Last updated: September 24, 2026
Quick Answer
September 24 Cherries Jubilee Day is an unofficial American food holiday observed every year on September 24 that celebrates cherries jubilee, a classic French dessert of flambéed cherries served over vanilla ice cream. In 2026, the day falls on a Thursday. The observance has no government backing but is widely recognized across food calendars, culinary blogs, and social media as a fun occasion to make or enjoy this dramatic, flame-kissed dessert. [1][4]
Key Takeaways
- September 24 is National Cherries Jubilee Day every year, including Thursday, September 24, 2026. [1][2]
- The dessert is attributed to legendary French chef Auguste Escoffier, who reportedly created it for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. [1][7]
- Cherries jubilee is made by cooking cherries with sugar and liqueur (typically kirsch or brandy), flambéing the mixture, and serving it over vanilla ice cream. [4][10]
- The day is an unofficial, informal food holiday with no government proclamation, similar to dozens of other national food days on the American culinary calendar. [7]
- Bing cherries and Morello cherries are the most recommended varieties for the recipe.
- A non-alcoholic version of cherries jubilee is easy to make by substituting cherry juice or grenadine for the liqueur and skipping the flambé step.
- Flambé safety matters: always use a long-handled lighter, keep a lid nearby, and never flambé under low-hanging cabinets or near flammable materials.
- The dish’s theatrical tableside flames made it a staple of mid-20th century fine dining in the United States.
- September 24 also shares the calendar with other food observances, including National Horchata Day and National Mofongo Day. [9]
What Is Cherries Jubilee Day?
September 24 Cherries Jubilee Day is an annual, unofficial American food holiday dedicated to cherries jubilee, a warm cherry dessert sauce traditionally flambéed with liqueur and spooned over cold vanilla ice cream. It belongs to a large ecosystem of informal national food days that food bloggers, restaurants, and brands use to generate themed content and menu specials. [1][4]
The day has no founding organization or government proclamation behind it. Like many food holidays, from September 4 Eat an Extra Dessert Day to National Fruit Compote Day, it exists as a cultural celebration rather than a legal one. That informality doesn’t reduce its reach: food calendars, social media accounts, and culinary publications consistently list it each year. [7][9]
Who celebrates it? Home cooks, restaurant chefs, food bloggers, and anyone who appreciates retro French-inspired desserts. It’s a good fit for dinner parties where the tableside flambé can serve as entertainment as much as dessert.
Where Did Cherries Jubilee Originate? The History Behind the Dessert
Cherries jubilee is widely attributed to Auguste Escoffier, one of the most influential French chefs in culinary history, who is said to have created the dessert to honor Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebration in 1897. [1][7][8]
Escoffier was working in London at the Savoy Hotel during this period, and the dessert’s dramatic flambé presentation fit the grand, theatrical style of elite dining in the late Victorian era. The name “jubilee” directly references the royal celebration, which is part of why the dish carries such a strong sense of occasion and history. [8][10]
By the mid-20th century, cherries jubilee had become a signature tableside dessert in American fine dining restaurants, alongside other flambéed classics like bananas Foster. Its popularity peaked in the 1950s and 1960s before declining as dining trends shifted toward simpler presentations. September 24 Cherries Jubilee Day helps keep that culinary heritage alive. [1][4]
“The dessert’s theatrical flames and its royal origin story are a large part of what makes September 24 Cherries Jubilee Day so appealing to food enthusiasts and culinary historians alike.”
For more on the French culinary traditions that shaped dishes like this one, see the French Cuisine History archive.
Why Is September 24 Cherries Jubilee Day?
September 24 is the fixed annual date for National Cherries Jubilee Day. It does not move by weekday and appears consistently on September 24 across multi-year holiday calendars, including 2024 (Tuesday), 2025 (Wednesday), 2026 (Thursday), and 2027 (Friday). [1][2][5][10]
No documented reason explains why September 24 specifically was chosen over another date. This is common for informal food holidays, many of which were assigned dates by food bloggers, marketing organizations, or unknown originators without public explanation. What matters practically is that the date is stable and widely recognized. [4][7]
Is it the same as National Cherries Day? No. National Cherries Day in the UK falls on July 16 and focuses on the fruit itself, not the dessert. September 24 Cherries Jubilee Day is a U.S.-centric observance celebrating the prepared dish. [7]
How to Make Cherries Jubilee: Traditional Recipe and Method
The traditional cherries jubilee recipe involves four core steps: cooking cherries with butter and sugar, adding liqueur, flambéing the sauce, and serving it immediately over vanilla ice cream. [4][10][15]
Traditional Cherries Jubilee Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 2 cups pitted dark cherries (fresh or canned)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup kirsch (cherry brandy) or regular brandy
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
Steps:
- Melt butter in a wide skillet or chafing dish over medium heat.
- Add cherries and sugar; stir gently and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the cherries soften and the sugar dissolves into a light syrup.
- Remove the pan from direct heat or tilt it slightly away from you before adding the kirsch.
- Carefully ignite the liqueur using a long-handled lighter. Let the flames burn off naturally (about 30 to 60 seconds).
- Spoon the hot cherry sauce immediately over scoops of cold vanilla ice cream and serve.
Common mistake: Adding the liqueur while the pan is still over a high flame increases the risk of a flare-up. Always reduce heat first.
For those who enjoy exploring other fruit desserts, cherries jubilee sits in excellent company alongside classics like strawberry shortcake and peach compote.
What Cherries Work Best for Cherries Jubilee?
Bing cherries and Morello cherries are the best choices for cherries jubilee. Bing cherries are sweet and firm, holding their shape during cooking, while Morello cherries are tart and produce a more complex, deeply flavored sauce. [4][10]
Cherry selection guide:
| Cherry Type | Flavor Profile | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Bing (fresh) | Sweet, mild | Classic, crowd-pleasing version |
| Morello (jarred or fresh) | Tart, rich | Traditional European-style version |
| Canned dark sweet cherries | Consistent, convenient | Quick weeknight version |
| Maraschino cherries | Very sweet, artificial | Not recommended, too soft |
Choose Bing cherries if you want a sweeter, more approachable sauce. Choose Morello cherries if you prefer a tarter, more complex flavor that balances the sweetness of ice cream. Canned dark sweet cherries work well when fresh cherries are out of season, which makes them a practical choice for celebrating September 24 Cherries Jubilee Day in the fall.
Can You Make Cherries Jubilee Without Alcohol?
Yes, a non-alcoholic cherries jubilee is easy to make and still delivers excellent flavor. Simply replace the kirsch or brandy with an equal amount of cherry juice, black cherry concentrate, or grenadine, and skip the flambé step entirely. [1][12]
Non-alcoholic substitution options:
- Cherry juice or black cherry concentrate (closest flavor match)
- Pomegranate juice (slightly tart, adds depth)
- Grenadine (sweeter, more syrupy result)
- A splash of vanilla extract added at the end for warmth
Without alcohol, the sauce won’t flambé, but it will still produce a rich, glossy cherry topping. Finish the sauce with a small knob of butter stirred in off the heat for extra shine and body. This version is also ideal for serving to children or guests who don’t drink.
Cherries Jubilee Flambé Safety Tips
The flambé step is safe when handled correctly, but it requires attention and preparation. The key rules are: use a long-handled lighter, never add liqueur directly from the bottle to a hot pan, and always have a pan lid within reach to smother flames if needed. [1][4]
Safety checklist before flambéing:
- Clear the area of dish towels, paper, and anything flammable
- Ensure no overhead cabinets or range hoods are directly above the pan
- Use a wide, low-sided skillet rather than a deep pot (flames spread upward, not outward)
- Warm the liqueur slightly before adding it, cold liqueur is harder to ignite
- Remove the pan from the burner or reduce heat to low before adding alcohol
- Stand to the side when igniting, not directly over the pan
- Never pour liqueur from the bottle near an open flame
Edge case: If the sauce fails to ignite, the liqueur may have been too cold or the pan temperature too low. Gently warm the sauce again and retry. If it still won’t light, simply cook off the alcohol by simmering for an extra 2 minutes, the flavor will remain.
Cherries Jubilee vs. Other Cherry Desserts
Cherries jubilee is distinct from other cherry desserts primarily because of its flambé technique and its hot-over-cold serving style. A cherry pie, cherry compote, or Black Forest cake are all baked or chilled; cherries jubilee is a quick stovetop sauce finished at the table with flames. [4][10]
Quick comparison:
- Cherries jubilee: Flambéed stovetop sauce, served hot over cold ice cream, dramatic presentation, French origin
- Cherry compote: Slow-cooked fruit reduction, no alcohol required, served warm or cold, versatile topping (see National Fruit Compote Day)
- Black Forest cake: German layered cake with cherries, chocolate, and whipped cream, no flambé
- Cherry clafoutis: French baked custard with whole cherries, oven-based, rustic presentation
- Cherry pie: American baked pastry, no alcohol, served at room temperature
Cherries jubilee wins on theater. No other cherry dessert offers the combination of a live flame, the sizzle of hot sauce hitting cold ice cream, and a story rooted in royal history.
Common Mistakes Making Cherries Jubilee at Home
The most common mistakes are using the wrong cherries, adding too much liqueur, and flambéing over too high a heat. Each of these is easy to fix once you know what to watch for. [1][4]
Mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Using maraschino cherries: They’re too soft and overly sweet. Use Bing, Morello, or canned dark sweet cherries instead.
- Adding too much liqueur: More than 1/4 cup per 2 cups of cherries produces an overpowering alcohol flavor and an uncontrollable flame. Measure carefully.
- Flambéing over high heat: This causes a sudden, large flare-up. Always reduce heat before adding the alcohol.
- Not pitting fresh cherries: Whole cherries with pits are a choking hazard and make the dish difficult to eat. Always pit before cooking.
- Serving over melted ice cream: Cherries jubilee must hit cold, firm ice cream. Scoop ice cream just before the sauce is ready and serve immediately.
- Letting the sauce sit: The sauce thickens and loses its glossy texture within minutes. Serve straight from the pan.
How to Celebrate September 24 Cherries Jubilee Day in 2026
Celebrating September 24 Cherries Jubilee Day can be as simple as making the recipe at home or as elaborate as hosting a dinner party with a tableside flambé presentation. [1][12]
Practical ways to mark the day:
- Make it at home: Follow the traditional recipe above. The whole dish takes under 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Host a retro dinner party: Build a menu around mid-century French classics and finish with a tableside cherries jubilee for guests.
- Order it at a restaurant: Some fine dining restaurants and supper clubs still serve cherries jubilee. Call ahead to ask, as it may not be on the regular menu.
- Try the non-alcoholic version: A great option for family dinners or celebrations with children.
- Share on social media: Use the occasion to post a photo or short video of the flambé. The visual drama translates well to video formats.
- Pair it with great ice cream: The quality of the vanilla ice cream matters. For inspiration on pairing flavors, see the Best Ice Cream Flavors guide.
If you enjoy marking food holidays throughout the year, August 2 Ice Cream Sandwich Day is another dessert-focused observance worth adding to your calendar.
FAQ
What date is National Cherries Jubilee Day? National Cherries Jubilee Day is observed every year on September 24. In 2026, it falls on a Thursday. [1][2]
Is National Cherries Jubilee Day a federal holiday? No. It is an unofficial, informal food holiday with no government proclamation or legal recognition. It is celebrated culturally, not officially. [7]
Who invented cherries jubilee? Cherries jubilee is widely attributed to French chef Auguste Escoffier, who reportedly created it to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. [1][7][8]
What liqueur is used in cherries jubilee? The traditional choice is kirsch (cherry brandy). Regular brandy is also commonly used and produces a slightly different but equally good result. [4][10]
Can I make cherries jubilee without a flambé? Yes. Simply skip the flambé step and cook the liqueur into the sauce by simmering for 2 extra minutes. The flavor will be similar, and the dish is still delicious. [1]
What ice cream goes best with cherries jubilee? Classic vanilla ice cream is the traditional and most recommended pairing. Its neutral sweetness balances the tart, boozy cherry sauce without competing with it.
How long does cherries jubilee take to make? The entire dish takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish, making it one of the fastest impressive desserts you can prepare.
Can I use frozen cherries for cherries jubilee? Yes. Thaw frozen cherries fully and drain excess liquid before cooking to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.
Is cherries jubilee the same as a cherry compote? No. A compote is a slow-cooked fruit reduction served without flambéing. Cherries jubilee uses a quick stovetop method with liqueur and a flambé finish. [4]
What is the difference between National Cherries Jubilee Day and National Cherries Day? National Cherries Day (UK, July 16) celebrates the fruit itself. September 24 Cherries Jubilee Day (U.S.) celebrates the specific prepared dessert. [7]
Where can I find restaurants serving cherries jubilee near me? Cherries jubilee is not a common menu item at most casual restaurants. Search for fine dining establishments, supper clubs, or French-American restaurants in your area and call ahead to ask if they offer it, especially around September 24.
Is cherries jubilee difficult to make at home? No. The recipe has four basic steps and takes under 15 minutes. The flambé step requires care but is manageable with proper safety precautions.
Conclusion
September 24 Cherries Jubilee Day is a compelling reason to revisit one of the most theatrical desserts in culinary history. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying a flambé for the first time, the recipe is fast, the results are impressive, and the story behind the dish adds genuine depth to the experience.
Actionable next steps for 2026:
- Gather ingredients (dark cherries, kirsch or brandy, butter, sugar, vanilla ice cream) before September 24.
- Review the flambé safety checklist above before cooking.
- If you prefer a no-alcohol version, substitute cherry juice and skip the flame.
- Consider hosting a small dinner party to share the experience, the tableside presentation is half the appeal.
- Share the moment on social media to join the broader conversation around the day.
Cherries jubilee rewards minimal effort with maximum impact. September 24 is the perfect occasion to bring it back to the table.
References
[1] National Cherries Jubilee Day – https://nationaltoday.com/national-cherries-jubilee-day/ [2] National Cherries Jubilee Day – https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/national-cherries-jubilee-day/ [3] National Cherries Jubilee Day – https://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-cherries-jubilee-day [4] National Cherries Jubilee Day – https://www.checkiday.com/2f0517cc3518ffcc6dfbc5b26b1680d6/national-cherries-jubilee-day [5] dayspedia – https://dayspedia.com/us/calendar/holiday/1576/ [6] National Cherries Jubilee Day – https://www.journee-mondiale.com/en/day/national-cherries-jubilee-day/ [7] diffordsguide – https://www.diffordsguide.com/on-this-day/september/24 [8] September 24 – https://www.thefactsite.com/day/september-24/ [9] Holidays September – https://www.thenibble.com/fun/more/facts/holidays-september.asp [10] National Cherries Jubilee Day – https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/usa/national-cherries-jubilee-day
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