If you’re looking for a dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull off, I’ve got you covered with this fan-freaking-tastic Cherries Jubilee Recipe. It’s one of those classics that just hits the right balance between warm, boozy cherries and cool creamy vanilla ice cream. Honestly, the first time I made this, my family went absolutely crazy—and every time since, it’s been a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to nail it just right!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Elegant: It transforms simple ingredients into a dessert fit for a special occasion without any fuss.
Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The fresh cherries combined with citrus zest give it a lively, bright taste.
Customizable Boozy Touch: Bourbon adds warmth but you can swap it for other spirits based on your mood.
Perfect Pairing: Served over vanilla ice cream, it’s the ultimate balance of warm and cold that everyone loves.

A clear glass bowl filled with many bright red and dark red cherries covered in a shiny syrup sits on a white marbled surface. To the left, there is a smaller clear glass bowl with a scoop of white ice cream topped with some cherries and red syrup dripping down. The bowls catch light, creating soft round shadows and reflections around them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cherries Jubilee Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together like a charm. I always recommend using ripe, sweet cherries — the fresher, the better — and peeling some fresh citrus zest to brighten up the flavors.

Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect here for balancing the tartness of the cherries and citrus.
Orange zest and juice: Adds a fragrant, zesty brightness – fresh is key to avoid any bitterness.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and complexity to the sauce.
Water: Used in two parts: first to dissolve sugar and later with cornstarch for thickening.
Fresh sweet cherries: Pitted and ready to shine — they’re the star of the show.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch to deepen the overall flavor.
Bourbon: My favorite for that smooth boozy note, but feel free to experiment.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce without clouding it.
Vanilla ice cream: The classic cooling partner—don’t skip this!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Cherries Jubilee Recipe is. Over time, I’ve messed around with a few tweaks based on what’s in my pantry or who I’m serving it to. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Alcohol free: I’ve swapped bourbon for cherry juice or just left it out when serving kids or guests who avoid alcohol, and it still tastes amazing.
Other spirits: Ever tried brandy or dark rum instead? It adds a different depth that my friends really enjoy.
Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or star anise stirred in during cooking gives a warm, cozy twist for cooler months.
Frozen cherries: Perfect in a pinch! Just thaw them a bit and reduce cooking time slightly.

How to Make Cherries Jubilee Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Citrus-Sugar Base

Start by stirring together the sugar, freshly grated orange zest and juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of water in a large stainless steel skillet. I love using stainless steel here because it’s great for even heating and prevents any weird metallic taste you might get from other pans. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring often until the sugar dissolves completely—usually about 1 minute. You want a shiny, clear syrup at this point, which means the sugar is ready for the cherries.

Step 2: Cook the Cherries

Next, toss in the pitted cherries and a pinch of kosher salt. Cover the pan and let them do their thing for around 2 minutes, until they start releasing their beautiful juices. When you uncover the pan, keep cooking and stirring occasionally so the cherries soften without getting mushy—about 3 minutes. You’ll notice your kitchen filling with an irresistible cherry aroma by now!

Step 3: Add Bourbon and Reduce

Remove the skillet from the heat briefly, then stir in the bourbon. Return it back to medium heat—this part takes a bit of swirling the pan and spooning the syrup over the cherries to soak them up with that boozy flavor. Keep it moving for about 3 minutes until most of that raw alcohol scent fades away and the cherries are soft and beautifully infused. This step is where the magic really happens for me; just be sure to keep a close eye to avoid boiling off too much liquid.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornstarch with the remaining tablespoon of water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the cherry mixture and continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens—about a minute. I like to remove it from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving, which helps it set perfectly without becoming gluey.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream

The best part? Spoon those warm, luscious cherries over scoops of your favorite vanilla ice cream and watch the happy faces appear around your table. The contrast of warm cherries with cold ice cream is, in my opinion, the very definition of comfort food with a touch of class.

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Pro Tips for Making Cherries Jubilee Recipe

Use Fresh Cherries: I learned the hard way that fresh cherries make all the difference; frozen ones can be used but change the texture slightly.
Don’t Rush the Alcohol Step: Swirling and gently cooking off the alcohol while preserving the flavor is key—patience here is rewarded.
Cornstarch Slurry is Your Friend: It thickens the sauce perfectly without clumps or cloudiness when mixed well before adding.
Serve Immediately: The sauce is best enjoyed fresh and warm over ice cream to keep that lovely contrast intact.

How to Serve Cherries Jubilee Recipe

The image shows two round glass bowls on a white marbled surface. The larger bowl on the right is filled with a glossy, deep red cherry sauce with whole cherries, some darker and some brighter in color, sitting in thick syrup. The smaller bowl on the left contains a scoop of creamy white ice cream topped with the same cherry sauce dripping over the sides, creating a mix of red and white colors. The bowls have a decorative, scalloped edge that catches the light, creating soft shadows around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a few fresh mint leaves on top for a burst of color and a little herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, a light sprinkle of toasted almonds adds a nice crunch—and believe me, that little extra texture elevates the whole dish.

Side Dishes

While cherries jubilee shines as a dessert on its own, I’ve served it alongside a slice of pound cake or even some buttery crêpes when I wanted to stretch it out. Both are fantastic because they soak up the cherry sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

A fun presentation idea I love for dinner parties is to flambé the cherries right at the table—just the bourbon portion—using a long lighter (with care, of course!). The flames add drama and really wow the crowd. Just be sure everyone keeps a safe distance!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (and sometimes I plan just enough to have some), store the cherries and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep nicely for 2–3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked cherries once or twice when I had extra, and while the texture softens after thawing, the flavor stays fantastic. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove before serving.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. This keeps the cherries intact and prevents the sauce from cooking down too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this Cherries Jubilee Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly if fresh aren’t in season. Just remember to thaw them and drain excess water to avoid a watery sauce. Cooking time might be a bit shorter since frozen cherries release juice more quickly.
Is bourbon necessary in this recipe?

Bourbon adds a wonderful warmth and complexity, but it’s not mandatory. You can omit it for an alcohol-free version or substitute with brandy, dark rum, or even cherry liqueur if you want a different flavor twist.
How long does Cherries Jubilee last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle reheat before serving and be sure to keep it refrigerated between uses.
Can I prepare the cherry mixture in advance?

You can prepare the cherries up until thickening the sauce and store it in the fridge. Rewarm gently and add the cornstarch slurry last to thicken freshly before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cherries Jubilee Recipe is one of those dishes I love pulling out when I want to impress without stressing out. It’s approachable, sounds fancy, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but the truth is, it’s quick and forgiving. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special celebration, this dessert brings smiles every time. I promise you’ll enjoy making it as much as your guests will enjoy eating it. So grab some cherries, fire up your stove, and treat yourself to a little taste of classic elegance tonight!