If you’ve been dreaming of a dessert that combines the classic elegance of tiramisu with a delightful fruity twist, then you’re in for a treat with this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe. It brings together the richness of mascarpone, the bold warmth of coffee, and the luscious burst of fresh cherries all harmonized by the subtle almond notes of amaretto. This dessert is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a stunning showstopper on any table. Trust me, once you try this version, traditional tiramisu will have some serious competition in your dessert rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe fool you—every ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures. Each element, from the fresh cherries’ juicy brightness to the creamy mascarpone’s indulgence, comes together to create that unforgettable balance.
- 24 ladyfingers: These crisp, airy cookies soak up the coffee and cherry juice mixture beautifully, giving the tiramisu its delicate structure.
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese: The creamy heart of the dessert, providing rich texture and a mild tang that complements the cherries perfectly.
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved: Fresh cherries bring vibrant color and natural sweetness with a slight tartness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled: A strong coffee base lends that signature tiramisu bitterness and depth that balances the dessert’s sweetness.
- 1/2 cup cherry juice: Adds fruity aroma and enhances the cherry flavor throughout the layers.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture, ensuring every bite has perfect harmony.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder: Dusting the top with cocoa powder adds a final touch of bittersweet cocoa flavor and visual elegance.
How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Brew and Cool Your Coffee
Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee. Its intensity is essential to balance the sweetness and richness in your tiramisu. Once brewed, let it cool to room temperature; you don’t want to cook the ladyfingers or mascarpone in hot coffee later on.
Step 2: Whip Mascarpone and Sugar
In a bowl, whip the mascarpone cheese together with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the luscious, velvety layer that makes tiramisu so luxurious, so don’t rush this step.
Step 3: Prepare the Ladyfingers
Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee and cherry juice mixture — just a brief dip so they soak up flavor without falling apart. This step infuses the biscuit with that iconic moist texture and rich aroma.
Step 4: Build the First Layer
Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in your serving dish. Over this, spread half of your mascarpone mixture evenly. Then scatter half of the fresh cherries on top; their tart juiciness will start to bring the dessert to life.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the process with the remaining soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone mixture, and cherries, creating a beautiful stacked dessert that’s bursting with flavor throughout.
Step 6: Chill and Dust
Cover your tiramisu and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. This chilling time is essential for the flavors to meld and the texture to become irresistible. Right before serving, dust liberally with cocoa powder for that classic finish.
How to Serve Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect presentation, garnish your tiramisu with fresh whole cherries or chocolate shavings on top of the cocoa powder dusting. A few mint leaves can add a fresh pop of color and aroma that elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
This tiramisu stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a delicate glass of dessert wine like Moscato d’Asti or a scoop of vanilla bean gelato. The light, sweet contrasts highlight the dessert’s layers without overshadowing them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try assembling this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe in individual clear glasses or mason jars. This not only looks charming but also ensures everyone gets plenty of those gorgeous layers in every serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tiramisu is a lucky problem to have! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this tiramisu, although texture may soften slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. Letting it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving can help soften it slightly if coming straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh?
While fresh cherries offer the best flavor and texture, you can use canned ones in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and reduce the added cherry juice slightly to avoid excess moisture.
Is there an alcoholic component in this recipe?
The amaretto in the name refers to the almond flavor inspired by amaretto liqueur, but this particular recipe does not include actual alcohol. You can add a splash of amaretto if you like for authenticity.
Can I make this tiramisu dairy-free?
Mascarpone is key to the creamy texture here, but you can try substituting a dairy-free cream cheese blend or coconut cream, though the flavor and texture will be different.
How long should I soak the ladyfingers?
Ladyfingers should be dipped briefly, around 1-2 seconds, just enough to absorb the coffee-cherry juice without becoming soggy and falling apart.
Can I prepare this dessert the morning I want to serve it?
Technically yes, but the tiramisu tastes best after chilling for at least four hours or overnight to let the layers meld together perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got everything you need to make this wonderfully decadent Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe, I really can’t recommend giving it a try enough. It’s comforting, gorgeous, and so satisfying to share with friends and family. Once you bring this to the table, it will quickly become a beloved favorite, guaranteed to inspire requests for seconds!
Print
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert featuring layers of coffee and cherry juice soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and fresh cherries. This no-bake dessert perfectly balances the rich flavors of mascarpone with the tartness of cherries and a hint of almond from the amaretto-inspired cherry juice, making it an elegant treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 24 ladyfingers
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup cherry juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare Coffee and Cherry Juice Mixture: Brew a strong cup of coffee and allow it to cool completely. Combine the cooled coffee with cherry juice in a shallow bowl to create the soaking liquid for the ladyfingers.
- Make the Mascarpone Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with granulated sugar. Whip the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring the sugar is fully incorporated.
- Soak the Ladyfingers: Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee and cherry juice mixture. Do not soak too long to prevent them from becoming overly soggy; just a quick dip to absorb flavor.
- First Layer Assembly: Arrange half of the soaked ladyfingers in a serving dish, spreading half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over them. Then, scatter half of the fresh cherries on top of the mascarpone layer.
- Second Layer Assembly: Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone mixture, and cherries in the same order to complete the dessert layers.
- Chill the Dessert: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate it for at least four hours or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set properly.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder for a classic finish.
Notes
- Use strong brewed coffee for a robust flavor that complements the sweetness of the cherries and mascarpone.
- For best results, chill the tiramisu overnight to enhance flavor blending and texture.
- Fresh cherries add freshness and a burst of flavor; alternatively, frozen cherries can be used if fresh are unavailable, but be sure to thaw and drain them well.
- Amaretto liqueur can be added to the coffee-cherry mixture for an authentic almond essence if desired.
- The dessert should be consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
