Blueberry Sherbet Recipe (2024)

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by Michelle
August 8, 2013 (updated Mar 18, 2020)

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5 (3 ratings)

Blueberry Sherbet Recipe (1)

I’m taking my summer blueberry obsession all the way down to the wire, since I know when I get back from Florida in 10 days, the window will have probably closed on blueberry season for the year. I now have some blueberry deliciousness in the freezer to keep me going for a little while longer. While I make a ton of ice cream (that’s probably an understatement) throughout the course of the year, I’ve only dipped my toe into sherbet-making. Last summer, I made fresh orange sherbet, and I loved it! Sherbet is almost always started with fresh fruit, so it has bright flavors that will make your mouth sing.

Blueberry Sherbet Recipe (2)

I’ve seen a number of recipes on blogs for a strawberry-buttermilk ice cream, but I’ve always felt kind of thought “eh” about. I wasn’t sure that I would like the tang of buttermilk in my ice cream, but I decided to finally give it a whirl when I saw this blueberry sherbet recipe. Basically, it’s amazing. The buttermilk provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the berries, and it aids in the silky smooth texture of the sherbet.

If you love fruit and have been hesitant to make your own ice cream, this is a great place to start. What’s your favorite sherbet flavor?

Blueberry Sherbet Recipe (3)

One year ago:No-Bake Oatmeal-Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Two years ago: Two-Ingredient Ice Cream: Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
Three years ago: Peach Pie Tartlets
Four years ago: Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)
Five years ago: Black Bottom Cupcakes
Six years ago: Chicken Spread

Blueberry Sherbet Recipe (4)

Blueberry Buttermilk Sherbet

Yield: 1 pints

Prep Time: 30 minutes mins

Chilling time: 2 hours hrs

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

An easy sherbet recipe that's perfect for summer's bounty of fresh blueberries.

5 (3 ratings)

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups (444 g) fresh blueberries, (about 1½ pints )
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Puree the blueberries and sugar in a blender until smooth. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl; press on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. Stir in the buttermilk, lemon zest and vanilla extract.

  • Churn the blueberry mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze until hardened, at least 2 hours. Sherbet will keep in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Nutritional values are based on 1/2 pint

Calories: 789kcal, Carbohydrates: 184g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 172mg, Potassium: 443mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 170g, Vitamin A: 425IU, Vitamin C: 33.9mg, Calcium: 202mg, Iron: 0.8mg

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!

Originally published August 8, 2013 — (last updated March 18, 2020)

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35 Comments on “Blueberry Buttermilk Sherbet”

  1. Mandy LeBlanc Reply

    I’ve already made this three times! So delicious and easy!

  2. Laurie Gerber Reply

    I made the sherbet today. It is super tasty and intensely blueberry. The color was much deeper than your picture – the buttermilk is not perceptible in the finished product. Your instructions say, “press on the solids” when straining blended blueberries and sugar. My blueberries blended pretty completely – very little left in the strainer. I actually wished it had had a little more dairy flavor.
    I had Chilean organic blueberries in January – they were pretty sweet. Like another commenter, I would use a little less sugar next time. I added ~1/4 tsp of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
    Thanks for very clearly presented recipes!

  3. Char Reply

    Finally got around to making this although I don’t know what took me so long. This recipe is so easy and so delicious! Will be making again. Next time I might use a bit less sugar, maybe only 3/4 cup instead of a full cup. Thanks for the recipe!

  4. Dominique Reply

    What kind of ice cream maker do you have? I’ve been eyeing your ice cream/sherbet recipes for quite a while now but have no idea which ice cream maker to buy!

  5. Jennifer A. Reply

    Thanks for the recipe Michelle! I just made it today and everyone LOVED it!!

  6. Even in Australia Reply

    The flavor and color were great but mine came out a bit icy-textured. I also made one with strawberries and buttermilk which had a much smoother texture. Any idea why? Any tips? Thanks!

    • Michelle Reply

      Did you compare the two recipes – is anything different? Quantities, technique, etc.? Did you have frozen blueberries? If so, they would have a higher water content.

