This lime sorbet recipe is a perfect summer treat with its refreshing and tangy flavor. With just three simple ingredients, it’s so easy to make.

Bonus! It’s not only light in calories compared to ice cream, it is dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

Homemade lime sorbet in a gold loaf pan. A lime and an ice cream scooper are nearby.
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With its tangy, refreshing flavor, this sorbet is sure to cool you down on a hot summer day! This easy sorbet recipe is not too sweet or sour and will delight your taste buds! It takes just 3 ingredients and 3 minutes to prep!

Lime Sorbet

It’s amazing on its own, in a sugar cone, or as a margarita float – because why not? Or try this creamier Orange sherbet, too.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Easy – This simple recipe only requires a few ingredients and only requires one dish!
  • Fresh – This lime sorbet uses fresh lime juice to create a refreshingly tangy treat on hot days!
  • Light – Unlike traditional ice cream, sorbet is lighter because it contains no dairy products!
Homemade lime sorbet in a gold loaf pan. An ice cream scooper is nearby.

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed or store-bought in your grocery store’s produce or juice section. Use standard limes or Key Limes, your choice!
  • Simple Syrup – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to sorbet. You can make your own by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cool to use. 
  • Water – Reduces the tartness and provides great consistency for this dairy-free treat.
Ingredients for lime sorbet on a marble countertop.

Variations

  • Zest – For even more lime flavor and a little texture, add the zest of 1-2 limes.
  • Herbs – Chopped Mint or Basil is the perfect compliment to lime sorbet.
  • Fruits – Fold in sliced strawberries or papaya, or tropical fruit.
  • Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream is always a good idea to top with!

How to Make

This is an overview. Visit the printable recipe card for complete ingredients + steps.

  1. Prep – If you’re starting from scratch, juice limes and make simple syrup (about 1.5 cups sugar and 1.5 cups water on a stovetop over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Allow to cool. Use 2 cups for this recipe.)
  2. Combine – Combine lime juice, simple syrup, and water in a loaf pan.
  3. Freeze – Freeze overnight or approximately 8 hours.
Homemade lime sorbet in a gold loaf pan. A lime and an ice cream scooper are nearby.

How to Squeeze Fresh Limes

  • Citrus Juicer Attachment – Affix to your KitchenAid Mixer. Cut lemon into half. Turn mixer on 2 or 4 and press lime on attachment with a bowl underneath to capture the juice.
  • Citrus Squeezer – Cut lime in half, place one half in the citrus squeezer and squeeze over a pitcher or a bowl.
  • By Hand – Roll lemon firmly on counter to soften. Slice lime in half. Squeeze over bowl multiple times, pressing a spoon to release any remaining juice if needed.
Homemade lime sorbet in a gold loaf pan. An ice cream scooper is nearby.

Tip

Allow the sorbet to soften for 5 minutes at room temperature before scooping.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade lime sorbet in a gold loaf pan with an ice cream scooper on top.

Tool to Use

  • Loaf pan for storing the sorbet
  • A small saucepan for making the sugar syrup
  • A citrus juicer attachment or a citrus squeezer for making fresh lime juice

How to Store

Freeze – Store in a freezer-safe container or cover securely in plastic wrap. Double wrap in a freezer bag to store for up to 3 months.

Homemade lime sorbet in a gold loaf pan with an ice cream scooper on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make lemon sorbet with this recipe?

Yes! The same steps apply – juice the fruit, make the syrup, add water, then freeze.

Do I need an ice cream maker to make the sorbet, or can I make it without one?

You don’t need an ice cream machine to make this recipe! All you need is a loaf pan!

Can I add any additional flavors or toppings to the sorbet to make it more interesting?

Of course! You can add ingredients like lime zest for texture or coconut milk for extra creaminess!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! All you need to do is prep the sorbet, then freeze for at least 8 hours!

Is this recipe low fat?

Yep! Lime juice, sugar, and water are all low fat!

Can I use corn syrup instead of simple syrup?

Yes! Corn syrup is a great substitute for simple syrup if you have it on hand!

Homemade lime sorbet in a gold loaf pan. A lime and an ice cream scooper are nearby.

More Lime Recipes You'll Love

Homemade lime sorbet in a gold loaf pan. A lime and an ice cream scooper are nearby.
5 from 16 votes

Lime Sorbet

Easy and refreshing 3 ingredient lime sorbet recipe. In just 3 minutes hands-on time, you can put together a refreshing lime sorbet!
Prep: 3 minutes
Freeze: 8 hours
Total: 8 hours 3 minutes
Servings: 10
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Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • In a loaf pan or small baking dish, mix ingredients.
  • Freeze overnight.

Julie’s Tips

  • Allow the sorbet to soften for 5 minutes at room temperature before scooping.
  • Store in a freezer-safe container or cover securely in plastic wrap. Double wrap in a freezer bag to store for up to three months.
Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 70mg | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 7.3mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 2.4mg

Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.

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9 Comments

  1. Used this recipe as a base but blitzed a bad of frozen mango chunks to one batch and 3/4 kiwis to the other .. also added some grated zest to the mango sorbet. Taste and adjust as you go to get the balance of sharp/ sweet right for you.
    Going to experiment with orange/passion fruit!
    Freezing your metal dish first for even ten minutes will speed up the freezing process

  2. 5 stars
    Surprisingly easy to make. I was tired,wanted to get to bed so made it quickly.’

    I’d suggest letting it unfreeze a little before scooping it so it is ‘snowy’ rather than ‘icy’. You don’t need a large serving either as it is very refreshing and sharpish. I added one teaspoon of finely grated lime rind to texture it a little.
    The following day I made some candied lime slices to garnish it and served it in tall glasses.
    Little effort,big result!

  3. have you ever tried adding tequila to this before/after freezing? I make a rum summer slush, but this sounds like it would be fantastic with some tequila added to it!