Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe
If you adore classic tiramisu but crave a playful twist, Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is about to become your new obsession. This luscious dessert blends tart cherry preserves and fragrant amaretto liqueur with creamy mascarpone, all nestled between soft, espresso-soaked ladyfingers. The result? An elegant, no-bake stunner with layers of flavor that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Every spoonful is an invitation to slow down and savor something truly decadent—ideal for special occasions or any night in need of a little extra magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a harmony of creamy, boozy, and fruity layers. Making sure you use quality staples will transform this easy assembly into a jaw-dropping dessert.
- Ladyfingers: These delicately crisp biscuits soak up coffee and amaretto beautifully, forming the backbone of every tiramisu layer.
- Mascarpone cheese: Choose a high-quality mascarpone for velvety richness and that signature tiramisu creaminess.
- Strong brewed coffee or espresso: Deep, intense coffee cools down the sweetness and infuses every bite with classic Italian flavor.
- Cherry preserves: Opt for good-quality cherry preserves without too much added sugar for bright, tangy notes in the filling.
- Amaretto liqueur: The almond essence of amaretto mingles with the cherries and coffee, adding depth and a whiff of luxurious warmth.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: A dusting of cocoa gives that striking tiramisu finish and a lovely hint of bitterness to balance the layers.
How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Step 1: Brew and Flavor the Coffee
Start by brewing a generous pot of strong coffee or espresso; boldness here makes all the difference! Once it’s cooled slightly, stir in a generous splash of amaretto liqueur. This intoxicating mixture sets the stage for the ladyfingers, infusing the whole dessert with a dreamy aroma right from the first bite.
Step 2: Blend the Mascarpone and Cherry Preserves
In a mixing bowl, combine your silky mascarpone cheese with bright cherry preserves. Blend gently until smooth and well-marbled—the pink ribbons of cherry throughout the mascarpone spell pure delight. Don’t rush this step; you want the flavors to fully mingle and create the signature charm of Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu.
Step 3: Dip Ladyfingers and Layer
Briefly dip each ladyfinger into your cooled coffee-amaretto mixture, turning just long enough for them to soak up flavor without getting soggy. Line half the moistened ladyfingers in a single snug layer across your serving dish. The aroma when they hit the dish is your first glimpse of how good this dessert will taste!
Step 4: Add Cherry Mascarpone Layer
Gently spread half of your mascarpone-cherry blend over the ladyfingers, smoothing it into all the corners. The creamy layer seals in moisture, ensuring each bite will be as perfectly decadent as the last.
Step 5: Repeat and Finish Layering
Repeat the process—dip the rest of your ladyfingers, arrange them as a second layer, and finish with the remaining mascarpone mixture. Smooth the top with a spatula for that irresistible, cloud-like finale.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Cover your assembled Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu (cling film works perfectly) and tuck it into the refrigerator for at least four hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. This resting time is the secret—every layer melds and mellows, resulting in a dessert that practically melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, dust the top with a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, add a scattering of fresh cherries or shaved dark chocolate for contrast in both taste and appearance. Your guests will feel downright spoiled with every bite!
Side Dishes
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is indulgent on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple companions. Serve small espresso shots, a chilled glass of amaretto, or a crisp fruit salad on the side—each enhances the creamy richness and brings a little extra sparkle to dessert hour.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual ramekins or fancy stemless glasses turn this classic into elegant single servings, perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. Or, try layering the tiramisu in a trifle bowl to showcase those beautiful cherry and cream swirls. However you serve it, the luscious presentation is sure to steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers (lucky you)? Keep Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays perfectly fresh and delicious for up to three days—if it lasts that long! For best results, wait to add the final cocoa dusting until just before serving.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu! Cut into individual portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Let slices thaw gently in the fridge overnight. The whipped mascarpone stays surprisingly creamy, and the flavors remain beautifully balanced even after freezing.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature. No need for reheating—simply let it sit out of the fridge for a few minutes before serving to soften up the layers slightly for the perfect creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cherry preserves with fresh cherries?
Absolutely! If you have great fresh cherries on hand, chop and gently cook them with a little sugar and lemon juice to create your own quick preserve. This gives a fresh, juicy burst of cherry flavor that works wonderfully in Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu.
What can I use instead of amaretto if I want to avoid alcohol?
If you’d like to skip alcohol, try an almond-flavored syrup mixed with coffee. This keeps the almond essence that makes Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu so special, but without any of the boozy notes.
Is it possible to make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative in place of mascarpone and check that your ladyfingers are also dairy-free. The result is still creamy, sweet, and totally delightful for anyone avoiding dairy.
How far in advance can I prepare this dessert?
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a dream for make-ahead desserts. Prepare it up to two days in advance and keep it chilled—the longer it sits, the more the flavors meld and intensify.
Can I use decaf coffee?
Of course! Strong decaf espresso or coffee works perfectly, delivering the same depth of flavor without any caffeine jitters. It’s a great option if you’ll be serving this dessert later in the evening.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both comforting and a little bit wow-worthy, Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is guaranteed to deliver. With its vibrant flavors and effortless elegance, it’s one of those treats you’ll make for friends and come back to again and again. Invite someone over, give it a try, and experience layers of happiness—one blissful bite at a time.
Print
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert with the added sweetness of cherries and the kick of amaretto liqueur.
Ingredients
Ladyfingers:
- 1 package of ladyfingers
Mascarpone Cheese Mixture:
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup cherry preserves
Coffee Mixture:
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee or espresso
- 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
Other:
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Brew the Coffee: Brew strong coffee or espresso; let it cool and mix in amaretto.
- Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a bowl, blend mascarpone cheese with cherry preserves until smooth.
- Soak Ladyfingers: Briefly dip ladyfingers in the coffee mixture; layer half in a baking dish.
- Layer the Tiramisu: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone.
- Chill: Cover and chill for at least four hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
- You can dust the top with additional cocoa powder before serving for a decorative touch.
- Ensure the coffee is fully cooled before dipping the ladyfingers to prevent them from getting too soggy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, Tiramisu recipe, Italian dessert, Cherry Amaretto dessert
