This past winter, my family and I had the opportunity to escape the cold and spend some time in Florida. While there, my daughter and I visited a local strawberry farm, where we discovered that in zones 8-10, strawberries grow from Thanksgiving through April. It was an eye-opening experience to see how these delicate berries thrive in the warm, but not too hot, Florida winter sun.

Upon returning home with our bounty of fresh strawberries, I used them in countless recipes, and as someone who has been trying to minimize processed ingredients and gluten in my diet, I found myself craving a refreshing, healthier dessert option. That’s when I decided to invest in a small, single-serving ice cream maker (because who doesn’t travel with an ice cream maker, right?) and whip up a batch of strawberry chocolate chip sorbet. Let me tell you, it was hands down one of the most delicious desserts I’ve ever tasted!

In fact, it made me think – why would anyone ever buy ice cream when they can have something so delicious and fresh? Now, don’t get me wrong, I love Ben & Jerry’s as a company, they do good things for the world, make delicious ice cream, and are conscious about ingredients.

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But, of course, anything on a shelf comes with its processed, sugary drawbacks, so you know what time it is! Let’s compare.

Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia Ice Cream (per 1 cup serving)

Calories: 520 | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Total Carbohydrates: 54g | Sugar: 46g | Fiber 0g | Protein: 8g

Concerns with Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia:

• High in calories and fat, particularly saturated fat, which can contribute to weight gain and heart disease.
• Loaded with added sugars, which can lead to blood sugar imbalances and increased risk of chronic diseases.
• Contains processed ingredients and artificial flavors.

Homemade Strawberry Chocolate Chip Sorbet (per 1 cup serving)

Calories: 242 | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Total Carbohydrates: 46g | Sugar: 36g | Fiber: 8g | Protein: 4g

Benefits of fresh strawberry chocolate chip sorbet:

• Lower in calories and fat, making it a lighter dessert option.
• Contains no added fats or saturated fats.
• Provides natural fruit sugars and beneficial nutrients from strawberries
• Can be made with minimal ingredients, and even just a few unsweetened chocolate chips (or none at all!)

Homemade Strawberry Chocolate Chip Sorbet

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Use fresh, ripe strawberries to make this sweet strawberry chocolate chip sorbet, sweetened with a touch of honey.

• Author: Amanda MacArthur
• Prep Time: 24 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 1.5 cups 1x
• Category: Desserts

Ingredients

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• 2 cups sliced ripe strawberries
• 1 tablespoon real honey
• 1 tablespoon 72% cacao dark chocolate chips + 1 teaspoon

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Instructions

1. Freeze your single-serve ice cream maker barrel overnight or for several hours.
2. In a blender or food processor, add sliced strawberries and honey. Blend for one minute. It should make about 1 cup, which becomes 1.5 cups when it becomes sorbet.
3. If possible, freeze your mixture for 15 minutes to get it extra cold, or if you’re preparing your mix the night before, simply store in the fridge. The colder your mix is when it goes in, the faster it will come together.
4. Pour into your ice cream maker and churn for 10 minutes. Add 1 tbsp chocolate chips, and let churn a final 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Scoop into a dish, and sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips.

Notes

• We’re using a single-serve ice cream maker to make a single serving. Multiply this recipe as needed for larger machines.

Making the Nutritious Choice

When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, opting for fresh fruit sorbet over traditional ice cream like Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia is a smart move for your health. Sorbets are naturally lower in calories, fat, and added sugars, while still providing the delicious flavors and refreshing texture you crave. Plus, by making your own sorbet at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a wholesome treat free from artificial additives and preservatives.

Whole fruits, like strawberries, are packed with vital nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber that support overall health and well-being. By choosing fruit-based desserts, you’re not only indulging your taste buds but also nourishing your body with the goodness of nature.

So, the next time you find yourself reaching for that pint of Cherry Garcia, consider whipping up a batch of fresh sorbet instead. You’ll still get the satisfying treats of chocolate in a much less sugary treat.

Do you want to grow strawberries? Check out our Strawberries Gardening Guide and learn everything you need to know about growing your own!

Do you have any favorite fruit sorbet combinations? Share your ideas and let’s inspire each other to make healthier, more delicious dessert choices.