How to make Cherries Jubilee in the crockpot.
Crock Pot Cherries Jubilee: An Effortless Elegant Dessert
There’s a special kind of joy that comes from making a beloved recipe, especially when it’s requested by someone dear. This Crock Pot Cherries Jubilee recipe came to life after a casual conversation with my husband, John. We were relaxing, watching TV, and he subtly mentioned, “You know… we haven’t had cherries jubilee since our last cruise,” complete with a nostalgic smile. I couldn’t help but ask if that was his polite way of hinting for this delightful dessert. He simply nodded, affirming he wouldn’t mind if I happened to whip it up that week.
And just like that, the inspiration struck! Crafting desserts in a slow cooker offers unparalleled convenience. You can essentially “set it and forget it,” freeing up your time and oven space until you’re ready to serve. This hands-off approach is a game-changer, especially when preparing for holidays or special gatherings.
Why Choose the Slow Cooker for Cherries Jubilee?
The beauty of slow cooking extends far beyond savory dishes. When it comes to desserts like Cherries Jubilee, the crock pot shines as a culinary hero. It gently simmers the cherries, allowing the flavors of the syrup, orange juice, and almond extract to meld together perfectly, creating a rich and aromatic sauce. This method ensures a consistently heated environment, preventing scorching and yielding a beautifully thick, glossy jubilee every time.
- Effortless Preparation: Minimal hands-on time means you can focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax.
- Consistent Results: The slow, even heat of a crock pot produces a tender cherry mixture with a perfectly developed flavor profile.
- Ideal for Entertaining: Keep the jubilee warm and ready to serve for hours, making it an excellent choice for parties, holiday buffets, or potlucks.
- Frees Up Oven Space: Especially valuable during holiday cooking when oven real estate is at a premium.
- Easy Transport: If you’re bringing dessert to a gathering, a slow cooker keeps it warm and portable.
This recipe is particularly wonderful for festive occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even New Year’s Eve. You can set it to cook a couple of hours before dinner, and by the time everyone has finished their entrees, this luxurious dessert will be warm, fragrant, and ready to impress. The anticipation alone will make it a memorable part of your meal.
A Nod to History: The Origins of Cherries Jubilee
Cherries Jubilee isn’t just a delicious dessert; it carries a touch of regal history. This classic dish is believed to have been created by Auguste Escoffier, the legendary French chef, for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887. Traditionally, it features cherries flambéed in brandy, served with vanilla ice cream. While our crock pot version skips the flambé for safety and convenience, it captures the same decadent spirit and rich cherry flavor that made it a royal favorite. Our slow cooker adaptation makes this elegant dessert accessible for home cooks, without compromising on taste or texture.
Ingredients for Your Crock Pot Cherries Jubilee
Making Cherries Jubilee in the crock pot requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. The combination creates a beautifully balanced sweet and slightly tart profile with a hint of warmth from the almond extract.
- Pitted Dark Sweet Cherries in Heavy Syrup (approx. 30 oz): For convenience and consistent flavor, canned cherries are ideal. Look for varieties packed in heavy syrup to ensure a rich base for your sauce. Two 15 to 19oz cans usually work perfectly. I’ve found that using quality cherry pie filling (like the Walmart brand I’ve tried) can also yield fantastic results, offering a ready-made thick texture.
- Dried Cherries (½ cup): These add an extra layer of concentrated cherry flavor and a delightful chewy texture that complements the softer canned cherries.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the jubilee to perfection. Adjust to your taste preferences, especially if your canned cherries are very sweet.
- Orange Juice (¼ cup): Provides a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the cherries and adds a subtle tang.
- Almond Extract (¼ teaspoon): A secret weapon! Almond extract enhances the natural cherry flavor, giving the dessert a gourmet touch without overpowering it.
- Corn Starch (2 Tablespoons): Our thickening agent. It helps create that luscious, spoonable sauce consistency we all desire in a jubilee.
- Cold Water (3 Tablespoons): Used to create a cornstarch slurry, ensuring smooth incorporation into the hot cherry mixture without lumps.
This simple list combines for a truly impressive dessert, proving that elegant dishes don’t always require a long list of exotic items.
Essential Equipment for Success
To make this Crock Pot Cherries Jubilee, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:
- Slow Cooker: The star of the show! We highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking time is complete. This feature is incredibly useful for preventing overcooking and keeping your dessert at the perfect serving temperature without constant monitoring. Any size from 4-quart to 6-quart will work well for this recipe.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the ingredients initially and incorporating the cornstarch slurry smoothly.
- Small Bowl: To mix the cornstarch and cold water into a slurry.
- Serving Dishes: Prepare your favorite bowls or plates for presenting this magnificent dessert.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations
Cherries Jubilee is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. While I love serving this Crock Pot Cherries Jubilee over classic pound cake and creamy vanilla ice cream, don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Pound Cake: The dense, buttery texture of pound cake perfectly soaks up the warm cherry sauce.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop (or two!) of high-quality vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast in temperature and creamy richness.