  7. Kevin (Closet Cooking) Reply

    That sherbet looks so amazingly good!

  8. BethKC Reply

    My FIL brought me blueberries from Michigan but they’re frozen. Do you think this will still work if I defrost them?

  9. Joshua Hampton (Cooking Classes San Diego) Reply

    Sherbet is a long-standing favorite in my house, and we devour it regardless of the flavor. Blueberry and orange, though, get more attention. And you just reminded me that blueberry season will end soon. Gotta grab them while they’re still available.

  10. Laura Dembowski Reply

    This looks so creamy and yet fresh! Love blueberry anything, though I really hope the season won’t be over in 10 days!

  11. Reima Reply

    Blueberries are one of my loves and this looks so good. I’m going to make this!

  12. Danya Reply

    Lemon. I cannot describe how much I love Lemon Sherbet.

  13. Tieghan Reply

    Blueberries are ruling my summer! This looks so yummy!

  14. Shelly (Cookies and Cups) Reply

    It has fruit so of course its healthy! Right? oh well =)

  15. Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl Reply

    When I go to sleep tonight this is what I will dream about.. oh my!

  16. Belinda @themoonblushbaker Reply

    the use of butter milk has to bring a creamy texture which is tart and buttery. perfect for a soft cone like this. Thank for sharing such a simple but great recipe

  17. Melissa @ Treats With a Twist Reply

    This is probably the most simple ice cream recipe I’ve seen! Looks beautiful too! Can’t wait to try it :)

  18. Heather @ Sugar Dish Me Reply

    I’ve been nervous about trying buttermilk in ice cream too!! But this sherbet looks fantastic!!!! Really. I think you’ve convinced me.

  19. Gerry @ foodness gracious Reply

    I love buttermilk flavor and I bet this tastes amazing!!

  20. Even in Australia Reply

    What do you think about adding a pinch or two of cinnamon?

    • Michelle Reply

      Sounds good to me! Love cinnamon and blueberries together!

  21. Red Black Reply

    Most sorbet recipes add vodka (tablespoon or two) for smoother texture. Not necessary here?

    • Michelle Reply

      I’m not sure, since this is sherbet and not sorbet (I believe sorbet is traditionally icier, which is why vodka I assume), but it couldn’t hurt to try if you’d like.

  22. Jamie @lifelovelemons Reply

    Loving your ice cream recipes this summer!

  23. Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar Reply

    Loving this. So lovely for summer!

  24. Lori Reply

    Wow looks like another foolproof winner of a recipe. Thanks for posting.

  25. Jamie@Milk N Cookies Reply

    This looks delicious! I’ve made blueberry sorbet before, but never sherbet. Will definitely have to try this — we’ve been fortunate to get lots of blueberries from our CSA this year.

  26. Ellen Reply

    More blueberry madness! And looks semi-healthy too, since there’s no cream…

  27. Marcie @ flavor the moments Reply

    I can’t get enough of summer fruit, so this is perfect for me! Nice,sweet, and refreshing!

  28. Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes Reply

    I like lime sherbet!! I don’t know why, but that’s my favorite :) This look so good…I agree- hang on to summer blueberry season while you can!

  29. Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen Reply

    Michelle, I am with you…about holding onto summer as long as possible in working with and enjoying fresh fruit desserts. I adore orange and raspberry sherbets and I just know I would love this blueberry sherbet with the tang of buttermilk. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your vacay! xo

  30. Averie @ Averie Cooks Reply

    Ive never made sherbet. I have no idea why! I love it (even more so than ice cream!) Yours is gorgeous and Im a huge, huge fan of blueberry anything!

Blueberry Sherbet Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is sherbet so creamy? ›

"While ice cream is based on dairy with other types of add-ins (including fruit sometimes), the difference is that sherbet is based on fruit purée and then made more creamy with the addition of some dairy," says Hultin.

How to make blueberries taste better? ›

You don't need too much, just enough to gently toss the fruit with—think vinegar on a salad. Drizzle honey to taste to balance out any tartness and acidity. Sprinkle in chopped mint for added freshness, and let the berries hang out for a few hours or overnight for extra oomph.

