Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Sorbet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing and tangy sorbet made with just five ingredients, perfect for a quick cool-down treat. This desserts (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 35 minutes layers (13.5 oz), full fat coconut milk, granulated sugar, fresh lime juice into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Desserts cuisine 180 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves completely and mixture is warm but not boiling, about 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/3 cup fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp lime zest, and 1/4 tsp salt until fully incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
  4. Step 4: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes, until sorbet is thick and frozen.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the sorbet to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 1 hour before serving for a firmer texture.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Sorbet take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Sorbet?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Sorbet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Sorbet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Sorbet gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes