Why Make This Recipe
Homemade Rainbow Sherbet is a fun and colorful treat that’s perfect for hot days. It combines the flavors of raspberry, orange, and lime, making it fruity and refreshing. Plus, making your own sherbet allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier result than store-bought options. It’s a great way to enjoy a cool dessert that everyone in the family can love!
How to Make Homemade Rainbow Sherbet
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 8 ounces raspberries
Directions
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and 1 cup of sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool completely.
- While the base cools, blend the raspberries with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
- Pour the cooled cream mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn it until it reaches a soft serve consistency.
- Divide the churned base into three parts. Mix one part with the orange juice and a few drops of orange food coloring. To another part, add the lime juice and a bit of green food coloring. Leave the third part as it is.
- In a container, layer the flavors by alternating between the raspberry, lime, and orange mixtures.
- Freeze the layered sherbet for 4-6 hours until it is firm.
How to Serve Homemade Rainbow Sherbet
Serve the homemade rainbow sherbet in bowls or cones. For an extra special touch, you can add fresh fruit on top or serve it alongside a slice of cake. The colorful layers make for a beautiful presentation that will delight any guest.
How to Store Homemade Rainbow Sherbet
Homemade Rainbow Sherbet can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping, as it might harden.
Tips to Make Homemade Rainbow Sherbet
- Ensure the base mixture is cool before churning to get the best texture.
- Use natural fruit juices for a fresher taste.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
- Be creative with colors! You can use different food coloring for each layer.
Variation
You can add other fruit juices or purees, like pineapple or mango, to create your own unique flavors. Just remember to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just make sure to thaw them before blending.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make sherbet?
While an ice cream maker is ideal, you can also freeze the mixture in a container and stir it every hour until it reaches a soft serve consistency.
How long does it take for the sherbet to freeze?
It takes about 4-6 hours for the sherbet to freeze completely. For the best texture, let it freeze overnight.

Homemade Rainbow Sherbet
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and colorful treat made with raspberry, orange, and lime that’s perfect for hot days.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 8 ounces raspberries
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and 1 cup of sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool completely.
- Blend raspberries with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Pour the cooled cream mixture into an ice cream maker and churn until soft serve consistency.
- Divide the churned base into three parts. Mix one part with orange juice and a few drops of orange food coloring. Mix another part with lime juice and green food coloring. Leave the third part as is.
- Layer the raspberry, lime, and orange mixtures in a container.
- Freeze for 4-6 hours until firm.
Notes
For serving, add fresh fruit or serve with a slice of cake. Can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks.
