Nigella Cherries Jubilee

This delicious Cherries Jubilee from Nigella Lawson is a quick and easy dessert that combines creamy homemade ice cream with hot, flambéed cherries. Using common ingredients like frozen cherries and your choice of liqueur, this simple yet indulgent treat will impress with its sweet, tangy flavors and dramatic flair.

Ingredients Needed

For the ice cream:

• 175g/6oz condensed milk
• 250ml/9fl oz double cream
• 1½ tbsp lemon juice
• 1½ tbsp lime juice
• 3 tbsp advocaat

For the cherries jubilee:

• 400g/14oz frozen cherries
• 50g/1¾oz caster sugar
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 tbsp kirsch, cherry brandy, brandy, or rum

How To Make Cherries Jubilee

1. Make the ice cream: Stir the condensed milk into the cream and whisk until soft peaks form. Continue whisking while adding the lemon and lime juice, then the advocaat. Spoon the mixture into 2 x 500ml/18fl oz tubs and freeze for 6 hours or overnight. Take out of the freezer 10-20 minutes before serving.
2. Make the cherries jubilee: Place the frozen cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a wide, heavy-based saucepan. Cover with the lid and cook for 3 minutes over medium-low heat. Remove the lid and cook gently until the cherries are hot and have released a pool of deep red juice.
3. Flambé: Turn off the heat, measure out the kirsch (or chosen liqueur), and store the bottle safely away from the hob. Pour the liqueur into the pan, then carefully ignite the surface using a long match, standing at arm’s length. Swirl the pan as it flames briefly. Once the flame has extinguished, pour the cherries and juices into a heatproof bowl, and serve over the ice cream.

Recipe Tips

• Whisk the cream well: Make sure to whisk the double cream to soft peaks before adding the other ingredients. This helps the ice cream texture stay smooth and creamy.
• Freeze the ice cream long enough: For the best results, freeze the ice cream for at least 6 hours or overnight to make sure it sets properly.
• Use fresh frozen cherries: Frozen cherries work best as they hold their shape and release juice when cooked, giving a better texture to the cherries jubilee.
• Flambé carefully: Always stand at arm’s length when setting the alcohol on fire, and use a long match to keep a safe distance from the pan.
• Let the ice cream soften: Take the ice cream out of the freezer for 10-20 minutes before serving for easier scooping and a smoother consistency when combined with the warm cherries.

How To Store Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: Let the leftover Cherries Jubilee cool to room temperature. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the ice cream portion of the dessert. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: ¼ cup (66g)

• Calories: 80
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 0g

Try More Nigella Lawson Recipes:

• Nigella Cauliflower Cheese Soup
• Nigella Pulled Pork
• Nigella Cottage Pie
• Nigella Self-Saucing Chocolate Pudding