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The sun-drenched aroma of ripe pink guavas transports me straight to tropical paradises whenever I indulge in this creamy homemade guava sherbet. Unlike traditional sorbets, which can sometimes feel icy and uninviting, this recipe combines the tropical essence of guavas with a generous splash of cream and milk, creating a silky treat that’s pure bliss. Perfect for those sweltering summer days, this dessert not only comes together quickly but is also an impressive crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Imagine delighting friends and family with every spoonful of luscious goodness! Ready to make a refreshing escape to the tropics right in your kitchen? Let’s dive into the delightful world of guava sherbet!
Why is Guava Sherbet a Must-Try?
Tropical Escape: This creamy guava sherbet transports you to sun-kissed islands with its refreshing flavor, perfect for summer.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, you can whip this delightful treat in no time, turning your kitchen into a tropical paradise.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your friends and family with a unique homemade dessert that stands out at any gathering—each scoop is a burst of tropical bliss!
Versatile Options: Love to experiment? This recipe allows you to swap flavors or mix in fun extras, like mint or lime zest, making it customizable to suit your tastes.
Healthier Indulgence: With ingredients you control, you can enjoy a sweeter yet lighter option than store-bought desserts while still satisfying your sweet cravings!
For more refreshing ideas, don’t miss our tropical desserts, perfect for any summer get-together!
Guava Sherbet Ingredients
• Everything you need for this creamy tropical treat!
For the Base
- Ripe Pink Guavas – Essential for rich tropical flavor; fresh is best for optimal taste.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness and balances the guava’s tartness; adjust if using sweetened guava puree.
- Water – Key for creating a flavorful guava syrup during poaching; essential for the recipe.
- Vanilla Bean – Infuses aromatic depth; substitute with vanilla extract if needed.
- Cinnamon Stick – Brings a hint of warmth; entirely optional for added flavor.
For Creaminess
- Skim Milk – Offers creaminess without too much fat; whole milk or non-dairy options work too.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Provides a rich texture that is key in this creamy guava sherbet.
- Guava Simple Syrup – Sweetener that enhances guava flavor; can be homemade or store-bought.
- Light Corn Syrup – Helps maintain creamy texture and prevents ice crystals; optional to skip.
- Kosher Salt – Brightens flavors and balances sweetness; table salt can be used in smaller amounts.
For the Puree
- Guava Puree – Main ingredient; ensure it is smooth after processing for the best texture.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Guava Sherbet
Step 1: Prepare Guava Simple Syrup and Poach Guavas
Peel the ripe pink guavas and halve them, removing the seeds. Chop the guavas into pieces, then combine them in a saucepan with sugar, water, a scraped vanilla bean, and a cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the guavas are tender. Remove from heat, allowing it to steep for a bit before straining. Puree the poached guavas until smooth and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Base
In a clean saucepan, whisk together skim milk, heavy whipping cream, your freshly made guava syrup, light corn syrup, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until it begins to simmer and the sugar dissolves completely. Once bubbling gently, remove from the heat and pour into a liquid measuring cup to cool slightly before proceeding.
Step 3: Cool the Mixture
Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water. Transfer the warm guava milk mixture into a quart-sized freezer bag, sealing it tightly to avoid any leaks. Immerse the bag into the ice bath, agitating it every few minutes for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture is chilled thoroughly. Once cooled, mix this base with the reserved guava puree, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors for your creamy guava sherbet.
Step 4: Churn the Sherbet
Refrigerate the combined guava milk and puree mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight; chilling is essential for a creamy texture. Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep churning until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency—this usually takes around 20-30 minutes and produces a soft-serve texture.
Step 5: Freeze and Serve
Transfer the freshly churned creamy guava sherbet into an airtight container, smoothing the top for even freezing. Cover tightly and place in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until it is firm enough to scoop. If the sherbet is too hard to serve, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften before indulging in this delightful treat!
What to Serve with Creamy Homemade Guava Sherbet
Turn your delightful dessert into a full tropical feast with these fantastic pairings!
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Crispy Coconut Cookies: These crunchy treats contrast beautifully with the creamy guava sherbet, adding texture and a hint of tropical flavor.
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Tropical Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of pineapple, mango, and kiwi brings a burst of freshness, perfectly complementing the tropical notes of guava.
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Mint-Infused Lemonade: The citrusy zing combined with fresh mint enhances the flavors of the sherbet, making it a refreshing drink pairing that quenches your thirst.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of molten chocolate over your guava sherbet adds richness and creates a delightful creamy-chocolate contrast.
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Vanilla Pound Cake: A slice of moist pound cake provides a comforting base, allowing the creamy guava flavor to shine even brighter with each bite.
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Coconut Sorbet: Embrace the tropical theme with another sorbet! Coconut’s light sweetness beautifully balances the creamy texture and flavors of your guava sherbet.
