Healthy & Simple Summer Sorbets

Summertime just wouldn’t feel right without a cool sweet treat melting on your tongue. But that doesn’t mean you have to toss your healthy ways out the window and go chasing after the ice cream truck. All it takes is a food processor and an imagination to craft sorbets that don’t sacrifice taste for wellness. With a myriad of health benefits, none of these desserts contain added sugar and all are vegan. Chances are, once you give them a try, you’ll never feel the need to reach for the processed stuff again.

Making them is fun… After mastering these recipes, experiment with fruits you love and create your own recipes. But whatever fruits you choose, cut them into small pieces and freeze beforehand. Any sorbet you craft, will only be as good as your ingredients so opt for organic produce at the peak of ripeness. Also, less is more when making sorbets. Sure, it’s tempting to think “a little extra coconut milk can’t hurt.” Oh, but it can. Add a drop too much and you’ll bypass that gorgeous creamy texture and go right to smoothie-time. And while still tasty, sorbets are meant to be savored with a spoon and not slurped up through a straw. 

In a way, this technique of mechanically mixing in a food processor, pausing and stirring throughout, is essentially hand churning the mixture. It takes a little more work in a blender, since the pitcher is much deeper than a food processor. Be mindful when crafting: as you hand stir, distribute the liquid and fruit evenly so the cream has a chance to take shape. It’s a quick process once you get the hang of it. Of course, the magic needs to happen before it melts. 

Keep in mind, these sorbets are best served fresh. Although they can be frozen, it isn’t advisable because the whippy texture will dissipate and become more hard than creamy. Plus, this is pretty much a moot point, since they usually don’t stick around long enough for leftovers.   

What You’ll Need

Food Processor or Blender

Cup 

Teaspoon

Ice cube trays, preferably silicone, BPA free. 

Medium size mixing bowl 

Parfait dishes or bowls  

*Each Recipe Serves Two 

Banana Vanilla Almond 

Always good as a quick snack, Bananas are a natural source of fiber and potassium and may lower cholesterol and lesson inflammation. Almond milk is low in saturated fat and contains a monounsaturated fat called Oleic acid, which has been linked to strengthening cells and anti-cancer properties.

Ingredients 

2 Large Ripe Bananas 

1/2 Cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

1/4 tsp almond extract

How to Craft

Slice bananas into 1/2 inch slices, place in an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. When you are ready to prepare, mix almond extract in milk and set aside. Place frozen slices in food processor or blender. Distribute almond milk evenly over the banana, then pulse on low. After 30 seconds, stop. Use a teaspoon to lightly mix so nothing is sticking together and the creamy part is not separated from the fruit. Cover and pulse. Repeat until fully blended. Optional: top with slivered almonds. 

Mango Coconut Cream 

High in vitamin C & A mangos are alkalizing fruits that help boost immunity. Coconuts are healing fruits that naturally combat inflammation within the body; they contain medium chain fatty acids, which have an abundance of wellness benefits, including increased energy and helping to strengthen brain function.

Ingredients 

1 Cup Chopped Ripe Mango

1 Cup Coconut Meat 

1/2 Cup Light Coconut Cream or Coconut Milk 

How to Craft

Chop mango into 1/4 inch pieces. If ultra ripe, thin slicing is fine too. Cube coconut meat into approximately one inch squares. Mix mango and coconut together and freeze overnight. Combine in food processor with coconut milk/cream distributed on top. Pulse for 30 seconds. Uncover and lightly stir mixture. Repeat until blended and creamy. When serving, add optional mint leaves for garnish.

Berry Fusion

Blueberries are nature’s juicy little superfoods. Antioxidant powerhouses, they also contain anti-cancer compounds and may lower blood pressure. Strawberries are a terrific source of vitamin C and folate, which assists with cell function and tissue growth. Creamy Oak milk lends a velvety texture to the sweet and tart berries. While being rich in B vitamins, it also contains riboflavin and calcium.

Ingredients 

1 Cup Strawberries

1 Cup Blueberries

1/2 Oat Milk

How to Craft

If strawberries are small, cut in half. If they’re large, cut in thirds. Mix sliced strawberries and whole blueberries together and freeze. Combine in food processor with oat milk evenly distributed on top. Pulse for 30 seconds. Uncover and lightly stir, separating berries from sticking together. Repeat until evenly blended. Optional: when serving, add a sprinkling of bittersweet chocolate shavings on top. Or a half teaspoon of crushed cacao nibs on the bottom as a sweet surprise.