- Chocolate Cake: For a more decadent experience, try it with a slice of rich chocolate cake. The flavors of chocolate and cherry are a classic combination.
- Crêpes or Waffles: Elevate your brunch or dessert spread by spooning the jubilee over warm crêpes or crisp waffles.
- Plain Yogurt or Greek Yogurt: For a lighter, yet still satisfying, option, serve it with a dollop of plain or Greek yogurt.
- Cheesecake: A slice of creamy cheesecake topped with warm Cherries Jubilee is an absolutely divine pairing.
Creative Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with this recipe to tailor it to your personal taste:
- Add a Splash of Alcohol: For a more traditional (though not flambéed) approach, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of brandy, Kirsch (cherry liqueur), or even a good quality rum to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny grating of fresh nutmeg can add warmth and complexity to the cherry sauce.
- Citrus Zest: For an even brighter flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest along with the orange juice.
- Fresh Cherries: If fresh sweet cherries are in season, you can pit them and use them in place of or in addition to canned cherries. You might need to adjust the sugar content depending on the sweetness of your fresh fruit.
This recipe was originally shared in May of 2013, and it’s hard to believe it’s been over seven and a half years since we first created this amazing dessert! It has remained a firm favorite in our household, and we’re thrilled to share our updated tips and insights with you.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Cherries Jubilee
- Don’t Drain the Canned Cherries: The heavy syrup from the canned cherries is crucial for the base of your sauce. Do not drain it!
- Slurry for Smoothness: Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to a hot liquid. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, silky sauce.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before adding the cornstarch slurry and adjust the sugar if your cherries are particularly tart or sweet.
- Patience is Key for Thickening: Allow the slow cooker to work its magic after adding the cornstarch. It needs time to heat up and activate the thickening properties. Don’t rush it by opening the lid too frequently, as this releases heat and prolongs cooking time.
- Storage: Leftover Cherries Jubilee can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, absolutely! If fresh sweet cherries are in season, you can pit about 6 cups of them. You might want to slightly increase the sugar or add a bit of water/cherry juice to ensure enough liquid for simmering, as fresh cherries won’t come in heavy syrup. Cook them for the same duration until tender.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Cherries Jubilee is fantastic for making ahead! It holds up wonderfully in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for several hours. You can prepare it fully, then keep it warm until serving, or cool it completely and reheat later. The flavors often deepen beautifully overnight.
What if my jubilee isn’t thickening?
Ensure your cornstarch slurry was thoroughly mixed and that you allowed enough time on high heat for the cornstarch to activate. If after 30 minutes it’s still too thin, you can create another small slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water) and stir it in, cooking for another 15-20 minutes on high.
Can I omit the almond extract?
While almond extract truly elevates the cherry flavor, you can omit it if you prefer or if you have an allergy. The recipe will still be delicious, but you might miss that subtle depth it provides. A tiny dash of vanilla extract could be a substitute.
Is this dessert suitable for kids?
Yes, our crock pot version, which typically uses orange juice instead of alcohol, is perfectly family-friendly. If you choose to add alcohol, remember to inform your guests.
Explore More Great Crock Pot Recipes!
If you love the ease and deliciousness of slow cooker recipes, we have plenty more to share. From hearty meals to delightful desserts, the crock pot is truly a versatile kitchen appliance.
- Crockpot Roast – A comforting classic.
- Crockpot Gumbo – A flavorful taste of the South.
- Cajun Boiled Peanuts – A unique and addictive snack.
- Bush’s White Chicken Chili – Creamy and satisfying.
- Crock Pot Ramen – An easy take on a popular dish.
Be sure to check out all of our slow cooker vegetarian recipes for more plant-based inspiration.
Don’t miss our comprehensive Cherry Pie Fillings Recipes Collection for more cherry goodness.
Do you love exploring new dishes? Check out our copycat recipes, a wide array of dessert recipes, and of course, all our fantastic Crock Pot Recipes.
Follow Tammilee Tips on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our latest recipe posts and culinary adventures.
Crock Pot Cherries Jubilee Recipe
Delicious and easy to make Crockpot Cherries Jubilee Recipe! A perfect hands-off dessert.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 201 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 oz pitted dark sweet cherries in heavy syrup (2 – 15 to 19oz cans)
- ½ cup dried cherries
- ½ cup White Sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ teaspoon Almond Extract
- 2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
- 3 Tablespoons Cold water
Unit Conversion: US Customary – Metric
Instructions
- Stir canned cherries with syrup, dried cherries, sugar, orange juice and almond extract in the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water, stir until smooth to create a slurry.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot with the cherry mixture.
- Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Turn to warm setting and enjoy your delicious Cherries Jubilee.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Small mixing bowl
Notes
I served the Crock Pot Cherries Jubilee over pound cake and vanilla ice cream, a truly delightful combination!
Nutrition
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Recipe adapted from Triple Slow Cooker Entertaining: 100 Plus Recipes and 30 Party Plans
Recipe originally shared on May 13, 2013. Updated January 2021.