Hey there, dessert lovers! If you’re looking for a dessert that screams elegance and indulgence, you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe: Cherries Jubilee. This classic dish combines juicy, succulent cherries with a splash of liqueur to create a warm, delicious treat that will leave your taste buds dancing. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, Cherries Jubilee is sure to impress. So, grab your aprons, and let’s dive into this heavenly, cherry-filled world together!
Why You’ll Love This Cherries Jubilee
Cherries Jubilee is not just any dessert; it’s a showstopper. Picture this: bright, glossy cherries glistening in a rich syrup that you can drizzle over ice cream or pound cake. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate! Here are some reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients, fresh cherries, butter, sugar, and a liqueur of your choice, this dessert is straightforward and accessible.
- Quick to Make: Cherries Jubilee is perfect for those spontaneous sweet cravings. In under 30 minutes, you can have a warm, delightful dessert ready to serve.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and glossy finish of the cherries make this dish stunning, elevating any ordinary meal into something truly special.
- Versatility: Whether served warm over vanilla ice cream, drizzled on a slice of pound cake, or even enjoyed on its own, this dessert can adapt to whatever you crave.
- Comforting Quality: The combination of warm cherries and buttery syrup creates a comforting dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate.
These reasons make Cherries Jubilee a delightful choice for both special occasions and everyday desserts.
How to Make Cherries Jubilee
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter (salted)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 ounces cherries (fresh)
- 2 tablespoons liqueur (your choice: Port, Marsala, Brandy, Cognac, etc.)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Prepare the Cherries: Start by washing the cherries and removing the stems. If you have a cherry pitter, use it to remove the pits; if not, a metal straw works just fine. Set your pitted cherries aside.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. As the butter melts, it will begin to bubble slightly.
- Add Sugar: Sprinkle in the sugar and continue heating the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved. This should take just a minute or two, so keep an eye on it!
- Cook the Cherries: Add the prepared cherries to the skillet. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes until they become tender and start releasing their sweet juices.
- Incorporate Liqueur and Flavoring: Pour in the liqueur, almond extract, and salt. Let it continue to cook until the liqueur’s alcohol smell dissipates and the syrup thickens slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Cherries Jubilee is now ready! Serve it warm over sliced pound cake or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful experience.
Best Ways to Serve Cherries Jubilee
Cherries Jubilee is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- Over Ice Cream: Perhaps the most popular serving method, vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm cherries. The cold ice cream melts slightly, creating a deliciously creamy contrast.
- With Pound Cake: A slice of moist pound cake under a generous spoonful of Cherries Jubilee is heaven in every bite!
- Drizzled on Cheesecake: For a twist, pour the warm cherry sauce over a slice of cheesecake. It’s a decadent combo!
- As a Standalone Dessert: Cherries Jubilee is so good that it can be enjoyed on its own as a fruit dessert! Serve it up in little bowls, and let everyone dig in.
Storage Tips for Cherries Jubilee
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens), storing Cherries Jubilee is a breeze. Follow these tips to keep your dessert fresh:
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover Cherries Jubilee in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should stay tasty for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently warm it in the microwave or a saucepan over low heat. Avoid bringing it to a boil to preserve the cherries’ texture.
- Freezing: If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the cherry mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it cool before freezing!
Pro Tips for Making Cherries Jubilee
To ensure your Cherries Jubilee turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Cherries: For the best flavor, opt for fresh cherries. If fresh isn’t available, frozen cherries can work in a pinch, just be sure to drain any excess liquid.
- Experiment with Liqueurs: Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Different liqueurs will give the dish unique flavor profiles. Try using liqueurs like Amaretto or Grand Marnier for a twist!
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your sweetness preference, feel free to adjust the sugar. You can even use alternatives like honey for a more natural sweetener.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the cherries to cook until they become tender and juicy. This also helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle some sliced almonds or add a few mint leaves before serving for a pop of color and flavor!
Creative Twists on Cherries Jubilee
Looking to customize your Cherries Jubilee? Here are some delicious variations to try out:
- Chocolate Drizzles: Drizzle melted chocolate over the warm cherries for an indulgent twist. The combination of chocolate and cherries is a classic that never goes out of style!
- Cinnamon Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg while cooking the cherries to bring in a warm, comforting spice that elevates the dish.
- Different Fruits: While cherries are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches, apricots, or even mixed berries for a fruity explosion.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: Top your Cherries Jubilee with freshly whipped cream for an added creamy element that balances the tartness of the cherries.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess liquid.
What type of liqueur should I use?
You can use any liqueur you like! Popular options include Port, Marsala, Brandy, or Cognac, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
How can I make this dish non-alcoholic?
You can substitute the liqueur with cherry juice or a splash of soda to keep the flavor profile close while omitting the alcohol.
Now that you know all about Cherries Jubilee, it’s time to get in the kitchen and whip up some bliss! Enjoy this fabulous dessert and make it a part of your culinary repertoire. Happy baking!
Print
Cherries Jubilee
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic dessert featuring juicy cherries sautéed in a buttery, sweet sauce and served warm over ice cream or pound cake.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter (salted)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 ounces fresh cherries
- 2 tablespoons liqueur (your choice: Port, Marsala, Brandy, Cognac, etc.)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Wash the cherries and remove the stems. Use a cherry pitter to remove the pits.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat until bubbling slightly.
- Add the sugar and continue heating until fully dissolved.
- Add the prepared cherries and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender and releasing juices.
- Pour in the liqueur, almond extract, and salt; cook until the alcohol smell dissipates and the syrup thickens.
- Serve warm over sliced pound cake or ice cream.
Notes
Use fresh cherries for best flavor. Experiment with different liqueurs for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg