Easy Cherry & Red Wine Sundae Recipe: A Gourmet Dessert in Minutes

Imagine serving an incredibly elegant and intensely flavorful dessert at your next gathering, one that leaves a lasting impression but takes less than half an hour of your time. This remarkable Not-Too-Sweet Cherry & Red Wine Sundae topping is precisely that. In just twenty-five minutes, from start to finish, you can create a luxurious sauce that will elevate simple vanilla ice cream into a sophisticated indulgence. It’s truly a game-changer for busy hosts and dessert lovers alike, proving that gourmet flavors don’t always require hours in the kitchen.

What if you’re truly pressed for time? No problem at all! This adaptable recipe can be made even quicker by simply opting for frozen cherries instead of fresh ones. The beauty of using frozen cherries is that they come pre-pitted, saving you a significant step in preparation. This small adjustment means you can have this exquisite cherry and red wine sauce simmering on your stove in mere moments, bringing that total preparation time down even further without compromising on taste or quality. It’s the perfect solution for impromptu entertaining or a spontaneous treat.

This recipe shines because of its “not-too-sweet” profile. Many desserts can overwhelm with excessive sugar, but this cherry and red wine combination strikes a perfect balance. The natural tartness of the cherries, mellowed by a hint of sugar and deepened by the robust notes of red wine, creates a complex and satisfying flavor that is both refreshing and comforting. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate a more refined sweetness and enjoy the interplay of fruity, acidic, and subtly alcoholic notes in their desserts. This delicate balance ensures that the natural essence of the cherries truly comes through, making every bite a delightful experience.

The Seasonal Delight of Fresh Cherries

At this glorious time of year, when fresh, organic cherries are abundant, it’s a wonderful opportunity to savor their peak flavor. That’s why we’ve chosen to share this version of the recipe using fresh cherries. While they offer unparalleled taste and texture, preparing them does require a small, but worthwhile, extra step: pitting. To make this process efficient and to preserve the beautiful shape of each cherry, a handy cherry pitter is your best friend in the kitchen. It might look a bit messy initially, but trust us, the effort is truly worth it for the vibrant burst of fresh cherry flavor in your sundae.

However, if pitting isn’t feasible for you, or if fresh cherries are out of season, don’t let that deter you from enjoying this amazing dessert. As mentioned, the recipe works beautifully with frozen pitted cherries. This convenient alternative ensures you can whip up this delightful treat any time of year without the hassle of de-seeding. We’re grateful to Michael Symon’s original Food Network recipe for the inspiration, which provides guidance for both fresh and frozen options, highlighting the versatility of this incredible dessert.

The Speed and Simplicity of Preparation

Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of this gourmet cherry and red wine sundae sauce is its incredibly short cooking time. Once all the ingredients are combined and begin to simmer on the stove, this luscious concoction is ready in a mere five minutes. Yes, you read that right – just five minutes! It’s truly crazy how such depth of flavor and perfect consistency can be achieved so quickly. This makes it an ideal last-minute dessert component, ensuring you can whip up something spectacular even when time is not on your side.

This quick cook time also offers flexibility in serving. You can enjoy the sauce immediately, reveling in the delightful contrast of warm cherries and sauce melting over cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. This creates a wonderfully dynamic texture and temperature experience that many find irresistible. Alternatively, if you prefer a cooler topping, you can chill the sauce for a while before serving. Whether warm or cool, the vibrant flavors of cherry and red wine will shine through, making for an unforgettable dessert moment.

Beyond Sundaes: Versatile Serving Suggestions

While this cherry and red wine sauce is an absolute dream paired with vanilla ice cream, its versatility extends far beyond the traditional sundae. Dare to be unconventional – call us crazy, but imagine this rich, slightly tart sauce drizzled generously over a stack of fluffy waffles or delicate pancakes. The way the warm, fruity sauce would soak into the nooks and crannies of your breakfast favorites, transforming them into an indulgent brunch or dessert, is simply magical. It’s truly that amazing; a spoonful of this sauce can elevate any plain canvas.

Create Your Own Dessert Bar

For your next special occasion or family gathering, consider setting up a delightful ice cream sundae bar, with this cherry and red wine sauce as the star attraction. It’s a fantastic way to engage your guests and let everyone customize their perfect dessert. While this sophisticated cherry sauce caters beautifully to adult palates, remember to include some classic favorites for the younger ones, and those who prefer traditional toppings. Think rich chocolate sauce, a medley of colorful sprinkles (or “jimmies” as they are affectionately known in some regions), and perhaps some chopped nuts or fresh fruit.

And of course, no sundae bar would be complete without a generous supply of whipped cream. A fluffy dollop of freshly whipped cream provides a light, airy contrast to the dense ice cream and the robust cherry sauce, adding a touch of classic indulgence that absolutely no one will turn down. This interactive dessert experience makes entertaining effortless and ensures there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cherry & Red Wine Sundae

• Choose Your Wine Wisely: A dry red wine is specified in the recipe, and it’s key to achieving the “not-too-sweet” balance. Opt for a Merlot, Pinot Noir, or a similar medium-bodied red. Avoid overly sweet wines, as they will alter the intended flavor profile.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: While the recipe aims for a balanced sweetness, feel free to adjust the amount of granulated sugar based on the tartness of your cherries and your personal preference. Taste the sauce as it simmers and add more sugar if desired.
• Cornstarch for Consistency: Cornstarch is crucial for thickening the sauce. Ensure it’s fully dissolved before the mixture heats up to prevent lumps. The sauce should be slightly viscous, clinging nicely to the ice cream, not watery.
• Don’t Overcook: The five-minute cook time for the sauce after adding the wine is intentional. Overcooking can make the cherries too soft and reduce the vibrant freshness of the flavors. You want the cherries to remain tender yet still hold their shape.
• Experiment with Spices: A cinnamon stick adds a lovely warmth, but consider other spices like a star anise or a few cloves for an extra layer of complexity, especially during cooler months. Remove them before serving, just like the cinnamon stick.
• Storage: The beauty of this sauce is that it stores well. Keep any leftover cherry and red wine sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This makes it an excellent make-ahead component for future desserts or spontaneous breakfast toppings.

Why This Dessert is a Must-Try

This Not-Too-Sweet Cherry & Red Wine Sundae recipe stands out as a true culinary gem. It perfectly marries the fresh, seasonal appeal of cherries with the sophisticated depth of red wine, all while maintaining an incredibly accessible preparation time. It’s a testament to the idea that exceptional desserts don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party, looking for a quick weeknight treat, or simply want to elevate your breakfast routine, this versatile and utterly delicious sauce delivers. The balance of flavors, the option for warm or chilled serving, and its adaptability to various culinary applications make it an indispensable addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Prepare to impress yourself and your guests with this simple yet sublime creation.

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