
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Light and creamy with a smooth texture, thanks to coconut milk and cream.
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Naturally sweet from coconut, without being overly sugary.
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Dairy-free and vegan, so it’s suitable for a variety of diets.
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Easy to make with simple ingredients and no egg or custard base required.
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Customizable with optional flavor additions like lime or vanilla for a twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: For the best flavor, use fresh coconut products when possible.)
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1 cup coconut water (8 oz)
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1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
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1 can coconut milk (13.5 fl oz)
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1 can coconut cream (13.5 fl oz)
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1 tsp coconut extract (optional)
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½ cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
For garnish:
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1 pint heavy whipping cream (for garnish)
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2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for sweetening the cream)
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1 pint fresh blueberries (for garnish)

Directions
With an Ice Cream Maker:
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Dissolve sugar in coconut water: In a small saucepan, heat the coconut water and sugar over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
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Chill coconut milk and cream: Refrigerate the coconut milk and cream. Freeze your ice cream machine bowl until solid (preferably 24 hours ahead).
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Blend ingredients: Combine the chilled coconut water, milk, and cream in a blender. Blend until smooth.
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Churn the sorbet: Pour the mixture into the ice cream machine and churn for 15–20 minutes until it begins to thicken but remains soft. Add coconut extract in the last minute, if using.
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Add shredded coconut (optional): Fold in the shredded coconut, if desired.
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Freeze the sorbet: Transfer the sorbet to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 3 hours until firm.
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Serve: Let the sorbet sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping and serving. Garnish with whipped cream and blueberries.
Without an Ice Cream Maker:
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Blend ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
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Freeze the mixture: Pour into a freezer-safe container and cover with plastic wrap.
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Blend every 30 minutes: Freeze for 2 hours, blending every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming.
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Final freeze: Once the mixture becomes too stiff to blend, freeze for an additional hour.
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Serve: Scoop and serve once firm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Freeze time: 3 hours (for best results, freeze overnight)
Total time: 8+ hours (including chilling and freezing time)
Variations
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Citrus zest: Add lime or lemon zest to the mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
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Add a twist: Try adding a splash of rum or a bit of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
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Tropical fruits: Blend in pureed tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a fruity twist.
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Nuts: Stir in chopped pistachios or toasted coconut for a crunchy texture.
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Layered sorbet: Make layers of different tropical flavors for a fun, multi-textured sorbet.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
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Serve after thawing: Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for easier scooping.
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No-churn tip: If using the no-churn method, be sure to blend every 30 minutes for a smoother consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave, or a sugar substitute like stevia, but it may affect the texture. Adjust the quantity to taste.
Can I use coconut milk from a carton instead of a can?
It’s best to use full-fat coconut milk from a can for the creaminess. Carton coconut milk may be too watery for this recipe.
Can I add other fruit flavors?
Absolutely! Adding pureed mango, pineapple, or berries will complement the coconut flavor beautifully.
Is this sorbet dairy-free?
Yes, this coconut sorbet is dairy-free and vegan, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
How do I make this sorbet creamier?
To make the sorbet creamier, add more coconut cream or use less coconut water. Adjust the sweetness if necessary.
Can I serve this sorbet with toppings?
Yes! Topping with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of fruit syrup works perfectly. You could also add a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch.
Conclusion
Coconut Sorbet is the ultimate tropical treat, offering a refreshing, dairy-free alternative to heavier frozen desserts. With its smooth texture, delicate coconut flavor, and versatility in garnishes and mix-ins, it’s the perfect summer dessert. Whether you make it with an ice cream maker or opt for the no-churn method, it’s sure to impress with its simplicity and elegance.

Coconut Sorbet
- Total Time: 8+ hours (including chilling and freezing time)
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Coconut Sorbet is a light, creamy, and refreshing dairy-free dessert with a tropical coconut flavor. It’s easy to make, naturally sweet, and perfect for hot days, making it a great treat for summer or any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup coconut water (8 oz)
1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
1 can coconut milk (13.5 fl oz)
1 can coconut cream (13.5 fl oz)
1 tsp coconut extract (optional)
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
For garnish:
1 pint heavy whipping cream (for garnish)
2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for sweetening the cream)
1 pint fresh blueberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- With an Ice Cream Maker:
- Dissolve sugar in coconut water: Heat the coconut water and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Chill coconut milk and cream: Refrigerate the coconut milk and cream. Freeze the ice cream machine bowl (preferably 24 hours ahead).
- Blend ingredients: Combine the chilled coconut water, milk, and cream in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Churn the sorbet: Pour the mixture into the ice cream machine and churn for 15–20 minutes until it thickens but remains soft. Add coconut extract in the last minute if using.
- Add shredded coconut: Fold in shredded coconut if desired.
- Freeze the sorbet: Transfer the sorbet to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 3 hours until firm.
- Serve: Let the sorbet sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping. Garnish with whipped cream and fresh blueberries.
- Without an Ice Cream Maker:
- Blend ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Freeze the mixture: Pour into a freezer-safe container and cover with plastic wrap.
- Blend every 30 minutes: Freeze for 2 hours, blending every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Final freeze: Once the mixture becomes too stiff to blend, freeze for an additional hour.
- Serve: Scoop and serve once firm.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh coconut products when possible.
Add lime or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
For a fruity twist, blend in mango, pineapple, or berries.
Stir in chopped pistachios or toasted coconut for a crunchy texture.
For a layered effect, make different tropical flavors for a multi-textured sorbet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg