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 (for garnish); Shaved dark chocolate (optional garnish)

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Introduction

This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu combines the classic creamy delight with a fresh cherry twist and a hint of almond liqueur. It’s a luscious, elegant dessert perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

A close-up of a slice of layered dessert featuring three main layers. The bottom layer is a light yellow, soft sponge cake with visible crumbs. Above that is a thick, uneven spread of bright red cherry filling with a glossy texture. On top of the cherries, there is a thick, creamy white layer of whipped cream or frosting, smooth but slightly fluffy. The topmost layer shows dark red, shiny whole cherries arranged closely on the creamy white frosting, dusted lightly with fine cocoa powder which also sprinkles parts of the cream below. The dessert rests on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface in the background. 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 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are soft and slightly syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, whisk together 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 the mixture into a shallow dish suitable for dipping.
Step 4: Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso-Amaretto mixture for 1–2 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 evenly over the ladyfingers. Then spread half of the cherry mixture on top of the cream.
Step 6: Repeat the layering with the remaining dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cherry mixture.
Step 7: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
Step 8: Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with fresh cherries and shaved dark chocolate if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use frozen cherries if fresh are unavailable—thaw and drain before cooking.
For a non-alcoholic version, substitute Amaretto with almond extract and skip the soaking step.
Gluten-free ladyfingers make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Adjust sweetness by varying the powdered sugar in the cream or sugar in the cherry mixture to your taste.

Storage

Store the tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled. If you want to serve it again, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.

How to Serve

A square dessert slice with four visible layers sits on a white plate with a decorative edge on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is light brown sponge cake soaked in a darker syrup, followed by a layer of white creamy filling mixed with dark red cherries. On top of that is another soaked sponge cake layer similar to the bottom, and the final thick top layer is white whipped cream with a smooth texture. Rich dark red cherries are arranged on the whipped cream top and dusted with a fine layer of brown cocoa powder, some of which lightly covers the edges and plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better if made a day in advance. Allow at least 4 hours, but overnight refrigeration helps the flavors develop fully.

What can I use instead of Amaretto?

If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, almond extract works well in both the cherry and espresso layers. Use about 1/2 teaspoon instead of the liqueur to keep the almond flavor without alcohol.