Our Most Popular Frozen Dessert of All Time Is Only 4 Ingredients

In the summer, one thing you will never not see in my freezer is some sort of frozen dessert. I have a pretty strong sweet tooth, so I often find myself popping open the freezer after dinner to satisfy it in any way I can. Sometimes it’s with a scoop of no-churn ice cream, or maybe a slice of retro frozen fruit salad or icebox cake, perhaps a bite-size ice cream sandwich (or two)—as long as it’s cold and sweet, it fits the bill.

With so many beloved and classic options to choose from, I wasn’t sure what recipe would be crowned our most popular summer frozen dessert, but when it turned out to be this mango lime sorbet, I knew exactly why.

Sorbet is both refreshing and light, tart and sweet, and highlights the very best flavors of summer produce in every scoop. It feels like dessert but doesn’t weigh you down. It’s also relatively easy to make, with just a handful of ingredients required. Our recipe has a few trade secrets that give it an unbelievable texture, making it extra special, and one worth saving.

The Secrets to Extra Creamy, Soft Sorbet

One of the toughest parts of making sorbet at home is nailing that smooth, creamy finish without any hint of chunky, tough ice crystals. Our recipe achieves this in two ways, the first is by adding alcohol which helps lower the freezing temperature and prevent it from setting up too hard and icy.

The second is by making the sorbet with a simple syrup instead of straight granulated sugar, this also helps prevent crystallization throughout the sorbet as you churn it, ensuring a smoother, softer texture.

No Ice Cream Maker?

Our sorbet recipe calls for an ice cream maker to churn the puree before freezing it to scoop, but if you don’t have one, don’t fret. There are lots of great options for frozen desserts right here, and many don’t require special equipment.

If you what you’re truly after is the fruit-forward vibe of a scoopable sorbet, I would suggest making a granita instead. Where sorbet has a creamy finish, granita offers something a bit rougher, a bit fluffier, but they both have a similar refreshing, light, fruity vibe—a great way to end your hot summer evening.

This pineapple-coconut granita is a little taste of the tropics made with just two ingredients, and this watermelon granita is made with just one: frozen watermelon!