Cherries Jubilee
Get ready for the most spectacular dessert show you’ll ever create in your kitchen! Cherries Jubilee isn’t just a dessert – it’s a dazzling performance of flames and flavor that will have your guests gasping in delight.
This classic French dessert combines juicy cherries in a rich syrup with dramatic flair, thanks to the exciting flambé finish. When the alcohol ignites, the blue flames dance across the pan, caramelizing the sugars and creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Equipment Needed
- 1 large saucepan (heavy-bottomed recommended)
- 1 long lighter or match
- Cherry pitter (if using fresh cherries)
Ingredients
- 1 lb cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or orange juice
- ¼ cup kirsch (cherry liqueur)
- ¼ cup dark rum
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
Steps
- If using fresh cherries, remove pits using a cherry pitter. Work over a bowl to catch juices. For frozen cherries, thaw completely and drain excess liquid.
- Place cherries, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a large pan over medium heat. The pan should be wide enough for the flames to spread safely. Stir occasionally for 5-7 minutes until cherries release their juices and sugar dissolves completely.
- Once you see a thick syrup forming (it should coat the back of a spoon), add the kirsch and rum. The liquid should be hot but not boiling.
- SAFETY FIRST: Turn off any overhead fans and remove any flammable items from the area. Using a long lighter or match, carefully ignite the alcohol. Keep your face and body away from the pan.
- Gently swirl the pan for 30-45 seconds while the flames burn. You’ll see blue flames dancing across the surface – this is caramelizing the sugars and creating complex flavors. Never shake vigorously or you risk splashing flaming liquid.
- Once flames naturally extinguish, immediately serve over scoops of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot cherries and cold ice cream creates the perfect temperature balance.
- For leftovers, cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Smart Swaps
- Replace kirsch with cherry juice for an alcohol-free version
- Try with different fruit liqueurs for variety
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower glycemic option
Make It Diabetes-Friendly
- Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener (use ⅓ cup for equivalent sweetness)
- Use sugar-free vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
- Reduce portion size to ¼ cup cherries per serving (12g carbs)
- Serve with protein (nuts) to slow sugar absorption
Pro Tips
- Choose dark, firm cherries for best flavor
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby when flambéing
- Practice the flambé technique with just water first
- Let ice cream soften slightly before serving for optimal texture