Homemade Mango & Chilli Sorbet – Vegan & Dairy-Free

Cool down with homemade Mango & Chilli Sorbet! This naturally vegan, dairy-free treat blends sweet tropical mango with a spicy kick for a refreshing, flavour-packed dessert.

There’s something truly special about a perfectly ripe mango. It’s one of my absolute favourite fruits – the sweet, juicy, golden flesh, bursting with tropical flavour.

But if you live in the UK, sometimes finding a really good one isn’t always easy. More often than not, I find myself searching in international food shops, where you’re more likely to come across properly ripened mangoes that taste as they should – fragrant, juicy, and intensely sweet. So when I do get my hands on the good ones, I like to keep things simple – no overcomplicated ingredients, just a pure mango sorbet that lets the fruit shine.

But, being me, I couldn’t resist experimenting a little… and that’s when I discovered just how well chilli and mango work together.

The gentle warmth of chilli doesn’t overpower – it enhances, bringing out the mango’s natural sweetness in the most unexpected way.

In this article, we’ll explain the flavour pairing of mango and chilli, explore how these two ingredients create a perfect balance, and of course, share our deliciously simple mango and chilli sorbet recipe so you can try it for yourself!

If you’d like to go straight to our recipe and step-by-step guide, you can use the following link, or read along to find out more.

Naturally Vegan & Dairy-Free

One of the best things about sorbets is that they are generally vegan and dairy-free, making sorbet a fantastic alternative to traditional ice cream.

Unlike ice cream or gelato, which rely on milk or cream for richness, sorbet gets its smooth texture purely from fruit, water, and a little sugar – keeping it light, refreshing, and completely plant-based.

Our Mango & Chilli Sorbet is the perfect example of how you don’t need dairy to create something creamy, indulgent, and full of flavour.

Whether you’re following a vegan diet, avoiding dairy, or just looking for a fruit-forward frozen treat, this recipe is a deliciously inclusive option for everyone to enjoy!

Why Mango & Chilli? A Perfect Flavour Balance

• Sweet & Spicy Harmony – Mango is naturally rich, creamy, and sweet, making it the perfect counterpart to the gentle warmth of chilli. The balance of cool and fiery keeps each bite refreshing yet exciting.
• The Chilli Effect – Chilli activates our taste buds in a unique way, making flavours feel more vibrant. In small amounts, it doesn’t overpower – it simply enhances.
• Tropical Goodness – Mangoes are packed with vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants, making this sorbet not just delicious, but also nourishing.
• Customisable Heat – You control the spice level! Add just a pinch for warmth or turn up the heat with fresh red chilli for a bolder kick.

The Health Benefits of Mangoes & Chillies

Not only is this Mango & Chilli Sorbet packed with bold, vibrant flavours, but its key ingredients also offer some impressive health benefits.

Mango – The King of Fruits

Mangoes are not just delicious – they’re also incredibly nutritious, offering a range of health benefits:

• Rich in Vitamin C – Just one cup of mango provides nearly 70% of your daily vitamin C, supporting a strong immune system and healthy skin.
• High in Antioxidants – Mangoes contain powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene and mangiferin, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
• Supports Digestion – With a good amount of fibre and digestive enzymes like amylases, mangoes help break down food and promote gut health.
• Boosts Eye Health – Loaded with vitamin A and lutein, mangoes support good vision and may help prevent age-related eye issues.
• Hydrating & Energising – Made up of nearly 83% water, mangoes help keep you hydrated while providing a natural energy boost.

👉🏽 Click the following link to learn more about the health benefits of Mangoes – Mangoes: Are They Healthy?

Chilli – A Spicy Superfood

Adding a touch of chilli to your sorbet not only enhances flavour but also brings some great health benefits:

• Boosts Metabolism – Chillies contain capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to increase metabolism and fat burning.
• Rich in Vitamin C – Like mangoes, chillies are high in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties – Capsaicin has natural anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce pain and inflammation in the body.
• Supports Heart Health – Studies suggest that regular consumption of spicy foods may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Natural Mood Booster – Spicy foods can trigger the release of endorphins and dopamine, helping to improve mood and reduce stress.

👉🏽 Click the following link to learn more about the health benefits of Chillis – Chili Peppers 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects

Together, mango and chilli create a sorbet that’s not only refreshing and exciting but also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and metabolism-boosting properties.

