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Classic Cherries Jubilee

Cherries jubilee is a refreshing dessert, especially after a hearty meal. This does have to be prepared immediately before serving, but does not take a lot of time. Your guests will enjoy the blue flames when the brandy is ignited!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 1712.2 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Wide Saucepan Essential for cooking the cherry sauce and for safe flambéing.
  • 1 Whisk Crucial for combining dry ingredients and preventing lumps in the sauce.
  • 6 Serving bowls For individual portions of ice cream and the warm cherry sauce.
  • 1 Long Lighter Absolutely necessary for safely igniting the brandy for flambé.
  • 1 Cherry Pitter Recommended if using fresh cherries to efficiently remove pits.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup cold water
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 1 pound Bing or other dark sweet cherries, rinsed and pitted (or use frozen pitted cherries)
  • ½ teaspoon finely grated orange zest
  • 3 cups vanilla bean ice cream
  • ¼ teaspoon cherry extract
  • ¼ cup brandy

Instructions
 

  • Whisk sugar and cornstarch together in a wide saucepan. Stir in water and orange juice; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking until thickened. Stir in cherries and orange zest; return to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. While cherries are cooking, spoon ice cream into serving bowls.
  • Remove cherries from heat and stir in cherry extract. Pour in brandy and ignite with a long lighter. Gently shake the pan until blue flame has extinguished itself. Spoon cherries over ice cream.

Notes

1. Flambé Safety: When igniting the brandy, always use a long lighter and ensure the pan is removed from direct heat and no flammable materials are nearby. Keep a pan lid handy to smother flames if needed. Do not lean over the pan. A warm pan will ignite more readily. 2. Cherry Quality: While frozen cherries are convenient, fresh Bing cherries offer the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, do not thaw them first; add directly to the simmering sauce. 3. Smooth Sauce: Whisk the cornstarch and sugar thoroughly before adding liquids to prevent lumps. Continue whisking constantly as the sauce heats to a boil to ensure a smooth, clear consistency. 4. Temperature Contrast: The magic of Cherries Jubilee lies in the contrast of hot, boozy cherries over cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. Keep your ice cream well-chilled until the last moment for optimal enjoyment.