Classic Cherries Jubilee

📜 Collection: UK2 | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A dramatic and elegant dessert featuring pitted Bing cherries simmered in a rich currant jelly sauce, flambéed with brandy, and served over cold vanilla ice cream. This classic recipe offers a sophisticated finish to any meal with its signature tableside flame.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
5 mins10 minsNone8 servings

🔪 Key Equipment

  • chafing dish
  • wide skillet
  • small saucepan
  • long match
  • fireplace lighter

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1 (17 oz) canBing Cherriespitted, drained
3/4 cupCurrant Jellynone
1/2 cupBrandynone
As neededVanilla Ice Creamfor serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

  1. Drain the 1 (17 oz) can pitted Bing cherries well.
  2. In a chafing dish or wide skillet, melt the 3/4 cup currant jelly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  3. Add the drained cherries to the melted jelly and heat through until the fruit is warmed and coated.

Step 2: Flambé and Serve

  1. Gently warm the 1/2 cup brandy in a small saucepan (do not boil) and pour it into the center of the cherry mixture.
  2. Carefully ignite the brandy using a long match or fireplace lighter, standing back as the mixture will flame up.
  3. Allow the flames to burn out naturally, gently shaking the pan to incorporate the brandy into the sauce.
  4. Immediately spoon the hot cherries and sauce over scoops of vanilla ice cream and serve at once while the sauce is still warm.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: The cherry mixture can be prepared ahead of time and kept warm, but the flambé process must be performed immediately before serving for safety and effect.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card