Cherries Jubilee

Classic Cherries Jubilee is one of those timeless desserts that instantly turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable occasion.

Tender dark cherries are simmered in a glossy citrus-infused sauce, then dramatically flambéed with brandy before being spooned over creamy vanilla bean ice cream.

The combination of warm fruit and cold ice cream creates a rich and refreshing dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

This vintage dessert is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or romantic evenings at home.

The quick flambé adds a beautiful presentation with dancing blue flames, while the sweet cherries and subtle orange flavor deliver a restaurant-quality finish that guests will rave about long after dessert is served.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 pound Bing or other dark sweet cherries, rinsed and pitted
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
  • 3 cups vanilla bean ice cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon cherry extract
  • 1/4 cup brandy

Directions

  1. In a wide saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch until fully combined.
  2. Slowly stir in the cold water and orange juice. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and cook while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
  3. Add the pitted cherries and orange zest to the saucepan. Return the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the sauce becomes glossy.
  4. While the cherries are simmering, scoop vanilla bean ice cream into individual serving bowls.
  5. Remove the cherry mixture from the heat and stir in the cherry extract.
  6. Carefully pour the brandy over the cherries and ignite it using a long lighter or fireplace match. Gently shake the pan until the blue flames naturally extinguish.
  7. Spoon the warm cherries and sauce over the prepared bowls of ice cream and serve immediately.

Chefs Notes

  • Frozen pitted cherries work beautifully when fresh cherries are out of season.
  • Use caution when flambéing and keep flammable items away from the stovetop.
  • For an extra rich flavor, substitute part of the orange juice with cherry juice.
  • Serve immediately for the best contrast between the warm cherries and cold ice cream.
  • A splash of vanilla extract can be added for additional depth of flavor.
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