Description
Cherries Jubilee is a classic dessert featuring fresh sweet cherries cooked with citrus and vanilla, flambéed with bourbon, and thickened to create a luscious sauce. Served warm over vanilla ice cream, this elegant yet simple treat balances sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of spirited warmth, perfect for special occasions or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Base
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. grated orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (from 1 medium orange)
- 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 small lemon)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup tap water
- 1 Tbsp. tap water
Cherries and Flavoring
- 1 lb. fresh sweet cherries, pitted
- 1/8 tsp. kosher salt
- 3 Tbsp. bourbon
Thickener
- 1 tsp. cornstarch
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large stainless steel skillet, stir together the granulated sugar, grated orange zest, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of tap water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the mixture comes to a simmer and the sugar has fully dissolved, about 1 minute.
- Cook the Cherries: Add the pitted cherries and kosher salt to the skillet. Cover the pan and cook until the cherries release their juices, approximately 2 minutes. Then uncover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cherries begin to soften, about 3 more minutes.
- Add the Bourbon: Remove the skillet from heat and pour in the bourbon. Return the skillet to medium heat and cook, swirling the pan frequently and spooning the sugar mixture over the cherries, until the raw alcohol smell mostly dissipates and the cherries are soft, about 3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and the remaining 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Add this mixture to the cherries in the skillet and continue cooking over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the cherries cool slightly for 5 minutes. Serve the warm cherries and sauce immediately over scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Cherries Jubilee may seem special but is surprisingly easy to prepare, combining warm cherries with cold vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Ensure to swirl the pan carefully when adding bourbon to safely cook off the raw alcohol flavor without igniting it.
- Pitting cherries in advance will streamline cooking and improve the eating experience.
- Use fresh, sweet cherries for best flavor; tart cherries may alter the balance of sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe with ice cream
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
