<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Cherries-Jubilee-6-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A spoon drizzles glossy cherries and syrup over a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a white bowl. The text reads “Erren’s Kitchen Flaming Cherries Jubilee” with the website www.errenskitchen.com at the bottom. - 1”>

A collage shows a Flaming Cherries Jubilee being flambéed in a pan, served over ice cream, and spooned onto dessert. The text “Erren’s Kitchen Cherries Jubilee” is in the center on a pink banner. - 2 Close-up of glossy red cherries in syrup on a spoon, with text overlay reading “Easy & Delicious Cherries Jubilee recipe.” The image also features the Erren’s Kitchen logo and website URL at the bottom. Perfect for a classic flaming dessert!. - 3 A glass bowl filled with bright red cherries in syrup with a spoon, labeled “Flaming Cherries Jubilee.” The top banner reads “Erren’s Kitchen,” and there is a button to get the recipe on the blog. - 4

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Cherries-Jubilee-2-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A spoonful of glossy cherries in syrup is being served over vanilla ice cream, cherry sauce drizzling down, on a white plate. Text reads “Easy & Delicious Cherries Jubilee recipe Erren’s Kitchen. - 5”>

A pan of cherries jubilee is flambéed, creating a dramatic flaming dessert above glossy cherries in sauce; below, a spoonful of cherries is served over vanilla ice cream. Text reads: “Flaming Cherries Jubilee - Erren's Kitchen.”. - 6 A close-up of a glass bowl filled with glossy, red cherries in syrup, with a metal spoon resting inside—perfect for preparing a classic Cherries Jubilee recipe or enjoying as part of a flaming dessert. - 7 Two scoops of vanilla ice cream topped with glossy, red cherry sauce and whole cherries, served on a white plate for a delightful take on the classic Flaming Cherries Jubilee dessert. - 8 A close-up of glossy, bright red cherries in syrup, with a metal spoon scooping up several cherries from the mixture—perfect for creating Flaming Cherries Jubilee, a classic flaming dessert. - 9 A spoonful of glossy, red cherry topping—reminiscent of a classic Flaming Cherries Jubilee—is being poured over vanilla ice cream in a white bowl, with cherry sauce and cherries draped over the ice cream. - 10 A close-up of a skillet with Flaming Cherries Jubilee sauce, showing whole cherries in a glossy red liquid. In the background, a bowl of fresh cherries is slightly out of focus, capturing the flair of this classic flaming dessert. - 11

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Cherries-Jubilee-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Cherries cook in a pan with orange flames for this striking Flaming Cherries Jubilee. The text “Flaming Cherries Jubilee” and “www.errenskitchen.com” appear, while fresh cherries blur in the background, highlighting this classic flaming dessert. - 12”>

A close-up of Flaming Cherries Jubilee in a pan, cherries in syrup being flambéed with a vibrant orange flame. In the background, a bowl of fresh cherries sits slightly out of focus, highlighting this classic flaming dessert. - 13

Classic Cherries Jubilee is a timeless dessert that adds a touch of elegance to any occasion, with its dramatic flambé presentation and rich, luxurious flavors.

in this article:

  • Know Before You Scroll
  • Classic Cherries Jubilee
  • Fire Optional
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • Perfect Pairings
  • Cherries Jubilee
  • Erren’s Top Tips
  • Storage & Freezing Instructions
  • FAQs

Know Before You Scroll

Flaming Cherries Jubilee - 14

Flavor Profile

Sweet, syrupy cherries with a caramelized, citrusy edge and a warm boozy finish. Poured over creamy vanilla ice cream? It’s hot-cold, rich-fruity magic in a bowl.

Difficulty Level

Beginner-friendly with a bit of flair. If you can light a match, you can flambé like a dessert boss.

What You’ll Need

Cherries (fresh or frozen), light brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice or orange juice, Kirsch or Cognac, cornstarch, water, vanilla ice cream

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or saucepan, small bowl, wooden spoon, long lighter or match, ice cream scoop.

Top Tip

Flambé safely: turn off the heat before adding the liquor, then light with a long match and stand back. Don’t skip the drama, but keep it safe.

Time-Saving Tips

Use frozen pitted cherries straight from the bag—no pitting, no thawing, no problem.

Ingredient Swaps

No Kirsch? Cognac, rum, or even brandy works just fine. Out of vanilla ice cream? Try it over pound cake, yogurt, or cheesecake.

