Enjoying Cool and Creamy Sherbet Without the Dairy
Sherbet is a delicious frozen dessert that packs a refreshing fruity punch. Traditional sherbet recipes call for milk or cream, which means that they are off-limits for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Fortunately, there are many ways to recreate the rich, creamy texture and sweet, tangy flavor of sherbet without using any dairy products whatsoever.
With some simple substitutions and clever mixing of fruit, sugars, and non-dairy ingredients like coconut milk orcashew cream, you can churn up sherbet that will rival the "real thing." Read on for tips, tricks, and dairy free sherbet recipe ideas that will have you screaming for non-dairy ice cream all summer long!
Why Dairy Free Sherbet?
Sherbet is lighter and more refreshing than ice cream, with a sweet fruity flavor and smooth, creamy texture. For those who need to avoid milk due to lactose intolerance, classic sherbet is off limits since it contains dairy ingredients like milk, cream, or milk powders.
Lactose intolerance is a common condition where people lack sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase needed to properly digest lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy products. Consuming dairy can cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhea in lactose intolerant individuals.
Fortunately, you don't have to miss out on the satisfaction of scooping into a cold, fruity bowl of sherbet just because you can't handle lactose. With some clever substitutions, you can whip up creamy, dreamy dairy free sherbet that will cool you down on a hot summer day.
Choosing Dairy Substitutes for Sherbet
When developing a recipe for lactose free sherbet, the key is choosing a non-dairy ingredient that can mimic the texture and richness of dairy cream. There are several plant-based options that fit the bill!
Coconut Milk
Canned coconut milk makes an ideal base for dairy free sherbet. Full fat coconut milk has a luxuriously creamy texture when chilled that works perfectly in frozen desserts. Look for unsweetened coconut milk with at least 60% coconut cream content.
Cashew Cream
For ultra rich and decadent sherbet, you can't go wrong with cashew cream. Blend raw cashews with water or non-dairy milk until completely smooth and you have a dairy-free "cream" that rivals heavy whipping cream. Soak cashews overnight first to achieve the silkiest texture.
Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is an unlikely but effective base for creamy vegan sherbet. Blend extra firm silken tofu with non-dairy milk and a touch of lemon juice or vinegar to "sour" it, and you have a blank canvas for making dairy free ice cream.
Avocado
Believe it or not, avocado can make a superb foundation for rich, dairy free sherbet. Blend the flesh with non-dairy milk until smooth, then freeze in an ice cream maker. Avocado gives a lush, almost buttery texture.
Banana
Frozen banana blended up with non-dairy milk creates a sweet ice cream-like base for sherbet. Bananas give a creamy, thick consistency without dairy. For best results, peel bananas before freezing overnight.
Non-Dairy Yogurt
Plain non-dairy yogurt such as coconut or almond yogurt can work in a pinch as a substitute for dairy yogurt or milk in sherbet recipes. Non-dairy yogurt provides tanginess and a creamy texture when blended.
Choosing Fruits for Dairy Free Sherbet
When it comes to flavoring your homemade lactose free sherbet, let your imagination run wild! Virtually any fruit can be used to create refreshing dairy free sherbets.
Berries, stone fruits, citrus fruits, mangoes, pineapple, and melons all make fantastic bases for sherbet. You can use fresh or frozen fruit. For convenience, opt for bags of frozen mixed berries.
Some delicious fruit combinations to try:
- Strawberry raspberry sherbet
- Blueberry lemon sherbet
- Watermelon lime sherbet
- Peach sherbet
- Banana sherbet
- Mango sherbet
- Mixed berry sherbet
- Cherry sherbet
- Pineapple sherbet
You can also incorporate spices, extracts, cocoa powder, citrus zest, and herbs to add layers of flavor to fruit sherbets. Try mint, cinnamon, vanilla, almond, or coconut extract. Get creative and come up with your own unique sherbet flavor combinations!
Tips for Making Dairy Free Sherbet
While recipes will vary, there are some best practices to follow when concocting your own custom dairy free sherbet at home:
- Use very ripe, sweet fruit for the best flavor
- Blend or process fruit into a smooth puree before freezing
- Strain out seeds, skins, and solids if desired for smoother sherbet
- Sweeten to taste with sugar, maple syrup, or other liquid sweetener
- Chill base thoroughly before freezing for 1-2 hours minimum
- For best texture, freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions
- Let sherbet ripen in freezer for 2-4 hours before serving
- Store sherbet in a sealed container in freezer up to 2 months
- Let sherbet soften at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping if too hard
Recipe Inspiration: 5 Dairy Free Sherbet Recipes
Get your sherbet cravings satisfied without the dairy with any of these 5 recipe ideas:
1. Easy Blueberry Coconut Milk Sherbet
This 4 ingredient sherbet couldn't be simpler to whip up. Frozen berries, coconut milk, and sweetener is all you need!
Ingredients:
- 2 14-ounce cans full fat coconut milk, chilled
- 2 cups frozen blueberries
- 3
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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