Refreshing Homemade Peach Sorbet
When summer rolls around and the sun starts to blaze, there’s nothing quite like a scoop of icy peach sorbet to cool you down. I’ve always had a deep love for stone fruits, but peaches? They’re in a category of their own. Juicy, sweet, and with that just-right balance of tartness, they capture everything that makes summer glorious.
I decided to make this peach sorbet one hot afternoon when I had a few ripe peaches sitting on the counter, calling my name. The moment I blended them into a silky purée, I knew this was going to be a game changer. After a few tweaks, some chilling, and a spin in the ice cream maker, I had a dreamy, refreshing treat bursting with real peach flavor.
What I love most is how this sorbet captures the very essence of peaches at their peak. No artificial colors, no overpowering sugars—just clean, simple ingredients that let the fruit shine. It’s the kind of recipe that keeps you coming back for just one more scoop.
Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Homemade Peach Sorbet
This peach sorbet is incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and naturally dairy-free, making it a crowd-pleaser for almost any dietary preference. The texture is smooth and luscious, with just enough sweetness to highlight the peaches without masking them. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a homemade dessert or just treat yourself on a hot day, this sorbet will hit the spot every single time.
How to Make Refreshing Homemade Peach Sorbet
Step 1: Select and Prep Your Peaches
Start with ripe, juicy peaches—the more fragrant, the better. You’ll need about 4 to 5 medium peaches. Wash them well, peel if desired (I usually leave the skin on for added color and nutrients), remove the pits, and slice them into chunks.
Step 2: Blend Into a Smooth Purée
Add the sliced peaches to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth. If your peaches are extra juicy, you might not need additional liquid. Otherwise, a tablespoon or two of water or peach juice can help get things moving.
Step 3: Add Sweetener and Lemon Juice
To the peach purée, stir in about 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (or use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like agave). Add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to enhance brightness and preserve the color.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
Pour the sweetened purée into a container and chill it in the fridge for at least 2 to 3 hours. This helps the sorbet freeze evenly and improves texture.
Step 5: Churn in an Ice Cream Maker
Once chilled, transfer the mixture to your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It usually takes about 20–25 minutes to reach a soft-serve consistency.
Step 6: Freeze Until Firm
Scoop the churned sorbet into an airtight container and freeze it for an additional 2 to 3 hours, or until it firms up to your liking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
If you want a bolder flavor, consider adding a touch of fresh basil or mint while blending. They add a refreshing twist without overwhelming the peaches. You can also experiment with a splash of white wine or prosecco in the purée for a more adult version—just keep the quantity minimal so it still freezes properly.
For sweeteners, feel free to use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener if you’re keeping things low-carb. If you can’t find fresh peaches, frozen peaches work beautifully. Just thaw them slightly before blending. And if you’re without an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish and stir every 30 minutes until set, creating a granita-style treat with a chunkier texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This peach sorbet shines just as it is, but it also pairs wonderfully with other treats. I love serving it in elegant glass cups with a sprig of mint and a peach slice on the rim for a simple but stunning presentation. If you’re hosting a summer dinner party, try serving it alongside a light lemon cake or angel food cake—the contrast is refreshing and satisfying. You can also layer it in a parfait glass with fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a fancier twist.
For drink pairings, consider a chilled glass of peach iced tea or a sparkling rosé. Both enhance the peachy notes and keep the experience light and refreshing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Sorbet doesn’t require reheating, but proper storage is key to keeping its texture smooth. Store it in an airtight container and press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the lid. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming. It’s best enjoyed within one to two weeks for the freshest taste and texture.
If it becomes too hard in the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping. A hot spoon also makes serving easier and keeps the scoops looking perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How ripe should the peaches be?
The riper, the better. Look for peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. These will give you the most natural sweetness and flavor.
Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes! You can pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes for a granita-style texture. It won’t be quite as creamy but still delicious.
Can I use canned peaches?
If fresh or frozen peaches aren’t available, canned peaches in juice (not syrup) are a solid backup. Just drain them well and adjust sweetness to taste.
Is this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! It contains no dairy or animal products. Just be sure to choose a plant-based sweetener if you’re avoiding honey.
How can I make it sweeter or less sweet?
Taste the purée before chilling. Add more sugar or lemon juice to adjust the flavor balance before churning or freezing.
Related Recipes You’ll Like
If you’re as smitten with frozen fruity desserts as I am, you absolutely have to try my Homemade Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe. It’s creamy, tangy, and the perfect complement to the peach sorbet. For something a little more decadent, check out the Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls, which offer a rich, fruity contrast to the lightness of the sorbet.
And if you’re in the mood for a sweet and summery beverage to go along with dessert, the Pineapple Cheese Pie pairs beautifully with any sorbet for a tropical twist.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
If this refreshing peach sorbet stole your heart like it did mine, make sure to pin it to your Frozen Treats or Summer Desserts board on Pinterest! Sharing it with friends is just as sweet as the dessert itself—send it in a group chat, post it on your Instagram story, or include it in your next email roundup. Trust me, your people will thank you. You never know who needs a scoop of sunshine in their day!
Refreshing Homemade Peach Sorbet
This refreshing homemade peach sorbet is a smooth, fruity dessert perfect for hot summer days. Made with ripe peaches, a touch of lemon juice, and your choice of natural sweetener, it’s a vegan-friendly, dairy-free frozen treat that highlights the sweet, tangy essence of fresh peaches. Whether churned in an ice cream maker or manually frozen for a granita-style version, this sorbet offers a guilt-free indulgence you’ll want to keep stocked in your freezer. Great for backyard gatherings, barbecues, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, it's a go-to recipe you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 ripe peaches (about 1.5 pounds), washed, pitted, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or preferred sweetener: honey, maple syrup, agave)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons water or peach juice (if needed)
Instructions
- Slice ripe peaches and place them in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth, adding a splash of water or juice if necessary.
- Stir in the sugar and lemon juice, blending again briefly to incorporate.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 2 to 3 hours until firm.
Notes
- For added depth, try adding fresh basil or mint.
- Frozen peaches can be used if fresh ones aren’t available.
- Without an ice cream maker, freeze in a shallow dish and stir every 30 minutes to create a granita-style dessert.
- Adjust sweetness to taste after blending and before chilling.
- Store with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent ice crystals.