What is the healthiest way to eat blueberries? ›

One of the simplest and tastiest ways to enjoy blueberries is by sprinkling them over your morning cereal, oatmeal or yogurt. Their natural sweetness complements these breakfast staples perfectly while delivering a healthy dose of antioxidants and essential nutrients.

Do I need to wash blueberries before baking with them? ›

Prevent your batter and baked goods from turning a purple-blue hue by rinsing frozen blueberries several times in cold water until the water becomes lighter in color. Then pat them dry on a paper towel and fold into your batter gently.

What is healthier for you, sherbet or ice cream? ›

The addition of dairy gives sherbet a creamier texture, but it also increases the overall calorie and fat content. However, compared to ice cream, sherbet still tends to have a lower fat content, making it a good choice for those watching their fat intake.

How do you keep homemade sherbet soft? ›

You can soften gelatin in cold water, warm it to melt it, then add it to sorbet or sherbet mixtures prior to churning.

What enhances blueberry flavor? ›

Lemon: At the very top of the list is sweet-tart blueberries and sharp lemon, an almost unbeatable combination. (But don't sleep on blueberries + other citrus flavors, including lime, orange and even grapefruit.)

What spice brings out the flavor of blueberries? ›

Don't forget about spices and herbs. Blueberries pair well with basil, cinnamon, ginger, lavender, lemon, thyme, nutmeg, rosemary, mint, and many more!

What do coffee grounds do for blueberries? ›

Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. And if your soil is already high in nitrogen, the extra boost from coffee grounds could stunt the growth of fruits and flowers.

Why do blueberries burn belly fat? ›

Recent study findings suggest that blueberries may influence genes which regulate fat-burning and storage, helping reduce abdominal fat and lower cholesterol. When combined with a low-fat diet, blueberries might also lower triglycerides and improve blood sugar levels, each benefits of a comprehensive weight loss plan.

What fruit is healthier than blueberries? ›

Açaí berries are one of the best sources of antioxidant polyphenols and may contain as much as 10 times more antioxidants than blueberries ( 44 ). When consumed as a juice or pulp, açaí berries can increase blood antioxidant levels and reduce chemicals involved in oxidative stress ( 45 , 46 ).

What is the number one healthiest berry? ›

Perhaps the most well-known berry out there, the blueberry is considered a top superfood because of its antioxidant content and nutritional value. The antioxidants in blueberries fight oxidative stress that can cause major health issues, including cancer, neurodegeneration and early aging.

Can dogs have blueberries? ›

Yes, blueberries are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They also contain antioxidants, fiber and vitamins C and K. These nutrients support the immune system and contribute to overall health. Adding blueberries to your dog's diet is a great way to help keep him happy and healthy.

What happens if you don't wash blueberries? ›

Do You Have to Wash Blueberries? Yes! Blueberries (as well as other types of fruits and berries) need to be washed to rid them of bacteria, dirt, small bugs and pesticides. Normally, we would advise not to wash berries until you're ready to eat them, to avoid the extra moisture that causes spoilage.

Why does sorbet taste creamy? ›

Without fat from dairy or eggs, it's the suspension of sugar within the fruit purée that allows the sorbet to churn into something with a creamy mouthfeel. You need 20-30% sugar in your sorbet, which will come from your fruit plus some added sugar.

Is there a lot of milk in sherbet? ›

Sherbet (pronounced SHER-bet) falls in between sorbet and ice cream and includes dairy ingredients (in small amounts, about 1-2%), but it is distinctly different from ice cream in flavor and texture.

Why does sherbet fizz in your mouth? ›

The fizzing on your tongue is caused by a chemical reaction between the citric acid and the sodium bicarbonate. When the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate touch your saliva, they react together to make bubbles that fizz and pop in your mouth. The icing sugar makes the mixture taste nice.

Is sherbet supposed to be soft? ›

Sherbets are often flavored with fruit that has an acidic punch, like lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, raspberry, or pineapple. The texture is also usually a bit softer than sorbet, which can firm up a bit solidly due to the higher water content.

References

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