Description
Cherries Jubilee is a classic, elegant dessert featuring warm, bourbon-infused sweet cherries in a luscious orange-vanilla sauce, served over creamy vanilla ice cream. This quick and simple skillet recipe balances fruity brightness, a touch of citrus zest, and a hint of bourbon, creating a delightful dish perfect for special occasions or comforting weeknight treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp grated orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (from 1 medium orange)
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice (from 1 small lemon)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup tap water
- 1 lb fresh sweet cherries, pitted
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
- 3 Tbsp bourbon
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp tap water
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the syrup: In a large stainless steel skillet, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp grated orange zest, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup tap water. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until it simmers and the sugar is completely dissolved, about 1 minute.
- Cook the cherries: Add 1 lb of pitted sweet cherries and 1/8 tsp kosher salt to the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook for approximately 2 minutes until the cherries start to release their juices. Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries begin to soften.
- Add bourbon and reduce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of bourbon. Return the skillet to medium heat and swirl the pan frequently while spooning the syrup over the cherries. Cook for about 3 minutes until the raw alcohol aroma mostly dissipates and the cherries are tender.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon tap water until smooth. Add this mixture to the cherry sauce in the skillet and continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the warm cherries and sauce over vanilla ice cream and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture contrast.
Notes
- Cherries Jubilee looks and tastes special but is simple to prepare, making it perfect for both casual and festive occasions.
- Using fresh sweet cherries enhances the natural sweetness and juiciness of the dish.
- The bourbon adds a rich, warm depth; you can adjust the amount to taste or substitute with brandy if preferred.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the lovely contrast between the warm cherries and cold ice cream.
- This dessert pairs well with vanilla or almond-flavored ice cream for a complementary flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe with vanilla ice cream (about 1 cup cherries with sauce and 1/2 cup ice cream)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
