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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 even heating and controlled flambé.
  • 1 Whisk For smooth thickening of the sauce.
  • 6 Serving bowls For individual portions of ice cream.
  • 1 Long Lighter or Kitchen Torch Crucial for safe ignition of the brandy.
  • 1 Grater (fine) For zesting the orange.

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. For a perfectly smooth sauce, ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in cold liquid before adding to heat. This prevents lumps.2. When choosing cherries, fresh Bing cherries offer superior flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw them partially and drain excess liquid to avoid diluting the sauce.3. Safety first with the flambé! Ensure the pan is off the heat before adding brandy and igniting. Use a long lighter and stand back. The flames will naturally subside as the alcohol burns off.4. Consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile. A splash of kirsch (cherry liqueur) can also replace or supplement the cherry extract for a more authentic, complex cherry note.