Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe
If you’re craving a showstopping dessert that marries the luscious flavors of summer cherries with a creamy, dreamy Italian classic, Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is about to steal your heart. This no-bake stunner is a playful twist on the beloved tiramisu: tart-sweet cherries mingle with a whisper of almond-scented amaretto, all layered between cloud-like mascarpone and delicate ladyfinger cookies. Each bite holds a celebration of bold flavors, irresistible creaminess, and a little hint of nostalgia — making Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu the ultimate finale to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The list for this decadent delight may look impressive, but each ingredient is a superstar, contributing something essential. From freshly pitted cherries oozing summer sweetness to nutty amaretto and rich mascarpone, every single component works harmoniously to create a full symphony of taste, texture, and color.
- Cherries: Use 2 cups of fresh, pitted, and halved cherries for vibrant color and juicy tartness in every layer.
- Granulated sugar: Just 1/4 cup brings out the natural sweetness in the cherries as they macerate.
- Amaretto liqueur: A couple spoons in the cherries and coffee provide that irresistible almond depth.
- Mascarpone cheese: 8 ounces of softened mascarpone form the creamy, rich heart of this dessert.
- Heavy whipping cream: One cup, whipped with sugar and vanilla, adds lightness to the filling.
- Powdered sugar: A quarter cup keeps the cream mixture smooth, delicately sweet, and lump-free.
- Vanilla extract: One teaspoon enhances and softens all the complex flavors.
- Strong brewed coffee: One cup, cooled, bathes the ladyfingers in bold, aromatic intensity.
- Ladyfinger cookies: 24 spongey cookies soak up the coffee and amaretto for each sumptuous layer.
- Cocoa powder: A dusting on top brings a sophisticated touch and a bit of pretty drama.
- Extra cherries: For garnish, because finishing touches matter as much as the first spoonful.
How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Step 1: Macerate the Cherries
Start with the flavor bomb — the cherries. In a small bowl, combine your pitted, halved cherries with granulated sugar and a generous splash of amaretto. Give them a good toss and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This isn’t just about sweetening the fruit; it’s the secret step that draws out their gorgeous, jewel-toned juices and lets the amaretto flavors soak in. Don’t skip it — those syrups will become golden in the final dessert.
Step 2: Whip the Cream and Mascarpone
In a large mixing bowl, beat your mascarpone until it’s smooth and easy to fold. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until just soft peaks form — you want fluffiness, not stiffness. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until it looks like pillowy, creamy clouds. This dreamy mixture is the creamy anchor of your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu.
Step 3: Prepare the Ladyfinger Soak
Brew your coffee strong and let it cool completely, then add the remaining amaretto. Pour this magic into a shallow dish. Working quickly, dip each ladyfinger into the mixture, turning just once. Here’s the trick: don’t leave them in too long, or you’ll have coffee soup! A quick dip keeps them spongy but not soggy — perfect for soaking up flavor without falling apart.
Step 4: Layer It Up
Line the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish with half of your dipped ladyfingers, gently nestling them side-by-side. Next, spread half the luxe mascarpone cream over the cookies, smoothing all the way to the edges. Pour over half those boozy, glistening cherries and their syrup. Repeat the layers with the rest of the ladyfingers, mascarpone, and cherries — you’ll end up with a layered, irresistible masterpiece.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Cover your assembled tiramisu tightly and let it rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours — overnight is magic if you have the patience. This time allows everything to mingle and meld, so each bite becomes dreamy and cohesive. Right before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder and crown with extra fresh cherries for a pop of color and juiciness.
How to Serve Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Garnishes
A classic dusting of cocoa powder is non-negotiable for that authentic tiramisu vibe, but don’t stop there. Scatter a few glossy, halved cherries and a handful of toasted sliced almonds on top for extra flair and crunch. You can even drizzle a little of the cherry syrup for a bakery-worthy touch.
Side Dishes
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu shines solo, but if you’d like to treat your guests to something more, offer a side of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean gelato. A handful of amaretti cookies for crunch, or even an espresso, helps round out this Italian-inspired feast, keeping the flavors balanced and the mood festive.
Creative Ways to Present
No need to stick to a classic square dish! Serve your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu in individual glasses or mason jars for personal desserts that look as good as they taste. Or, build the layers in a trifle bowl to showcase those beautiful stripes of cherries, mascarpone, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers — it’s guaranteed to turn heads at any party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid. The longer it sits (up to a point!) the more the flavors harmonize, so don’t be afraid of leftovers — if there are any!
Freezing
If you’d like to make this dessert ahead well in advance, you can freeze Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu before adding the final cocoa powder dusting and fresh cherries. Wrap the dish securely in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then garnish just before serving for a just-made feel.
Reheating
Luckily, there’s no reheating required for this chilled dessert. Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. If it’s been frozen, let it thaw completely in the fridge — don’t rush it — so the texture stays creamy and perfect.
FAQs
Can I make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu without alcohol?
Absolutely! For a booze-free dessert, swap out the amaretto liqueur for 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract in both the cherries and coffee soak, and use cherry juice instead of the liqueur. You’ll still enjoy all the almond and cherry flavors, making this treat family-friendly.
What are the best cherries to use in this recipe?
Fresh sweet cherries (like Bing or Rainier) work beautifully for Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, but you can use frozen ones in a pinch — just thaw and drain first. Sour cherries offer a tangier twist, so choose based on your mood and what’s in season.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Several brands offer gluten-free ladyfingers. Simply substitute these in place of regular ladyfingers, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. You won’t sacrifice any of the classic flavor or texture.
Is it okay to make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu a day ahead?
Making this tiramisu ahead of time is actually ideal! An overnight rest in the fridge allows the layers to meld and develop deeper flavors, so your dessert tastes even better the next day.
How do I cut tidy slices for serving?
Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife (warmed under hot water and wiped dry) to make clean slices. Serving with a small spatula or cake server will help lift those pretty layers intact. Pro tip: wipe the blade between slices for the neatest presentation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that wows guests and feels like a celebration of summer, you can’t go wrong with Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu. Every spoonful is a little escape — creamy, fruity, and joyfully boozy (if you choose!). Give it a try and see just how magical a mash-up of Italian tradition and cherry-kissed flavor can be.
Print
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. Layers of mascarpone cream, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and juicy cherries infused with amaretto create a decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cherries:
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
Cream Mixture:
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur (for dipping)
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Extra cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Macerate the Cherries: Combine cherries, granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons amaretto in a bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Cream: Beat mascarpone until smooth. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, then fold into mascarpone.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Dip ladyfingers in coffee-amaretto mixture and layer in a dish with the cream mixture and macerated cherries. Repeat layers.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with cherries before serving.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, use almond extract and cherry juice as substitutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Layering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
