Low Calorie Sherbet
A refreshing low-calorie sherbet blending sweet cantaloupe, tangy lemon, and creamy buttermilk, perfect for a light dessert or hot summer day. Suitable for health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scoop out cantaloupe pulp and cut into chunks.
- Puree the cantaloupe chunks in a blender.
- Stir in lemon juice.
- Mix together sugar and buttermilk.
- Add cantaloupe puree and whipping cream to the mixture.
- Pour into a 2-quart ice cream freezer.
- Use approximately 3 parts crushed ice to 1 part rock salt.
- When sherbet is ready, re-pack in the ice cream freezer and freeze for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter sweetness, consider reducing the sugar by half or substituting with a natural sweetener like agave nectar. If you prefer a more vibrant flavor, try adding a splash of orange juice or lime juice along with the lemon juice. For a creamier texture, use full-fat buttermilk instead of low-fat. Additionally, if cantaloupe is out of season, honeydew can be a great alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing sherbet in chilled bowls or cones for a delightful treat on a hot day. Garnish with halved strawberries for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with Summer Pineapple Dip for a fun dessert platter. For an extra touch, consider serving alongside a slice of French Apple Cake for a delicious contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sherbet in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping to soften slightly. Avoid refreezing multiple times, as this can affect the texture and creaminess of the sherbet.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low Calorie Sherbet contains roughly 85 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sherbet without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity. This will help maintain the tangy flavor and creamy texture crucial to the recipe.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To create a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk, and replace the whipping cream with coconut cream. This will give you a similar creamy texture without the dairy.
Can I add other fruits to the sherbet?
Absolutely! You can blend in other fruits such as peaches, mangoes, or berries for a mixed fruit sherbet. Just adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits you choose.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).