A close-up of glossy, bright red cherries in syrup, with a metal spoon scooping up several cherries from the mixture—perfect for creating Flaming Cherries Jubilee, a classic flaming dessert. - 15

ClassicCherries Jubilee

I first tried Cherries Jubilee while living in England during the Queen’s Jubilee, and let me tell you—it was everywhere . The whole country was celebrating, and this dessert felt like the perfect mix of festive, nostalgic, and just a little bit fancy. Since it’s traditionally made tableside, it was surprisingly easy to learn, and I’ve kept the recipe totally classic—because honestly, why mess with a dish that’s been charming people since the 1800s? It starts with fresh or frozen cherries simmered down with sugar and a splash of lemon juice into this glossy, sweet-tart syrup that smells like pure magic. Then comes the fun (and slightly dramatic) part: adding cherry liqueur and flambéing it. This quick flame burns off the alcohol and deepens all the rich, grown-up flavors that make it so good over vanilla ice cream .

Two scoops of vanilla ice cream topped with glossy, red cherry sauce and whole cherries, served on a white plate for a delightful take on the classic Flaming Cherries Jubilee dessert. - 16

Fire Optional

If the idea of lighting alcohol on fire makes you panic a little—don’t worry. I totally get it! It sounds way scarier than it actually is. You’re just gently warming the brandy and lighting it with a long match or lighter—no big fireballs, just a quick, controlled flame that’s gone in seconds. And if you’re still not into it? Skip the flame and let the alcohol simmer out on the stove. You’ll still get all the cozy cherry-brandy flavor without the drama.

Ingredient Notes

A white square bowl filled with fresh, ripe red cherries with green stems, perfect for creating a delectable Flaming Cherries Jubilee dessert, is placed on a white surface. - 17

Cherries

Best Choice

Use sweet or sour cherries—this recipe works beautifully with any kind! Fresh, frozen, or even jarred cherries all do the job. We used frozen cherries when we shot this recipe because it was out of season, and it turned out delicious.

Substitutions

No fresh cherries? No problem. Frozen cherries (no need to thaw), jarred cherries, or even canned cherries in juice will all work here. Just avoid ones packed in heavy syrup—too sweet!

Brandy

Best Choice

I opted for Kirsch which is a clear cherry brandy that’s traditional for Cherries Jubilee and gives the most authentic flavor.

Substitutions

Regular brandy or Cognac will work in a pinch. For a non-alcoholic version, try cherry juice with a drop of almond extract—no flambé, but still big flavor.

Lemon Juice

Best Choice

Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cherries and sugar.

Substitutions

I never recommend bottled lemon juice because it just doesn’t taste good. Orange juice is a better option but will slightly change the flavor profile.

Sugar

Best Choice

This recipe uses a combo of light brown sugar and granulated sugar to create a rich, balanced sweetness. The brown sugar adds a hint of molasses and warmth, while the granulated sugar keeps the sauce smooth and glossy.

Substitutions

You can use all granulated sugar if you don’t have brown sugar—it’ll still taste great, just a little less caramel-like. Dark brown sugar works too, but will give the sauce a deeper flavor and darker color.

You can find the full, printable recipe at the top of this post , but you can read the detailed instructions with photos for each step below.

Step By Step Instructions

1

Prep the Cherries

If you’re using fresh cherries, you’ll have to pit them and then set them aside. If you’ve got frozen cherries, no need to thaw they’ll just go straight into the pan.

A close-up view of a pile of bright red, pitted cherries. The cherries are glossy and juicy, perfect for a Flaming Cherries Jubilee or any show-stopping flambé dessert. Their hollow centers hint at the first step in a classic Cherries Jubilee recipe. - 18

2

Start the Sauce

Grab a large skillet and get it warm over medium heat. Toss in your sugars—yep, both kinds—and a splash of lemon or orange juice. Stir it all around until everything’s melted and it starts to bubble just a bit.

A gray frying pan with a light coating of oil being spread by a wooden spatula, ready to start a classic Flaming Cherries Jubilee dessert. The pan sits on a white surface, and the oil glistens under the light. - 19

3

Add the Cherries

Now add in those gorgeous cherries. Stir them into the syrup and let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. They’ll get soft, juicy, and start making this dreamy red sauce. Yes please.

A wooden spoon stirs glossy, cooked cherries in a thick red sauce inside a white pan—perfect for creating a classic Flaming Cherries Jubilee. - 20

4

Thicken It Up

If you want a slightly thicker sauce, whisk up a quick slurry with cornstarch and water. Stir that into the cherries and give it a minute or two to work its magic. Total glow-up moment.

A metal spoon rests in a glass bowl containing a small amount of white liquid, likely a mixture such as icing or glaze, reminiscent of preparations for a classic flaming dessert like Cherries Jubilee, on a white background. - 21

5

Flambé Time!

Okay, now for the fun part. Take the pan off the heat and pour in your Kirsch or Cognac. Carefully light it up with a long match and let the flames do their thing—about 30 seconds. It’s quick, dramatic, and super impressive.

