Flaming Cherries Jubilee
A dramatic and flavorful dessert featuring sweet cherries flambéed with brandy, served over vanilla ice cream for an elegant and indulgent treat perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain cherries, reserving the syrup.
- In a dish, combine sugar and cornstarch.
- Mix the sugar and cornstarch well.
- Add cherry syrup to the mixture and stir until combined.
- Place the dish on the stove and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Add the drained cherries to the mixture.
- Turn off the heat.
- Pour brandy over the cherries and ignite to flambé.
- Serve hot over vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cherry mixture. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the brandy with apple juice or a cherry-flavored soda. Ensure to stir the mixture continuously while cooking to prevent sticking and burning, achieving that perfect thick consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Flaming Cherries Jubilee immediately after flambéing for the best experience. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, but you can also try it with a scoop of chocolate ice cream for a twist. For added texture, consider serving it with crushed nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Flaming Cherries Jubilee can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, and serve again over fresh vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Flaming Cherries Jubilee contains roughly 89 calories, with 1g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you'll need to pit and possibly cook them a bit longer to soften. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fresh cherries.
What should I do if I don't have brandy?
If brandy isn't available, consider using rum or bourbon as alternatives. For a non-alcoholic option, cherry juice or soda can be used to create a similar flavor profile without the flambé.
How do I know when the cherry mixture is thick enough?
The mixture should become bubbly and coat the back of a spoon. If it holds a ribbon when drizzled, it's ready. Just be cautious not to overcook, as it can become too thick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).