Mango & Chilli Sorbet Recipe

Our Mango & Chilli Sorbet is for those who love a little contrast in their desserts – where creamy fruitiness meets a subtle, lingering heat. Whether you’re looking for something refreshing with a kick or a dessert that feels both exotic and comforting, this sorbet delivers in every scoop.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

• 3 large ripe mangoes (about 600g mango flesh)
• 100g caster sugar (adjust to taste)
• 150ml water
• Juice of 1 lime (balances the sweetness)
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (or 1 small red chilli, finely chopped)
• A pinch of salt (enhances flavour depth)

Optional Garnish: Fresh mango slices, red chilli flakes, or a sprig of mint

Step-by-Step Method

• Prepare the Mango: Peel and dice the mangoes, removing the stone. Place the mango pieces in a blender.
• Make the Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool.
• Blend the Ingredients: Add the cooled sugar syrup, lime juice, cayenne pepper (or fresh chilli), and a pinch of salt to the blender with the mango. Blend until completely smooth.
• Chill the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours. This allows the flavours to meld and deepens the taste.
• Freeze the Sorbet:
  • With an ice cream maker: Pour into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then freeze for another 1-2 hours for a firmer consistency.
  • Without an ice cream maker: Pour into a shallow, freezer-safe container. Freeze for 1 hour, then stir vigorously with a fork. Repeat every 30 minutes for about 3 hours until smooth and scoopable.
• Serve & Enjoy: Scoop into bowls, garnish with a pinch of red chilli flakes or fresh mango slices, and enjoy the perfect sweet & spicy contrast!

Nutritional Values (Per Serving, Approx. 1 Scoop)

• Calories: 130 kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Sugars: 30g (from mango & sugar) | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.2g | Fibre: 1.5g | Salt: 0.1g

💡 Notes:
✔ If you reduce the sugar, the calorie and carb count will be slightly lower.
✔ Using honey instead of sugar? It will change the flavour slightly and add trace minerals, but calories will be similar – if using honey this will no longer be vegan, but remains dairy-free.
✔ Want a boost of fibre? Leave in some mango pulp instead of straining it for a more textured sorbet.

Tips & Variations

🔸 Adjust the Heat – Start with a small amount of chilli, taste, and add more if you like a bigger kick. For milder warmth, use a pinch of smoked paprika instead.

🔸 Try Ginger Instead – Swap out the chilli for ½ tsp grated fresh ginger for a warm, slightly spicy alternative.

🔸 Make it Boozy – Add a splash of tequila or spiced rum for a fun, adult version. The alcohol also helps keep the sorbet softer.

🔸 Add Coconut for a Tropical Twist – Stir in a swirl of coconut cream before freezing for a mango-coconut fusion.

Serving Ideas

• Paired with Coconut Yoghurt – A scoop of sorbet alongside creamy coconut yoghurt balances the spice and adds richness.
• Sorbet Cocktail Base – Drop a scoop into a glass of Prosecco or sparkling water for a fizzy, tropical drink.
• With Dark Chocolate – Mango & chilli pair beautifully with dark chocolate—try serving with chocolate shards or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate.
• Tropical Dessert Bowl – Serve with fresh pineapple, passionfruit, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
• Perfect Pairings – Try serving a scoop alongside a warm coconut rice pudding for a tropical-inspired dessert.

👉🏽 If you’re more of an ice cream lover, than sorbet, head on over to our article – Homemade Tropical Mango Ice Cream – for another delicious mango based recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen mango?

Yes! Let it thaw slightly before blending for a smoother texture.

Q: How long does this sorbet last?

It’s best enjoyed within a week, but can last up to two weeks in an airtight container.

Q: My sorbet is too hard after freezing—what can I do?

Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. Adding 1 tbsp of alcohol (like vodka) can also help keep it softer.

Q: Can I make this sugar-free?

Yes! Swap the sugar for a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, or use honey for a natural option.

The Final Scoop – Sweet, Spicy & Totally Moreish

Mango & Chilli Sorbet is an unexpected but utterly delicious combination that plays with contrasts – sweet and spicy, smooth and vibrant, frozen yet warming.

Whether you enjoy it as a refreshing treat, a palate cleanser, or even as a cocktail base, this sorbet is sure to impress.

👉🏽 What’s your favourite go-to sorbet flavour? Would you try this fiery twist on a tropical classic? Let us know in the comments below!

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Homemade Mango & Chilli Sorbet – Naturally Vegan & Dairy-Free – and that we have inspired you to give this recipe a go. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below and we will be happy to get back to you.

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