Apple and Honey Sorbet Recipe

Name: Apple and Honey Sorbet
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 245 min
Ingredients: 1.25 pounds Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced; 1.5 cups water; 1.5 cups sugar; 1.5 lemons, juiced; 1 tablespoon honey

Cook Time: 5 minutes

This refreshing Granny Smith apple sorbet is a perfect treat for warm days. Made with fresh apples, a touch of honey, and a dash of lemon, it's simple yet packed with flavor. Follow the easy steps below to make this delightful sorbet.

Ingredients

1 pounds Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced
1 cups water
1 cups sugar
1 lemons, juiced
1 tablespoon honey

Directions

Step 1: In a large, resealable plastic bag or plastic with a lid, mix the sliced apples with the juice of 1/2 lemon. Freeze for several hours or overnight to chill and firm up.

Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in the honey. Allow the mixture to cool completely.

Step 3: Once the apples are frozen, place them into a blender. Add the juice of 1 lemon and the cooled sugar syrup. Blend until the mixture becomes as smooth as possible. Note that the peel of the apples will add some texture, so it may not be entirely smooth, which is perfectly fine.

Step 4: Transfer the apple mixture to an ice cream machine and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once ready, allow the sorbet to sit out for about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier scooping.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	188
Total Fat	0g
Sodium	3mg
Total Carbohydrate	51g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	47g
Protein	1g
Vitamin C	19mg
Calcium	18mg
Iron	0mg
Potassium	110mg

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Apple and Honey Sorbet is a delightful and refreshing dessert, perfect for hot days or as a light, sweet treat to cleanse the palate. This dessert has its roots in Israeli cuisine and is commonly served during the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. The combination of green apples and honey not only creates a sweet, tart balance but also represents a symbol of sweetness and prosperity for the year ahead.

History of Origin

Although the idea of sorbet dates back centuries, the specific pairing of apples and honey has cultural significance in Israel. The dessert is often prepared for Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday celebrating the start of the new year. The apple is symbolic of a fresh start, while honey represents the wish for a sweet year. This sorbet combines both ingredients in a cool, refreshing form, providing a modern take on traditional flavors.

Regional Features

In Israel, apples and honey are commonly consumed during Rosh Hashanah as part of the symbolic meals. The Apple and Honey Sorbet, however, adds a fun and contemporary twist to this tradition. While the basic ingredientsapples and honeyare widely available, the choice of green apples, such as Granny Smith, gives the sorbet a tangy, crisp flavor. This regional variation adds an interesting contrast to the usual sweet dishes served during the holiday.

Distinctions from Similar Dishes

While there are many fruit-based sorbets around the world, what sets the Apple and Honey Sorbet apart is its unique combination of tart apples and sweet honey. Many sorbets rely on citrus fruits or berries for flavor, but this recipe highlights apples, which gives it a distinctive, subtly complex flavor. Additionally, the use of apple peel in the sorbet provides a slight texture, setting it apart from the smooth, velvety sorbets made from other fruits. Unlike other frozen desserts, this sorbet also has a lighter, more natural sweetness due to the use of honey instead of refined sugars.

Where It Is Typically Served

Apple and Honey Sorbet is commonly served as a refreshing intermezzo during a multi-course meal. In Israel, it is often presented as a palate cleanser between the first course and the main meal, particularly during the Rosh Hashanah celebration. Its crisp, cool nature makes it an excellent choice to cool down between hearty or rich dishes. Outside of holidays, it can be enjoyed as a light dessert during the warmer months, making it a great choice for summer dinners or gatherings.

Interesting Facts

1. The pairing of apples and honey is symbolic not only in Israel but in many Jewish households worldwide during Rosh Hashanah. It represents the hope for a sweet year ahead.

2. The apple variety used in this sorbet, Granny Smith, is chosen for its tartness, which balances out the sweetness of the honey. This tartness is also a key characteristic that differentiates it from other fruit sorbets, which tend to be more universally sweet.

3. The honey used in the recipe is suggested to be eucalyptus blossom honey, which is common in Israel. This type of honey has a unique floral note, enhancing the flavor of the sorbet and adding a regional touch.

4. The texture of the sorbet is slightly different from typical sorbets, as the apple peel is kept in the mixture. This gives the sorbet a more rustic, textured feel, which some people love for its bite and natural consistency.

In conclusion, the Apple and Honey Sorbet is more than just a delicious dessertit is a reflection of cultural tradition and a symbol of new beginnings. Whether you serve it during a holiday celebration or as a summertime treat, this simple yet elegant sorbet is sure to impress with its refreshing flavor and unique texture.

FAQ about Apple and Honey Sorbet Recipe

The Apple and Honey Sorbet can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks. To serve, allow it to soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping.

Yes, you can make this sorbet without an ice cream machine. After blending the mixture, freeze it in a container. Once frozen, scrape and stir the sorbet with a fork every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to achieve a smooth texture.

While the recipe suggests not peeling the apples to retain the texture, you can peel half of the apples if you prefer a smoother consistency. The skin provides a nice texture and enhances the flavor, but it’s up to personal preference.

Yes, you can substitute honey with agave syrup, maple syrup, or any other liquid sweetener. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor, but it will still work well with the apples.

To make the sorbet more tart, you can increase the amount of lemon juice or use a variety of apples with a tart flavor, such as Granny Smith apples. Adjust the sugar level to balance the tartness as needed.

Yes, you can add other fruits to the sorbet, such as pears, berries, or citrus fruits. Simply blend them with the apples and follow the same preparation steps.

If the sorbet is too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or increase the lemon juice to balance out the sweetness. Using tart apples will also help.

Yes, the sorbet can be made in advance and stored in the freezer. If you plan to serve it at a party, it’s best to let it sit out for about 10 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

This sorbet can be served as a refreshing dessert on its own or paired with cakes, pastries, or fruit salads. It’s especially delightful as a palate cleanser between courses.

Comments

Emma Collins

02/13/2024 02:58:19 AM

This recipe was a delight to prepare! I decided to triple the measurements since I was preparing it for my daughter's class. I peeled approximately half of the apples. The taste and consistency turned out fantastic. I was a bit concerned when I tried the mixture before churning it, as the lemon flavor seemed quite intense. However, when I served it the following day, the lemon wasn't overpowering at all; it simply complemented the apple flavor beautifully.

Sharon Adams

12/30/2023 05:23:20 PM

I must say that this recipe is quite good. I used it to make Applesauce and added Truvia, a zero-calorie sweetener that is a better option for diabetics compared to sugar or honey. Adding cinnamon to it makes it even better. I rate it 4 stars.

Jennifer Evans

04/22/2025 06:57:32 AM

Delicious! - This is absolutely mouthwatering!

Nicholas Sanchez

02/13/2023 12:25:17 AM

A decent sorbet, but way too sweet for my liking when prepared as instructed. It had a resemblance to frozen applesauce. I utilized a blender, resulting in a slightly grainy texture; I plan to use a food processor next time.

Barbara Rivera

02/12/2023 03:21:41 PM

I prepared this dish for Rosh Hashanah dinner and it was a hit with everyone! What an amazing recipe, thank you for sharing it! I plan on making it again for New Year's dinner.

Heather Nguyen

04/06/2025 10:42:46 AM

This meal was incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare. I had doubts about leaving the apples unpeeled, but the other reviewers were correct - it adds a wonderful texture. You can easily customize the sweetness by adjusting the sugar amount to suit your taste preferences.

audio version

Cook Time: 65 minutes