Name: Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 4 h 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved; 3 tbsp granulated sugar; ¼ cup Amaretto liqueur; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream, cold; 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature; ⅓ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¾ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled; 2 tbsp Amaretto liqueur; 1 pack (approx. 24) ladyfinger biscuits (gluten-free if preferred); Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting); Fresh cherries and shaved dark chocolate (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring fresh cherries and a splash of almond-flavored liqueur. It’s a creamy, fruity treat perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

A slice of layered dessert on a white plate with a brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three main layers of light brown cake, alternating with two thick layers of white creamy filling. The top is covered with whole bright red cherries, some dusted with white powdered sugar, and a light sprinkle of cocoa powder. A few cherries and crumbs lay scattered on the plate around the dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
3 tbsp granulated sugar
¼ cup Amaretto liqueur
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream, cold
1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
⅓ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
2 tbsp Amaretto liqueur
1 pack (approx. 24) ladyfinger biscuits (gluten-free if preferred)
Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Fresh cherries and shaved dark chocolate (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and Amaretto. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are soft and the mixture is slightly syrupy. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, whisk together the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
Step 3: Stir the Amaretto into the cooled espresso or coffee. Pour this mixture into a shallow dish for dipping the ladyfingers.
Step 4: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso-Amaretto mixture for 1 to 2 seconds per side. Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish or individual trifle glasses.
Step 5: Spoon half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, then spread half of the cherry mixture evenly on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cherries.
Step 6: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
Step 7: Just before serving, dust the tiramisu with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with fresh cherries and shaved dark chocolate if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free ladyfingers to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the Amaretto with almond extract and omit the alcohol in the espresso mixture.
Make sure not to soak the ladyfingers too long to prevent sogginess; a quick dip is enough.
Try swapping fresh cherries with frozen ones if out of season — just thaw and drain before cooking.

Storage

Store the tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until serving to maintain texture. If needed, reheat slightly at room temperature before serving, but do not microwave as it will ruin the cream and ladyfingers.

How to Serve

A square slice of dessert sits on a white plate, showing three clear layers: a base layer of moist light yellow sponge cake with bits of red cherry embedded, a thick middle layer of white whipped cream mixed with chunks of bright red cherries, and a top layer of smooth white whipped cream dusted with dark cocoa powder; whole glossy red cherries and small chocolate pieces crown the top, with a small green mint leaf adding a touch of color, and a vintage silver fork resting beside the dessert on the plate. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu in advance?

Yes, this dessert actually tastes better after chilling overnight, which allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

Can I use any other fruit instead of cherries?

Absolutely! Berries like raspberries or strawberries work well and complement the almond flavor. Just adjust the sugar to taste depending on the fruit’s sweetness.