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Pineapple-Mango Smoothie: Blend up a smoothie with these vibrant fruits to keep the tropical vibes alive—all while adding a nutritious touch to your meal.
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Fresh Mint Leaves Garnish: Top the sherbet with fresh mint for an aromatic finish, enhancing both presentation and flavors for an inviting dessert experience.
Guava Sherbet Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your creamy guava sherbet with these delightful twists and swaps that enhance both flavor and texture!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute with coconut milk and a dairy-free cream alternative for a tropical twist.
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Sweetened Guava Puree: If using this, reduce the added sugar to prevent making the sherbet too sweet.
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Mango Magic: Swap guavas for ripe mangoes for a deliciously different flavor profile that’s also tropical.
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Minty Fresh: Add finely chopped fresh mint leaves to the mixture before churning for a refreshing burst.
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Citrus Zest: Mix in lime or orange zest during the blending process for a bright and zesty flavor.
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Nutty Crunch: Add crushed macadamia nuts or pistachios just before serving for a delightful texture contrast.
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Chili Kick: Incorporate a pinch of chili powder or cayenne for a subtly spicy twist that elevates the flavor experience.
For more sundry ideas, explore our tropical desserts that can elevate any summer gathering into a festivity of flavors!
Expert Tips for Creamy Guava Sherbet
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Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh, ripe pink guavas for the best flavor—frozen or canned may alter the sherbet’s taste and texture.
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Sweetness Control: If using sweetened guava puree, adjust the sugar accordingly to maintain balance in your sherbet, avoiding an overly sweet treat.
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Chill Efficiently: Use an ice bath to cool your mixture quickly and evenly; this step is vital for achieving a creamy texture in your guava sherbet.
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Mind the Churning: Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions closely to prevent over-churning, which can lead to undesirable ice crystals.
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Storage Strategy: Keep your sherbet in an airtight container to maintain freshness. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 weeks but will be best enjoyed within a few days!
Make Ahead Options
These creamy guava sherbet delights are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the guava simple syrup and poach the guavas up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, the guava puree can be made ahead and kept for up to 24 hours to enhance the flavors. When you’re ready to create your creamy guava sherbet, simply mix the chilled base with the reserved guava puree, churn it in the ice cream maker, and freeze for about 2 hours before serving. This way, you’ll have a refreshing homemade treat on hand with minimal effort during busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Guava Sherbet
Fridge: Store leftover guava sherbet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but occasional cold treats can be delightful!
Freezer: For longer storage, keep guava sherbet in the freezer in a well-sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Ensure it’s airtight to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy goodness.
Reheating: If your guava sherbet becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping. This will soften it enough for easy serving.
Serving Tip: For the best flavor and texture, consume homemade guava sherbet within the first few days.
Creamy Homemade Guava Sherbet Recipe FAQs
How do I pick ripe pink guavas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for guavas with a slightly soft feel when gently pressed. Their color should be a vibrant pink to yellowish hue, free of dark spots or blemishes. An aromatic scent is a great indicator of ripeness too! If your options are limited, you can opt for canned guavas, but fresh ones are always best for flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftover guava sherbet?
Very good question! Store any leftover creamy guava sherbet in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last up to 2 weeks, but for optimal texture and flavor, I recommend enjoying it within a few days. Remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping if it becomes too hard!
Can I freeze guava sherbet for longer?
You can indeed freeze guava sherbet! Ensure it’s in a well-sealed, airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to 2 weeks, but for the best flavor and texture, consume it within the first few days after making.
What should I do if my guava sherbet turns icy or too hard?
Oh no! If you notice icy crystals or hard texture in your guava sherbet, it might have been over-churned or frozen too long. To remedy this, let it sit out at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. If it’s icy from not being churned enough, try churning it for a bit longer next time—but always keep an eye on the consistency!
Is this guava sherbet safe for people with allergies?
Yes, but it’s essential to check the ingredients carefully. This recipe contains dairy; therefore, if you need a dairy-free option, substitute the cream and milk with suitable non-dairy alternatives. Additionally, always ensure that the other components, like sugar and guava puree, are free from allergens specific to your needs.
Creamy Guava Sherbet for a Tropical Homemade Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel, halve, and chop the ripe pink guavas. Combine with sugar, water, vanilla bean, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Boil, then simmer for 15 minutes until tender. Strain and puree until smooth.
- In a saucepan, whisk together skim milk, heavy cream, guava syrup, light corn syrup, sugar, and salt. Heat until simmering, then remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Prepare an ice bath. Transfer the warm guava milk mixture to a freezer bag, immerse in the ice bath for 10-15 minutes until chilled. Mix with reserved guava puree.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours. Pour into ice cream maker and churn until smooth and creamy, around 20-30 minutes.
- Transfer to an airtight container, smooth the top, cover, and freeze for about 2 hours or until firm enough to scoop.
