Remember those hot summer days at the drive-in, sipping on an ice-cold cherry limeade? I sure do. Last week, I turned that nostalgic drink into something even better – a smooth, refreshing sorbet. Trust me, it’s easier than you’d think.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the simple stuff:
- A can of cherry pie filling (21 oz)
- 2-3 fresh limes
- Your trusty Ninja Creami
- A pint container
- Basic measuring tools
Pro tip: When picking limes at the store, go for the heavy ones. They’re juicier.
The Basic Recipe
Let’s keep it simple:
- Squeeze those limes until you get 1/4 cup of juice
- Grate some lime zest (about 1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Mix it with your cherry pie filling
- Pop it in the freezer
That’s it. Really.
The Timeline
Here’s the deal – most of the time is just waiting. You’ll spend maybe 5 minutes actually doing stuff. The rest? Your freezer does the heavy lifting for 24 hours.
Making It Your Own
Not a fan of pie filling? No problem. You can use:
- Fresh cherries (3 cups plus some sugar)
- Frozen cherries (same deal)
I tried both versions, and honestly? They’re all good. The pie filling is just easier.
Some Real Talk About Freezing
Let me share a mistake I made: don’t rush the freezing time. I tried processing it after just 12 hours once. Big mistake. Give it the full 24 hours.
Serving It Up
The best part? Taking that first spoonful right after processing. It’s perfectly smooth, not too sweet, with just the right kick of lime.
A little secret? I like adding a fresh cherry and a tiny lime wheel on top. Makes it look fancy with minimal effort.
Storage Tips
Look, we both know you probably won’t have leftovers. But if you do:
- Keep it frozen (obviously)
- It’ll stay good for about 2 weeks
- Just remember to re-spin it before serving
Want to make it ahead for a party? You can prep several bases and just process them when needed. I did this for my last dinner party – worked like a charm.
Now you’ve got a dessert that’s way more interesting than regular ice cream, but just as easy to make. And the best part? It’s dairy-free, so everyone can enjoy it.
PrintNinja Creami Cherry Limeade Sorbet
This refreshing cherry limeade sorbet brings back memories of drive-in summers! Just like your favorite drink, but frozen. I’ve tested this recipe countless times, and it’s become my go-to summer dessert. Perfect for those hot LA afternoons!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 24 hours 7 minutes (Including Freezing Time)
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ninja Creami
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lime zest (about 2 limes)
Instructions
- Zest and juice your limes. Strain juice to remove pulp.
- In a clean Ninja Creami pint container, combine cherry pie filling, lime juice, and zest. Mix well.
- Leave 1/2 inch headspace at top. Level container.
- Freeze for 24 hours.
- Remove from freezer and immediately process using Sorbet setting.
- If needed, re-spin for smoother texture.
Notes
Tips & Tricks:
- Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing
- Don’t skip the 24-hour freeze – it’s crucial for texture
- Heavy limes yield more juice
- Break up large cherry pieces before freezing
Storage:
- Keep frozen up to 2 weeks
- Always re-spin before serving
- Let soften 5 minutes if too firm
Serving Ideas:
- Top with fresh cherries and lime wheels
- Add a sprig of mint for color
- Serve in chilled bowls for best experience
Want to prep ahead? You can make several bases and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Just process when ready to serve!
