Cherries Jubilee is a timeless classic and a symphony of flavors and textures.
Picture plump, juicy cherries simmered to perfection. Then, they’re ignited with a splash of cherry brandy for a dramatic flair.
They’re the perfect dinner party treat because they’re quick and simple yet visually stunning.
Bonus points if you can flambé them at the table!
What Is Cherries Jubilee?
Cherries Jubilee is a classic dessert made with juicy cherries, sugar, and a splash of liqueur. It’s usually flambéed and served over vanilla ice cream.
Created for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee celebrations, this sweet treat dates back to the late 1800s.
The warm, saucy cherries create a delightful contrast to the cold, creamy ice cream, giving it a rich, slightly tangy flavor with a smooth, velvety texture.
It’s the perfect mix of elegance, nostalgia, and comfort!
Why You’ll Love This Cherries Jubilee
Dramatic Presentation: Between the light ice cream and vibrant fruit, this dish pops in any Instagram pic.
Taste Sensation: Sweet tart cherries, the rich complexity of kirsch (or cognac), and creamy vanilla ice cream combine so well. It creates an absolutely delicious taste you won’t soon forget.
Versatile Dessert: Serve them hot or cold, over ice cream or even with cake!
Simple Ingredients: With a handful of pantry staples, Cherries Jubilee is easy to prepare without compromising taste or presentation.
Ingredients
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Cherries, such as Bing or Lambert, are the juicy gems that make this dish sing.
- Granulated Sugar: For a sprinkle of sweetness and to thicken the sauce.
- Orange Juice: A bright citrus burst balances the sweetness and adds tangy freshness to the dish.
- Cornstarch: An additional thickening agent that transforms the cherry juice into a silky sauce.
- Kirsch (Cherry Brandy): A splash of sophistication. This spirit ignites the senses and infuses the cherries with a deep, deliciously complex flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy companion that melts under the warmth of the flambéed cherries.
How to Make Cherries Jubilee
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, Cherries Jubilee offers a delightful culinary adventure that’s surprisingly simple to create at home.
Here are the steps:
1. PREP: Rinse and pit the fresh cherries or thaw and drain the frozen ones.
2. MIX: Stir the sugar, orange juice, and cornstarch in a large skillet until smooth.
3. COOK: Heat on medium, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the cherries and reduce the heat to low, cooking for 5-7 minutes.
4. FLAME: Pour the kirsch over the cherries and ignite with a long lighter.
5. SERVE: Add ice cream to bowls and top with the warm cherries and sauce.
Tips For the Best Cherries Jubilee
This dish is like baking magic.
I love how the cherries soften and release their juices as they simmer with the sugar.
And when you add that splash of kirsch and ignite it? Talk about a showstopper!
The flames dance across the pan before burning off, leaving behind a rich depth of flavor.
Nervous about setting the dish on fire? Check out these tips for success:
- Select the best cherries. Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor. Fresh or frozen pitted cherries both work well.
- Prep cherries ahead of time. Remove the pits with a cherry pitter a day or two before you make the recipe. This will save you lots of time on the big day!
- Flambé safely. Before igniting the alcohol, remove the pan from heat and turn it away from your face and body. Use a long lighter or match and be sure to have a pan lid nearby to extinguish the flames if needed.
- Shake and stir. After igniting the cherries, gently shake or stir the pan. You want to keep the cherries moving and expose more alcohol to the flame until it burns out.
- Variations. Substitute kirsch with rum, cognac or orange liqueur. For an alcohol-free version, use cherry or orange juice instead.
How to Store
This dessert is guaranteed to impress.
Unfortunately, it only holds well in the fridge for a couple of days, so be sure to devour it as soon as possible!
To Store: Place leftover Cherries Jubilee in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Gently warm the cherry mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once heated through, serve immediately over fresh scoops of vanilla ice cream.
More Delicious Cherry Desserts You’ll Love
Cherries in the Snow
Cherry Hand Pies
Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Cherry Delight
Cherries Jubilee
4-6
servings10
minutes15
minutes248
kcalCherries Jubilee is a visually stunning dessert featuring a simple yet delightful combination of creamy vanilla ice cream and warm, liquor-infused cherries.
Ingredients
1 pound cherries, fresh or frozen (about 3 cups)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup kirsch, brandy, or Grand Marnier
1 pint vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- If using fresh cherries, rinse and pit them. If using frozen, ensure they are pitted, thawed, and drained.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, stir the sugar, orange juice, and cornstarch until smooth. Turn the heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cherries, stir well, and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the cherries soften and release their juices, about 5–7 minutes.
- Pour the liquor over the top. Then, use a long lighter or match to ignite the alcohol. It will flame for a few seconds, then burn off, leaving a rich flavor behind. Gently shake the pan until the flames subside, about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat.
- Add 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream to the serving bowls. Spoon the warm cherries and sauce over the top and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Be cautious when igniting the alcohol. Keep the pan aimed away from your face and body and ensure nothing flammable is nearby.
- Substitute the liqueur with cherry juice or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.