If you’re searching for an unforgettable frozen treat that takes barely any effort but delivers maximum flavor, let me tell you about this Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet. This recipe transforms a handful of ripe plums and a splash of luscious amaretto into a creamy, jewel-toned sorbet that tastes like pure summer. It’s fruity, slightly floral, and absolutely refreshing — the kind of dessert you’ll want to serve at every gathering, or just enjoy late at night spoon by glorious spoonful straight out of the freezer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something truly special about creating a show-stopping sorbet with just a few thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one in this Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet recipe brings its own magic: bold color, alluring aroma, velvety sweetness, or a hint of sophistication. Here’s what you’ll need — and why you need it!
- Fresh plums (2 pounds or 931 grams): The heroes of this sorbet! Leave the skins on for richer color and a touch of tartness — all you have to do is pit and rough-chop them.
- Amaretto (2 tablespoons): This Italian almond liqueur is the secret to depth and complexity. It enhances the plum flavor and keeps the texture irresistibly scoopable.
- Honey (2 teaspoons): Just a touch rounds out the tang of the plums and brings bright floral notes to every bite. Use your favorite local variety.
How to Make Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet
Step 1: Prep the Plums
The first step is all about the fruit. Wash the plums well, then halve them, pop out the pits, and chop them into rough chunks. No need to peel — those skins give our Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet its vibrant color and a lovely hint of tartness.
Step 2: Puree the Fruit
Add all your chopped plums to a food processor or blender. Blend them until perfectly smooth, scraping down the sides if needed. It’s that easy! This is where you’ll start to smell that incredible fresh plum aroma, and you’ll see that gorgeous color come alive.
Step 3: Add Amaretto and Honey
Next, pour in the amaretto and drizzle the honey over the top of your puree. Blend everything together again to combine, then give it a taste. Want a little more floral sweetness? Swirl in an extra dash of honey. Craving that almondy note? Go ahead and add a splash more amaretto. This is your moment to customize!
Step 4: Chill the Mixture (Optional)
If you have time and a little extra patience, chilling your plum-amaretto mixture in the fridge for an hour or two will make it even more refreshing and help your ice cream maker work faster. But don’t stress — if you’re eager for sorbet ASAP, you can churn it straight away.
Step 5: Churn Away
Pour your sweet, fruity mixture into your ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer’s directions. For most machines, this takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Watch as your Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet thickens into a luscious, soft-scoop texture that’s hard to resist tasting right from the paddle.
Step 6: Freeze to Perfection
Spoon the freshly churned sorbet into a loaf pan or a freezer-safe ice cream container. Smooth the top, cover tightly, and freeze for at least 2 to 4 hours. This final stint in the freezer sets the sorbet for perfect scooping and serving every time.
How to Serve Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet
Garnishes
Turn each scoop of Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet into a celebration with simple, beautiful garnishes! Try a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds for crunch, a few thin plum wedges, candied ginger, or a fresh mint sprig. The contrasting textures and colors make every bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This sorbet pairs like a dream with a crumbly almond biscotti or a buttery shortbread cookie for a textural contrast. If you want to go all-in on summer flavors, serve it with a platter of fresh berries or alongside a slice of lemon or olive oil cake. The plum and amaretto notes sing against so many desserts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dazzling dinner party finale, scoop Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet into chilled coupe glasses with a drizzle of extra amaretto on top. For a fun twist, layer it parfait-style with whipped cream or Greek yogurt and a scattering of crushed amaretti cookies. Or keep it playful and make mini sorbet sandwiches with vanilla macaron shells for an elegant handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet stores beautifully! Simply transfer any extra into an airtight container and keep it in the freezer. Be sure to press a sheet of parchment or plastic wrap directly onto the surface to help maintain that perfect texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
This sorbet is meant for the freezer, so you can make it well ahead of time. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. If it becomes a little too firm, let the container sit on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping — the amaretto helps keep it from getting icy, but a little thawing brings back that lush, scoopable consistency.
Reheating
You won’t need to actually reheat your sorbet, of course! But if it’s rock-solid from the freezer, let it rest at room temperature for several minutes to soften. Stirring with a sturdy spoon will help regain that creamy texture. If you’re serving a crowd, scoop it into individual bowls and let them sit out for 2 minutes before adding garnishes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen plums instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh plums aren’t in season, use frozen ones — just thaw them and drain off excess liquid before measuring. This shortcut is especially handy in winter when you need a taste of summer.
What can I substitute for amaretto?
If you’d like an alcohol-free version, try a splash of almond extract (start with just 1/2 teaspoon and add to taste). For a different twist, an equal amount of Grand Marnier or limoncello will work, offering citrusy complexity instead of almond.
Can I make Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet without an ice cream maker?
Yes! After pureeing and mixing, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe pan and stir vigorously every 30 minutes until frozen — this helps break up ice crystals for a smoother result. It takes a little longer, but it still turns out beautifully.
How can I make my sorbet even smoother?
You can strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve before churning to remove any bits of plum skin, which results in a silkier sorbet. Completely optional — some prefer the added texture and color from leaving the skins in!
Does the alcohol make this sorbet just for adults?
The small amount of amaretto is mostly for flavor and texture. However, if serving children or those avoiding alcohol, use the almond extract substitution above. The Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet will be just as delightful and safe for everyone to dig in.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright magical about how a few fresh plums, a splash of amaretto, and a swirl of honey can create a dessert that’s both breathtakingly lovely and deeply satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try this Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet for yourself — you’ll see just how simple, refreshing, and special homemade sorbet can be!
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Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet is a delightful frozen treat that perfectly balances the sweetness of fresh plums with a hint of Amaretto liqueur. It’s a refreshing dessert that’s simple to make and bursting with fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Fresh Plum Sorbet:
- 2 pounds fresh plums
- 2 Tbsp Amaretto
- 2 tsp honey
Instructions
- Prep Plums: Wash, pit, and chop the plums. Leave the skins on.
- Puree Plums: In a food processor or blender, puree the plums until smooth. Add Amaretto and honey, adjusting to taste.
- Chill Mixture: Optionally, chill the mixture in the refrigerator until cold.
- Churn Sorbet: Process the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20-30 minutes.
- Freeze: Transfer the sorbet to a container and freeze for 2-4 hours until firm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0.4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