A close-up of a skillet with Flaming Cherries Jubilee sauce, showing whole cherries in a glossy red liquid. In the background, a bowl of fresh cherries is slightly out of focus, capturing the flair of this classic flaming dessert. - 22

6

Serve It Up

Scoop up some vanilla ice cream, drizzle that warm, boozy cherry sauce all over the top, and get ready for dessert dreams to come true.

A spoonful of glossy, red cherry topping—reminiscent of a classic Flaming Cherries Jubilee—is being poured over vanilla ice cream in a white bowl, with cherry sauce and cherries draped over the ice cream. - 23

Perfect Pairings

Looking to take your Cherries Jubilee to the next level? Spoon it over vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate hot-and-cold combo, serve it with lemon pound cake to soak up all that cherry goodness, or drizzle it over a slice of New York cheesecake for a decadent twist. You really can’t go wrong here.

  • Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
  • Lemon Pound Cake
  • New York Cheesecake
A close-up of Flaming Cherries Jubilee in a pan, cherries in syrup being flambéed with a vibrant orange flame. In the background, a bowl of fresh cherries sits slightly out of focus, highlighting this classic flaming dessert. - 24

Ingredients

  • ▢ 1 lb Fresh cherries (or frozen and pitted)
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • ▢ 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ▢ 2 Tablespoons lemon juice ( or orange juice)
  • ▢ ¼ cup Kirsch (cherry brandy or Cognac)
  • ▢ 2 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ▢ 2 teaspoons water
  • ▢ vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

  • If using fresh cherries, pit them and set aside.
  • If using frozen cherries, do not thaw before cooking.
  • In a large skillet or saucepan, combine light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and lemon juice (or orange juice) over medium heat.
  • Stir until the sugars dissolve and the mixture begins to simmer.
  • Add the cherries and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices.
  • Thicken the Sauce (optional) In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to create a slurry.
  • Stir the slurry into the cherries and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour in the Kirsch or Cognac.
  • Using a long match or lighter, ignite the alcohol. (Be cautious and stand back to prevent burns.)
  • Let the flames burn off naturally, which should take about 30 seconds.
  • Spoon the warm cherries and sauce over vanilla ice cream.

Tips

Erren’s Top Tips

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Nutrition

A close-up of a glass bowl filled with glossy, red cherries in syrup, with a metal spoon resting inside—perfect for preparing a classic Cherries Jubilee recipe or enjoying as part of a flaming dessert. - 25

Can I make Cherries Jubilee without alcohol?

Yes! Swap the Kirsch or Cognac for cherry juice or a splash of vanilla extract. No flames, but all the cozy cherry flavor.

What’s the best liquor for flambéing?

Kirsch (a cherry brandy) is traditional, but Cognac, brandy, or even dark rum will work. Just make sure it’s at least 40% alcohol (80 proof) to ignite properly.

Why didn’t my flambé light?

The alcohol may have been too cool or the pan too hot. Try warming the liquor slightly before adding it, and always turn off the heat before lighting.

Can I use canned cherries?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Canned cherries are usually too soft and may not hold their shape. Fresh or frozen are much better for that juicy, saucy bite.

What can I serve with Cherries Jubilee besides ice cream?

Try it over pound cake, cheesecake, crepes, yogurt, or even French toast. It’s super versatile and adds an instant wow factor.

Is Cherries Jubilee safe for kids?

Most of the alcohol burns off during flambéing, but if you’re serving kids, you may prefer to skip the alcohol altogether and go with a juice-based version.

A close-up of Flaming Cherries Jubilee in a pan, cherries in syrup being flambéed with a vibrant orange flame. In the background, a bowl of fresh cherries sits slightly out of focus, highlighting this classic flaming dessert. - 26

Cherries Jubilee

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Fresh cherries or frozen and pitted
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice or orange juice
  • ¼ cup Kirsch cherry brandy or Cognac
  • 2 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

  • If using fresh cherries, pit them and set aside.
  • If using frozen cherries, do not thaw before cooking.
  • In a large skillet or saucepan, combine light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and lemon juice (or orange juice) over medium heat.
  • Stir until the sugars dissolve and the mixture begins to simmer.
  • Add the cherries and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices.
  • Thicken the Sauce (optional) In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to create a slurry.
  • Stir the slurry into the cherries and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour in the Kirsch or Cognac.
  • Using a long match or lighter, ignite the alcohol. (Be cautious and stand back to prevent burns.)
  • Let the flames burn off naturally, which should take about 30 seconds.
  • Spoon the warm cherries and sauce over vanilla ice cream.

Video

Notes

Erren’s Top Tips

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Nutrition

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