Classic Cherries Jubilee Recipe

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Cherries jubilee isn’t just a show-stopping dessert display but also an incredibly delicious way to improve your ice cream. This recipe is simple and quick to make, with the only real difficulty being lighting the cherries properly.

For more great cherry recipes, why not try some Chocolate Cherry Squares, or make a Cherry Poppy Seed Loaf Cake instead?

Classic Cherries Jubilee Recipe

Cherries jubilee really only requires three things – good cherries, good brandy, and the confidence to light them all on fire. I know, I’m asking a lot of you but trust me, when you nail this, you’ll feel like a chef at a five-star restaurant!

The use of a little bit of almond extract in this recipe really takes it to a whole new level, giving it that subtle almond flavor so that it contrasts beautifully with the sweet, intense flavor of the cherries.

Classic Cherries Jubilee Ingredients

Check out the recipe card at the very bottom of the page for the exact amounts needed for this recipe.

• Dark sweet cherries (rinsed and pitted)
• White sugar
• Lemon juice
• Almond extract
• Brandy
• Vanilla ice cream

How To Make Classic Cherries Jubilee

• Serve your ice cream in bowls and stick them in the freezer
• Put the cherries and sugar in a large lidded saucepan in one layer
• Sprinkle lemon juice over the top and then stir to mix
• Cook on medium-low heat with the lid on for 5 minutes or until the sugar totally dissolves.
• Remove the lid and cook for 5 more minutes, stirring to prevent burning
• Once the cherries have softened, remove from the heat and stir in the extracts, plus the brandy, and warm up again on the stove
• Light the cherries with a lighter, shake the pan gently, and swirl the cherries until the blue flame goes out
• Spoon the cherries over the prepared ice cream

How To Properly Light Your Cherries

The only way to properly enjoy cherries jubilee is to light it up in a big, dramatic fire using a lighter.

This isn’t just for show; while it is super impressive, it also serves a great purpose in helping to burn off some of the alcohol in the brandy. If you didn’t do this, your cherries jubilee would taste alcoholic and a little bit fiery.

While it is ironic that lighting something on fire makes it taste less fiery, lighting up cherries jubilee should not be done without proper preparation.

Get yourself one of those long candle lighters or the type used to light stovetop burners. With the pan completely still on the stove and your face away from the pan, light it and then swirl the cherries in the sauce around the pan, being careful to avoid catching anything on fire.

If you are concerned about fires, make sure to keep some kind of fire prevention tools like a fire blanket or fire extinguisher on hand just in case.

However, it burns itself out pretty quickly, so once it’s done, you can go ahead and serve.

What Kind Of Cherries To Use For Cherries Jubilee?

Cherries jubilee can honestly be made with any cherries you have on hand, but you should try and go for some fresh, dark, and sweet cherries if you can find them.

If you have a farmer’s market, ask them what cherries would be best for making cherries jubilee. You can try sour cherries in this, but expect a much tangier end result.

Try to stick to the darker, almost syrupy cherries, as they will work best.

Looking for more delicious Dessert recipes? Try these out:

• Flapper Pie- The Lost Prairie Pie
• Cream Cheese Pineapple Pie
• Strawberry Puree

Enjoy! Let me know what you think!

Love,

Karlynn

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