup sugar): Simmered until the sugar dissolves, it’s the sweet foundation of your sorbet.
- Fresh Lime Juice (3 tsp): Adds a zingy twist; zest it for more aromatic punch!
- Kosher Salt (½ tsp): A tiny bit enhances the cherry’s natural sweetness.
- Optional: Add 1–3 tablespoons of amaretto or another liquor to transform this into a delightful boozy cherry sorbet.
For best results, use a high-power blender, fine mesh strainer, and a freezer-safe container or loaf pan for freezing.
Want a fruit-packed pairing? Try this creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream for another frozen fruity favorite.
How to Make Fresh Cherry Sorbet – Step-by-Step
Here’s how to make cherry sorbet from scratch:
- Freeze ice cream maker base 24 hours in advance if using.
- Make a simple syrup: Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a saucepan, simmer until clear.
- Pit the cherries using a cherry pitter or knife.
- Blend cherries with ½ cup simple syrup, lime juice, and salt until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove skins.
- Egg float test: Drop an egg in the mixture. If it floats with a nickel-sized patch showing, the sugar content is perfect.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Churn in an ice cream maker for 15–20 minutes until soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze in a loaf pan or airtight container for 2–4 hours.
No-Churn Version: Freeze the cherries first, blend all ingredients, pour into a container, and freeze until solid. Stir every 30 minutes for a smoother texture.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Always chill the base before freezing to help prevent iciness.
- Use an ice cream maker for creamier, smoother results.
- No machine? Stir the no-churn version every 30 minutes during the first few hours.
- Swap cherries for raspberries or strawberries for other fruit sorbet options.
- Boost the flavor with lime zest or a splash of alcohol like kirsch or vodka.
- Hosting a summer brunch? This fruit-forward Berry Chantilly Cake makes an elegant companion to this cherry sorbet.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them before blending. Frozen cherries make this a year-round recipe.
What is the egg float test for sorbet?
It checks sugar content: a fresh egg should float with a nickel-sized circle exposed. Adjust with more syrup if needed.
Why is my sorbet icy?
If the mixture isn’t chilled enough before freezing, or if the sugar content is too low, you’ll get a grainy texture. Use the egg test and chill the base.
How is sorbet different from sherbet?
Sorbet is dairy-free. Sherbet includes milk or cream, making it creamier but less icy.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Store it up to a month in a freezer-safe container.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping for perfect texture.
- Serve in bowls, waffle cones, or even with a spoonful of Strawberry Rhubarb Jam for a sweet-tart twist.
Get Inspired
If this cherry sorbet lights up your taste buds, you’ll love these:
- Try this creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream for another fruity frozen treat.
- Preserve your summer fruit with our Strawberry Rhubarb Jam.
- Looking for more summer desserts? Don’t miss our Berry Chantilly Cake.
- Check out our full board of Cherry Recipes on Pinterest.
- Discover behind-the-scenes recipe tips on our Facebook page.

Fresh Cherry Sorbet
- Total Time: 5 hrs 25 mins
- Yield: 4 cups (1 quart) 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A vibrant, jewel-toned treat that brings sweet-tart cherry magic to your taste buds with every icy, zingy spoonful—this Fresh Cherry Sorbet is your summer savior.
Ingredients
- 4 cups pitted sweet cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 tsp fresh lime juice
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- Optional: 1–3 tbsp amaretto or liquor of choice
Instructions
- Freeze your ice cream maker base the night before.
- Make a simple syrup: combine sugar and water, heat until dissolved.
- Blend cherries with ½ cup syrup, lime juice, and salt.
- Strain mixture to remove skins.
- Perform the egg float test to check sugar level.
- Chill mixture for 1 hour.
- Churn in an ice cream maker for 15–20 minutes.
- Freeze in a loaf pan until firm.
- Scoop and enjoy!
Notes
Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping to get that perfect creamy texture. Want to shake things up? Try adding lime zest or swap cherries for strawberries!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frozen
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 68g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cherry sorbet, frozen dessert, vegan sorbet, fruit sorbet, summer treat