Dessert

Cherries Jubilee with Bourbon, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Dark Chocolate Shavings Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Introduction

Cherries Jubilee is a classic dessert that combines juicy cherries with a rich, boozy sauce and vanilla ice cream. This elegant treat is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special night in. The combination of caramelized cherries, bourbon flames, and dark chocolate makes for a truly memorable dish.

A small white bowl with a hexagon and flower pattern holds a dessert with three clear layers; the bottom layer is a dark fruit compote with visible chunks of berries, the middle layer is a scoop of white vanilla ice cream, and the top layer is a generous amount of finely grated chocolate covering the ice cream completely. An orange and red flower is placed on the left side of the ice cream, adding a bright color contrast. A silver spoon is inside the bowl, resting against the side with its handle leaning outwards. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light 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 of one orange and juice of half an orange

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 the cherries in half and leave the other half whole.

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

Step 5: Stir in the Luxardo cherries and their syrup.
Step 6: Turn the heat to high and carefully pour in the bourbon. It may ignite—stand back and allow the flames to subside naturally.
Step 7: After the flames go out, reduce the heat to medium and simmer the mixture for 3–5 minutes until it becomes syrupy.

Step 8: Transfer the cherries to serving bowls, 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, and adjust the sugar based on their natural sweetness.
Substitute bourbon with brandy or dark rum if preferred.

For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and add a splash of cherry juice or orange juice instead.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note.

Storage

Cherries Jubilee is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat before serving. The ice cream should be served fresh and not stored with the cherries.

How to Serve

A white bowl with a black and gold honeycomb pattern holds a rich dessert with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a dark, glossy cherry compote with whole cherries showing deep red color. The middle layer is a smooth, white scoop of ice cream or cream placed on top of the cherries. The top layer is finely grated chocolate spread evenly over the white layer, giving a textured brown finish. A small bright orange and red flower decorates the side. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, leaning outwards. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, catching strong natural light that creates shadows and highlights. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Fresh cherries are preferred for their texture and flavor, but you can use thawed frozen cherries in a pinch. Drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.

What if I don’t want to flambé with bourbon?

You can skip the flambé step and simply add the bourbon off the heat for flavor. Heat the mixture gently to allow the alcohol to cook off without flames.