Dessert

Cherries Jubilee Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan July 5, 2026July 5, 2026

Introduction

Cherries Jubilee is a classic dessert that combines caramelized cherries with a splash of bourbon for a dramatic, flaming finish. Served over vanilla ice cream and topped with dark chocolate shavings, it’s a stunning and delicious treat perfect for special occasions or indulgent evenings.

A patterned bowl with a black and white honeycomb design holds a dessert with three visible layers: at the bottom, a dark red sauce with berry-like textures; on top, a large scoop of creamy white ice cream; and the ice cream is covered with fine brown chocolate shavings. An orange and yellow edible flower decorates the side. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with strong sunlight casting shadows. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ¼ lb cherries
4 tbsp unsalted butter

1 pinch salt
3 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)

2 tsp vanilla
Zest and juice of half an orange (zest of whole orange and juice of half)

⅓ cup luxardo cherries + 3 tbsp of the syrup
4 oz bourbon
4 scoops vanilla ice cream

Dark chocolate (to taste)
Edible flowers (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Remove the pits from the cherries. Slice half of them in half, leaving the other half whole.

Step 2: Place the dark chocolate in the freezer to chill; this will make it easier to shave later.
Step 3: Preheat a pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely.
Step 4: Add the cherries, salt, and brown sugar to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the cherries start to caramelize, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the vanilla, orange zest, and juice, then cook for another 3–4 minutes.

Step 5: Stir in the luxardo cherries along with their syrup.
Step 6: Turn the heat up to high and carefully pour in the bourbon. It may ignite—stand back and let the flames subside naturally.
Step 7: Once the flame goes out, lower the heat to medium and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture becomes syrupy.

Step 8: Spoon the cherries into serving bowls and top each with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Shave dark chocolate over the top and garnish with edible flowers if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor, or frozen if fresh are out of season.
For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with cherry juice or orange juice.

Adjust the brown sugar to your preferred sweetness level.
If you don’t have luxardo cherries, maraschino cherries can be a substitute, but flavor will differ.
Try serving with whipped cream instead of ice cream for a lighter option.

Storage

Cherries Jubilee is best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store the cherry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. Avoid reheating the ice cream—add fresh scoops when serving.

How to Serve

The dish is served in a white bowl with a black and yellow honeycomb pattern. The base layer is a dark red berry compote, shiny and slightly chunky in texture, filling most of the bowl. On top of this is a large scoop of white vanilla ice cream, smooth and creamy. The ice cream is sprinkled generously with fine chocolate shavings. A small bright yellow and orange edible flower decorates one side of the bowl. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, leaning on the edge. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with bright natural light highlighting the textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Cherries Jubilee without flambéing?

Yes, you can skip the flambé step by simply adding the bourbon and allowing it to simmer until the alcohol cooks off. It will still be delicious without the flames.

What can I use if I don’t have Luxardo cherries?

If you don’t have Luxardo cherries, maraschino cherries or other preserved cherries can be used, though the flavor will be sweeter and less complex than with Luxardo.