Passion fruit sorbet is bursting with flavor and SO easy to make, with only 3 ingredients: sugar, water, and passion fruit puree. There are only a few minutes of prep time involved, then your ice cream maker does the rest of the work. It’s a perfect spring and summer treat!
Note: this post was originally published in May 2012. I’ve updated it with new photos and some additional tips.
It still doesn’t quite feel like spring in DC, but that hasn’t stopped me from breaking out the ice cream machine. I can’t help myself.
Have you ever made sorbet?
The first time I prepared it from scratch, I was shocked at how easy it was.
Ice cream isn’t difficult (check out my Bailey’s Ice Cream for an example).
However, sorbet is completely brainless – Simple syrup + fruit puree.
You don’t have to make custard or temper eggs.
There are only three ingredients. How simple is that?
I contemplated adding some herbs from my garden.
Mint and basil would have been especially refreshing, but in the end, I stuck with the basics.
If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been going back to basics recently (these yellow cake and chocolate cupcakes are good examples).
Passion fruit is one of my all-time favorite flavors, and I love highlighting it.
If you want to try adding a handful of fresh herbs, allow them to steep in the simple syrup when it’s just off the heat.
Give them around 30 minutes and then remove them before adding the purée.
Where to Buy Passion Fruit Puree
Passion fruit puree can be purchased online and in some grocery stores, typically in the freezer section.
I found some online.
Looking for more ice cream and sorbet recipes?
Be sure to check out my Strawberry Rhubarb Ice Cream and Sorbet as well as my Roasted Blueberry Crème Fraîche Ice Cream!
Passion Fruit Sorbet
Instructions
- Add sugar and water to a medium saucepan. No need to stir.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then allow it to simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved, approximately 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes, then stir in the passion fruit purée while the syrup is still warm. Place it in the refrigerator until chilled, at least 30 minutes.
- Follow the instructions on your ice cream maker. After the sorbet sets, I like to place it in the freezer for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
I love how refreshing this sounds! I’m headed back to DC in about two weeks, and I’m already starting to hear people warn me about the heat/humidity :)
So refreshing! Perfect for summer. Can’t wait to try!
Wow that sounds so refreshing !
Looks wonderful, can’t wait for liliko’i season next fall.
What happens if I put the passion fruit in with the water and sugar?
I made this for the first time yesterday. Funnily enough, I had already ordered the passion fruit puree you suggested on Amazon. I added some fresh squeezed lime juice to the water for the simple syrup. This was the BEST sorbet I’ve made to date! Just delicious! Hits every note – sweet, tart, a little hint of citrus. Thank you – will def make again and look for to trying your other recipes.
I’m so glad you loved it! It’s one of my favorites as well, and SO easy. I’ll have to try the lime next time :)
Hi Jennifer!
Will this work with any other fruit puree?
Hi Danielle! It sure will, just read the label of fruit puree you’re using. The puree I used was a mix of 90% passion fruit and 10% sugar, so the texture was somewhere between juice and simple syrup, and it wasn’t very sweet. You’ll find an assortment of fruit purees on the market. Some are thicker, which won’t make much of a difference, but some are VERY sweet. This sorbet has a lot of sugar in it, so try to find a puree that isn’t heavy on the sugar. Also, passion fruit is very tart. If you swap it out for a sweeter fruit, say strawberries, you might want to add some fresh squeezed lemon juice for acidity. You can add it to taste.
Is your recipe really: buy fruit pure then place in the ice cream maker?
As an individual with passion fruits growing all over the garden and no ice-cream maker I guess I ll look for a real recipe elsewhere…
Hi Vincent. That’s wonderful that you have a garden full of passion fruit! I’m jealous. Please keep in mind that not everyone is is lucky enough to have such a luxury. Many people don’t have access to ANY fresh passion fruit, let alone their own garden. I’m assuming you know how to make a puree from your passion fruit since you have so much of it. If not, simply google “how to puree passion fruit.” You can use that technique in this recipe along with the simple syrup for the same results. Feel free to look elsewhere, though.
Aloha Jennifer. So thankful to see just how easy it can be. I am fortunate enough to have fresh lilikoi growing in my yard and super excited to try your recipe. Was thinking of substituting fresh coconut water for the water when making the simple syrup. Should that work the same? Thanks so much!!
Hi Trista! Thanks so much! I’ve honestly never tried using coconut water in simple syrup; I’ve only ever used it in smoothies where it isn’t heated. I can’t tell you for sure if it will work, but you could always try! I’d definitely taste the simple syrup before combining it with the passion fruit puree. If it tastes good, you’re set.
I have passion fruits from my garden first time ever. How can I use these for the recipe?
Hi Pilarin! This is the second time I’ve gotten this question so I’ll definitely add it to the post. This tutorial will help you make a puree! I wish I had them in my garden :)