Name: Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 40 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 and shaved dark chocolate (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Meet your new show-stopper: the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe! This inventive twist on an Italian classic layers juicy cherries, luscious mascarpone cream, and a punchy hint of Amaretto, all soaked into delicate ladyfingers. The cherry compote weaves through each bite, balancing the bold espresso and nutty liqueur with bright fruity notes. Whether you’re serving at a dinner party or just want a special weekend treat, the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe will have everyone swooning for seconds.

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lineup of ingredients is simple, but each one is handpicked to create unforgettable flavors and a stunning presentation. Every element plays its part in achieving the signature taste, texture, and colors that make this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe exceptional.

Fresh cherries: Juicy, sweet, and a little tart, they add beautiful color and bright flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps break down the cherries into a thick, syrupy compote.
Amaretto liqueur: Brings that classic almond aroma and depth, perfectly complementing cherries and cream.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity to make the cherries pop and balance the sweetness.
Heavy cream: Whips up light and fluffy for the mascarpone cheese base.
Mascarpone cheese: The creamy, tangy foundation that gives tiramisu its signature richness.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily, sweetening the creamy layer without any graininess.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic sweetness to the mascarpone filling.
Brewed espresso or strong coffee: Infuses the ladyfingers with big coffee flavor—don’t skip, even if you use decaf!
Ladyfinger biscuits (Savoiardi): These airy Italian cookies soak up the espresso and Amaretto, creating those cloudlike layers (gluten-free alternatives work great too).
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened for a rich, slightly bitter finishing touch.
Fresh cherries and shaved dark chocolate (optional): For a showy, irresistible garnish.

How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Mixture

Start by making the cherry layer: combine your pitted, halved cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and a swirl of Amaretto in a saucepan. Simmer this over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every so often. You’re aiming for soft cherries and a syrupy sauce. Once everything looks shiny and smells absolutely divine, take the pan off the heat and let it cool completely. This step sets the stage for the fresh, tangy bursts you’ll find in every slice of your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe.

Step 2: Whip the Mascarpone Cream

Grab two bowls for this dreamy filling! In the first, whip the cold heavy cream until it forms soft peaks—think pillowy clouds. In the second, whisk the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Bring these worlds together by gently folding the whipped cream into the mascarpone mix. The key is to keep things light and lofty, so your finished tiramisu cream is super fluffy. This layer makes every mouthful impossibly creamy.

Step 3: Mix the Espresso Layer

Pour your cooled espresso or strong coffee into a shallow dish and stir in Amaretto liqueur. This flavor-packed bath is what gives those ladyfingers their sophisticated, grown-up punch. Make sure the coffee is chilled—hot espresso will turn your biscuits mushy instead of perfectly soft.

Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu

Now comes the fun part: layering! Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso-Amaretto mix (just 1–2 seconds per side so they don’t get soggy). Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of your dish or individual glasses. Spread half of that luscious mascarpone cream over the biscuits, then spoon over half the cherry mixture for streaks of jammy goodness. Repeat: another layer of dipped ladyfingers, the rest of the mascarpone cream, and finally, the remaining cherries on top.

Step 5: Chill

Pop your masterpiece in the fridge for at least four hours (overnight is ideal). This resting time allows all the layers to meld, and the ladyfingers magically transform into a cakey-soft base. As tough as it is to wait, this patience pays off in flavor and structure—the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe needs its beauty sleep!

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Right before serving, dust a fine layer of cocoa powder over the top. For extra wow factor, scatter over a few whole cherries and a shower of dark chocolate shavings. These finishing touches signal “special occasion” whether it’s a weeknight or a holiday feast!

How to Serve Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe

Garnishes

The classic garnish is a light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder, but don’t stop there! A handful of glossy fresh cherries and dramatic curls of dark chocolate turn each serving into a dessert you’d spot at a fancy Italian café. Not only do they look gorgeous, but every bite offers a fresh burst of cherry and bittersweet chocolate.

Side Dishes

This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe is the star of any dessert table, so serve it after a lighter meal like a crisp salad or simply roasted chicken to really let its richness shine. It also pairs delightfully with an espresso, a scoop of vanilla gelato, or a handful of amaretti cookies on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little playful, assemble the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe in individual jars, wine glasses, or trifle bowls for a personal touch. For parties, try making mini versions in shot glasses—or go rustic and spoon generous helpings into coffee mugs for a cozy, informal vibe. Every format puts the lovely layers front and center!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tiramisu keeps beautifully! Store any leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen, and the texture gets even silkier as it rests. Just make sure it’s well covered, so it doesn’t pick up any fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to plan further ahead, you can freeze the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe. Assemble and chill as directed, then wrap well in plastic and foil before storing in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—just give the top a fresh dusting of cocoa powder and garnish with cherries so it looks just-made.

Reheating

This dreamy dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold, so skip any reheating. Simply remove your portion from the fridge a few minutes before serving to take the chill off, which lets the flavors shine at their best and the texture remain creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Can I make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! The Amaretto adds a delicious nutty note, but you can easily swap it for almond extract (just use a few drops—it’s potent!) mixed with a little extra cherry or coffee juice so the flavors remain balanced and aromatic.

What’s the best substitute for fresh cherries if they’re out of season?

Frozen cherries are a fantastic alternative—they’re already pitted and easy to use, just thaw them first. In a pinch, high-quality cherry preserves or canned cherries (drained) work too, though you may want to reduce the sugar slightly as they can be sweeter.

How long does Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe need to chill before serving?

At least four hours in the fridge is essential for the layers to meld and firm up, but overnight is even better. The extra time allows the flavors to deepen and transforms the ladyfingers into a moist, cake-like base.

Can I make this tiramisu gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free ladyfingers—most major stores carry them. The rest of the ingredients in the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe are naturally gluten-free, so no other adjustments are needed.

What type of coffee should I use for the espresso layer?

Use freshly brewed espresso if possible for an authentic, bold flavor, but any strong coffee will work in a pinch. If you don’t drink caffeine, choose a good decaf espresso or coffee to keep the taste without the buzz.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dazzling dessert with layers of flavor and a hint of grown-up glamour, make the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe your next kitchen adventure. It’s as fun to assemble as it is to enjoy, and every bite is pure celebration. Gather your ingredients and treat your friends and family—or just yourself—to something truly special!

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this delightful Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, a twist on the classic Italian dessert. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and a luscious cherry compote come together to create a decadent treat with a hint of amaretto liqueur.

Instructions

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.
Whip the Mascarpone Cream: In a large bowl, beat the cold cream to soft peaks. In another bowl, whisk mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until fully combined and fluffy.
Mix the Espresso Layer: Stir Amaretto into the cooled espresso. Pour into a shallow dish for dipping.
Assemble the Tiramisu: Dip ladyfingers briefly into the espresso-Amaretto mixture—just 1–2 seconds per side. Arrange a single layer in the bottom of an 8×8″ dish or trifle glasses. Spoon half the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Add half of the cherry mixture evenly over the cream. Repeat layers: dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and remaining cherries.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) for the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
Garnish & Serve: Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and top with shaved chocolate and a few extra cherries for a beautiful finish.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Chilling, Mixing, Baking
Cuisine: Italian