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Homemade Rainbow Sherbet

An easy, vibrant, and refreshing homemade rainbow sherbet featuring bright layers of real raspberry, orange, and lime flavors.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 scoops
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Summer
Calories: 145

Ingredients
  

Raspberry Layer
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries thawed if frozen
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Orange Layer
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice about 3-4 oranges
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Lime Layer
  • 0.5 cup fresh lime juice about 4-5 limes
  • 1 tbsp lime zest
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 1 drop green food coloring optional

Equipment

  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Mixing bowls
  • Freezer-safe loaf pan
  • Ice cream maker (optional)

Method
 

  1. For the raspberry layer: Blend raspberries until smooth, strain out seeds. Whisk in sugar until dissolved, then stir in milk and lemon juice. Chill for 1 hour.
  2. For the orange layer: Whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest, and sugar until dissolved. Stir in milk and lemon juice. Chill for 1 hour.
  3. For the lime layer: Whisk together fresh lime juice, lime zest, water, and sugar until dissolved. Stir in milk and optional food coloring. Chill for 1 hour.
  4. Process each flavored base individually in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions until soft-serve consistency.
  5. No-churn option: Place bases in shallow pans in the freezer. Scrape vigorously with a fork every 30-45 minutes for 3-4 hours until slushy and thick.
  6. In a large freezer-safe loaf pan, drop alternating spoonfuls of the raspberry, orange, and lime mixtures to create a checkerboard pattern.
  7. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the colors together in a figure-eight motion. Do not overmix.
  8. Press parchment paper directly onto the surface of the sherbet and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm. Scoop and serve.

Notes

Ensure all fruit bases are very cold before churning to prevent ice crystals. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.