This Lemon Buttermilk Sherbet is a refreshing dessert that makes the perfect summer treat. It’s quick and easy to make with just 3 simple ingredients.
Lemon Buttermilk Sherbet
This has been a slow spring, you’ve probably heard me say it once or twice before. There are several areas in our yard where the snow is still two feet deep. And out of complete defiance of our slow thaw, this morning I happily let our three year-old put on the new sundress I picked up for her last week. She’s been begging to wear it. And with the forecast finally predicting a high in the low 40’s, how could I possibly continue to refuse her sweet pleas?
When my daughter and I made this lovely Lemon Buttermilk Sherbet over the past weekend, it had us all dreaming about the warmth of spring and summer ahead. It just couldn’t be helped. Light and refreshing, and ultra tangy from the buttermilk and lemons, this is a dessert that screams summer!
Why I Love This Sherbet Recipe
The sherbet is icier and less creamy than ice cream. Which equals super refreshing. When it’s hot outside, that icy texture is something I crave.
I first served this about 4 or 5 hours after I had made it and put it in the freezer. It was perfectly scoop-able and held its form beautifully. The girls & I enjoyed a scoop as an evening snack, sprinkled with fresh berries. I was interested for their reaction to the recipe’s buttermilk flavor, and their answer to that was, “Can we have more, please?” Yes, that please was included. I knew they were serious!
The following evening, we had some more. But the experience was different. After spending a day in the freezer, the sherbet had frozen quite hard. It was more like shave ice. And that’s when our girls really gobbled it up. They loved it even more!
Our family likes to make all kinds of homemade ice creams, sorbets, and sherbets, but we had never made anything that used buttermilk before. So I was definitely intrigued by this recipe from my friend Michelle’s new cookbook, The Whole Family Cookbook. Michelle blogs at What’s Cooking with Kids and is the founder of a children’s cooking school that teaches families about fresh and wholesome eating.
Michelle’s blog and her new cookbook are filled with kid-friendly food, aiming to bring family members side by side in the kitchen. My sisters and I have been beyond blessed to have a mom who got us involved as young kids in cooking. I am incorporating this in our own family as well, and Michelle’s book is a wonderful example of how to do just that. The book is very visually appealing to kids and the recipes are simple and easy to follow.
For a little taste of The Whole Family Cookbook, and to see Michelle and her family in action, here is a short video to introduce you. Enjoy!
A Giveaway!!
Michelle has graciously provided one of her new cookbooks for me to give away!
All you have to do is leave a comment here and you’re entered for a chance to win!
Simply let me know your favorite easy and refreshing summertime treat.
The giveaway will end Tuesday, April 5th at 7:00 pm CST.
And the winner is…
Carina!
Congratulations to you! I will email you for more information.
Thank you to EVERYONE for entering!!
Lemon Buttermilk Sherbet
Ingredients
- 1 qt. low-fat buttermilk
- 4 large lemons
- ½ c. sugar
Instructions
- Before starting this recipe, make sure that the bowl for your ice cream maker is frozen.
- Measure the buttermilk and pour into a medium-sized measuring bowl (ideally, one with a spout).
- Zest the lemons. If using a peeler that gives you large pieces of zest, be sure to cut the zest into small pieces with a knife.
- Cut the lemons in half and juice them to measure 1/2 cup of juice. Be sure to remove any stray seeds. Pour the lemon juice into the buttermilk. Add the sugar and whisk to incorporate.
- Refrigerate for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture is very cold and sugar has dissolved. Pour the cold mixture into the frozen bowl of your ice cream maker and process for 20 minutes, or according to the manufacturer’s directions. Add the lemon zest and continue to process for another 10 minutes.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a sturdy bowl or container and put it in the freezer. Remove from the freezer and stir vigorously every 45 minutes, for up to 3 hours.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for 2 weeks. Be sure to take the sherbet out of the freezer about 20 minutes before scooping.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
I love your blog. My favorite summertime treat is homemade icecream.
I just got an ice cream maker and am so excited to try this! I love how its so simple to make!
This looks so delicious and refreshing. I can wait to read Michelle’s book and give this recipe a try. Hope your spring picks up speed darlin’.
YUM! My favorite summertime treat is peach cobbler made with fresh peaches from the farmer’s market and topped with some homemade vanilla ice cream!
My favorite summertime treat is Caprese Salad made with heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
My favorite summertime treat is yogurt, sherbert, and berries parfait.. I would love that cookbook for new new ideas..
When I first saw the picture on this blog I thought I’d read it but never make it cos it would be too difficult but theres only three ingredients and you can make it in the freezer! Brilliant! I’m definatley gonna make this when I get home for the easter break – my family will love it!
It looks so refreshing. My husband loves anything with lemon. I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the inspiration and the recipes..
So many summer favorites to choose from but I have to go with a fresh peach pie!
Brenda, you are making me re-think sherbet. I’ve never been a huge fan…always going for ice cream instead. But this looks wonderful! I have lemons in my fridge….hmmm.
This looks great. I really would love to get this cookbook. Hoping to order soon. My favorite summer time treat is FRUIT. Any kind of fruit….how about melons, berries, strawberries and cherries all mixed up in a big bowl…serve cold and enjoy!
Watermelon!!!!
love lemon sherbet so much-I usually make it with heavy cream, but will have to give buttermilk a try!
I love a refreshing sherbet like this when the weather gets hot. I can’t wait to check out the book.
Love to make fruit kabobs with melon, berries, peaches, whatever is ripe and tasty!
a grilled veggie salad–any type of summer veggie grilled over tossed greens
This looks great! And so different too!
I would love for you to link up on my blogs Recipe link party!
“Made it on Monday” You can link up every Wed.-Sat.
http://larkscountryheart.blogspot.com/
I hope to see some of your recipes soon!
I am your newest follower :)
Beings I had the buttermilk and the lemons on hand I made this recipe this afternoon, and just got done sampling it. What a unique and tangy favor! If you like buttermilk you will find this so refreshing.
Wow, Mom! You got right on this one!! :)
Don’t really make it, but watermelon with a dash of salt.
~thechildcooks
An easy recipe for a delicious dessert!