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Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe

4.9 from 59 reviews

A luxurious twist on classic tiramisu featuring layers of luscious mascarpone cream, vibrant cherry-amaretto compote, and delicate ladyfinger biscuits soaked in espresso and Amaretto liqueur. This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is an elegant, no-bake dessert perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat any time.

Ingredients

Scale

Cherry Layer

  • 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup Amaretto liqueur
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Cream Filling

  • 1 cup heavy cream, cold
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Espresso Layer

  • ¾ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
  • 2 tbsp Amaretto liqueur
  • 1 pack (approx. 24) ladyfinger biscuits (gluten-free if preferred)

To Assemble & Garnish

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
  • Fresh cherries (for garnish)
  • Shaved dark chocolate (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cherry Mixture: In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and Amaretto. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries are soft and slightly syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool completely to ensure layers set properly.
  2. Whip the Mascarpone Cream: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate 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 for a rich, creamy texture.
  3. Mix the Espresso Layer: Stir Amaretto into the cooled espresso or strong coffee. Pour this mixture into a shallow dish for easy dipping of ladyfingers, enhancing the flavor and moisture of the tiramisu.
  4. Assemble the Tiramisu: Briefly dip ladyfingers into the espresso-Amaretto mixture for 1–2 seconds per side to avoid sogginess. Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8×8″ dish or in individual trifle glasses. Spoon half the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, then evenly spread half of the cherry mixture on top. Repeat the layering with remaining dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cherries for a beautifully layered dessert.
  5. Chill: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up for optimal texture and taste.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Garnish with fresh cherries and shaved dark chocolate for an elegant and appetizing presentation.

Notes

  • Use ripe, fresh cherries for the best flavor; frozen cherries can be used but thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
  • Ladyfingers should be dipped briefly to prevent the dessert from becoming overly soggy.
  • For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free ladyfinger biscuits.
  • The tiramisu tastes best when refrigerated overnight to allow flavors to fully develop.
  • Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar in the cherry mixture and powdered sugar in the cream filling.

Keywords: tiramisu, cherry tiramisu, amaretto tiramisu, Italian dessert, no-bake dessert, mascarpone dessert, coffee dessert, cherry dessert, gluten free dessert