Name: Cherry Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 600 ml Double cream (heavy cream, approx. 2½ cups); 250 g Mascarpone at room temperature (approx. 1 cup); 75 g Golden caster sugar (approx. ⅓ cup); 2 tablespoons Kirsch (from a jar of cherries in Kirsch); 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 200 ml Freshly brewed coffee, cooled (or 1½ tablespoons instant coffee dissolved in 200 ml boiling water); 100 ml Kirsch (from a jar of cherries in Kirsch); 250 g Sponge fingers (35-40 individual ladyfingers); 25 g Dark chocolate (for grating); 1 tablespoon Cocoa powder (for sifting); 36-40 Cherries from a jar of cherries in Kirsch, strained from their liquid

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Introduction

This Cherry Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring layers of coffee-soaked sponge fingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and juicy cherries. The added kirsch gives it a lovely depth of flavor, making it perfect for any special occasion or a delicious treat.

A slice of layered dessert is shown on a white plate over a white marbled surface, with three visible layers: the bottom layer is light brown soaked sponge cake, the middle layer is a thick creamy beige filling, and the top layer is another soaked sponge cake with a light brown color; above this is a thick layer of creamy beige frosting topped with dark brown cocoa powder sprinkled generously; three dark glossy cherries sit on top and one cherry rests on the plate beside the slice, creating a rich and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

600 ml Double cream (US: heavy cream, about 2½ cups)
250 g Mascarpone at room temperature (US: 1 cup)
75 g Golden caster sugar (US: ⅓ cup)
2 tablespoons Kirsch (from a jar of cherries in Kirsch)
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
200 ml Freshly brewed coffee (or 1½ tablespoons instant coffee dissolved in 200 ml boiling water), cooled
100 ml Kirsch (from a jar of cherries in Kirsch)
250 g Sponge fingers or 35-40 individual ladyfingers
25 g Dark chocolate
1 tablespoon Cocoa powder
36-40 Cherries from a jar of cherries in Kirsch, strained from their liquid

Instructions

Step 1: In a stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl, combine the double cream, mascarpone, golden caster sugar, 2 tablespoons of kirsch, and vanilla extract. Attach the whisk and beat on a slow setting for 10 seconds to start combining.
Step 2: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue beating until stiff peaks form. The mixture should hold its shape firmly. Be careful not to overbeat, and occasionally scrape down the sides of the bowl to fully incorporate all ingredients. Refrigerate the mixture for now.
Step 3: Pour the cooled coffee into a large dish and mix in 100 ml kirsch. One at a time, dip each sponge finger into the mixture, rolling it over four times, then soak each side for 3 seconds.
Step 4: Arrange the soaked sponge fingers in a serving dish so the base is fully covered. Dot 12 cherries evenly over the sponge layer.
Step 5: Spread half of the creamy mascarpone mixture evenly over the cherries and smooth the surface with a knife or palette knife.
Step 6: Repeat the process with another layer of soaked sponge fingers, another 12 cherries, and then the remaining mascarpone cream on top.
Step 7: For decoration, place the final 12 cherries on top, grate dark chocolate over the dessert, and sift cocoa powder evenly.
Step 8: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips & Variations

Use good-quality mascarpone for a richer, smoother texture.
If kirsch is unavailable, substitute with another cherry-flavored liqueur or omit for a non-alcoholic option.
For extra cherry flavor, fold a few chopped cherries gently into the mascarpone cream before layering.
Make sure the coffee mixture is fully cooled before soaking sponge fingers to prevent sogginess.
For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds on the final layer.

Storage

Store the Cherry Tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best texture and flavor. Reheat is not recommended as this dessert is best served cold. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the creamiest experience.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a layered dessert slice on a white plate, featuring three layers of light brown cake alternated with two layers of creamy, off-white filling. The top of the dessert is covered with a thick layer of dark brown cocoa powder and decorated with two dark, glossy cherries placed on the surface. The textures show soft, moist cake layers and light, airy cream, all set against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Cherry Tiramisu without alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the kirsch or replace it with cherry juice or flavored syrup to keep the cherry taste without alcohol.

How long can I prepare this dessert in advance?

This dessert benefits from resting overnight in the fridge, but it can be made up to 24 hours ahead without any loss of flavor or texture.