When you sink your spoon into a slice of Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, you’re greeted by a symphony of flavors: the juicy sweetness of cherries melding seamlessly with the nutty warmth of almond liqueur, all nestled between coffee-soaked ladyfingers and pillowy mascarpone cream. Crafted as a playful twist on the classic Italian tiramisu, this dessert brings together bright fruit and velvety richness in every bite. I still remember the first time I whipped up this recipe for a small dinner party—my friends raved about the unexpected cherry compote that cut through the lush creaminess, leaving a lingering hint of Amaretto on their palates. The vibrant hues of ruby-red cherries peeking through layers of ivory cream added a pop of color that stole the show.
Beyond its gorgeous appearance, this tiramisu is remarkably approachable for home cooks who want to elevate their dessert game. Whether you’re craving an indulgent finale for a romantic dinner or planning a festive spread for your next gathering, the layered textures and bright flavors promise to delight every guest. As an intermediate-level dessert, it requires about 30 minutes of hands-on prep and a quick 10 minutes of cooking, followed by at least 4 hours of chilling (or preferably overnight) to let the flavors meld. At around 450 calories per decadent serving, it strikes a balance between indulgence and elegance—certainly worth every spoonful of creamy, fruit-filled bliss.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHERRY AMARETTO TIRAMISU
Every ingredient in this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu plays a crucial role, from building those gorgeous layers to infusing each bite with flavor and texture.
- Pitted cherries
Fresh or thawed cherries bring a vibrant sweetness and a burst of color. Their natural juices blend with sugar and Amaretto to create a bright compote that cuts through the richness of the cream.
- Granulated sugar
This simple sweetener helps macerate the cherries, coaxing out their juices and balancing the tartness, while also adding body to the cherry sauce.
- Amaretto liqueur
Almond-flavored liqueur lends a warm, nutty depth to the cherry compote and layers, enhancing the dessert’s complexity with every sip of that fragrant spirit.
- Heavy cream
Whipped to soft peaks, heavy cream adds lightness and structure to the mascarpone mixture, ensuring the layers remain airy yet stable.
- Mascarpone cheese
Silky and rich, mascarpone forms the luscious backbone of the creamy layers, providing that classic tiramisu mouthfeel and tangy sweetness.
- Powdered sugar
Incorporate into the mascarpone to add smooth sweetness without any graininess, keeping the cream ultra-silky and luscious.
- Vanilla extract
A splash of pure vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes, rounding out the sweetness of the cream.
- Ladyfingers
Light, sponge-like cookies that soak up coffee without falling apart, creating the essential textural contrast between moist and firm layers.
- Strong brewed coffee
Cooled coffee infuses the ladyfingers with robust flavor and a hint of bitterness, balancing the dessert’s sweetness.
- Cocoa powder
A dusting of unsweetened cocoa adds a final touch of chocolate bitterness on top, giving visual appeal and a hint of depth to each serving.
- Sliced almonds and additional cherries (optional)
For garnish, these add extra crunch and a fresh pop of fruit that makes the dessert look as delightful as it tastes.
HOW TO MAKE CHERRY AMARETTO TIRAMISU
Bringing this cherry-infused tiramisu to life involves transforming simple ingredients into a multi-layered masterpiece, from simmering the fruit compote to folding whipped cream into mascarpone and carefully assembling each layer.
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries start to release their juices and form a syrupy mixture, about 5–7 minutes. Add the Amaretto liqueur and continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes, letting the alcohol meld into the fruit. Remove from heat and let the compote cool completely.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand or stand mixer until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, preserving its airy texture.
3. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee, ensuring it’s briefly submerged just long enough to absorb flavor without becoming soggy. Arrange a single layer of these coffee-soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9 inch dish, evenly covering the base.
4. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, using a spatula to create an even layer. Then, spoon half of the cooled cherry compote over the cream, distributing the fruit and syrup evenly.
5. Repeat with a second layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture and the rest of the cherry compote, finishing with a spoonful of cherries on top.
6. Dust the surface with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve to create a delicate, chocolatey topping.
7. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the layers to set and flavors to marry.
8. Before serving, garnish with sliced almonds and additional fresh cherries for an elegant finishing touch.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHERRY AMARETTO TIRAMISU
Presenting this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is all about celebrating its layers of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it as the grand finale of a cozy dinner or your go-to party dessert, consider these ideas to make each slice look and taste its best.
- Place each slice on a chilled dessert plate, then sprinkle a light dusting of extra cocoa powder around the edges for a café-style presentation.
- Serve with a side of fresh whipped cream piped decoratively alongside the tiramisu to complement the mascarpone layers.
- Add a sprig of fresh mint or a few whole cherries atop each portion to highlight the cherry compote and add a pop of color.
- Pair with a small glass of Amaretto or espresso on the side, allowing guests to sip while they savor each rich, fruit-filled bite.
HOW TO STORE CHERRY AMARETTO TIRAMISU
Proper storage ensures your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu retains its luscious texture and vibrant flavors for days after you prepare it. Whether you’re planning ahead for a gathering or saving leftovers, follow these tips to keep your dessert at its best.
- Refrigerate in the original dish: Cover the tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it on a flat shelf in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. This prevents the layers from drying out and keeps the mascarpone velvety.
- Portion into individual containers: Divide leftovers into small, airtight containers for easy grab-and-go servings. This method also helps maintain each portion’s shape and freshness.
- Freeze for longer storage: Wrap the tiramisu dish (or individual servings) in a double layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Avoid room-temperature storage: Due to its dairy content, it’s important to keep the tiramisu chilled. Always return it promptly to the fridge after serving to prevent spoilage.
CONCLUSION
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu brings together sweet, velvety layers of cherry compote, almond-scented liqueur, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and creamy mascarpone in a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. Throughout the article, we explored how each ingredient—from fresh cherries and Amaretto to whipped heavy cream and cocoa powder—contributes to the rich tapestry of flavor and texture. You’ve learned step-by-step how to cook the cherry compote, whip and fold the cream, assemble those gorgeous layers, and garnish for an elegant finish. With just 30 minutes of hands-on prep, 10 minutes of cooking, and a restful chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight!), this intermediate-level dessert fits seamlessly into your entertaining plans. Each serving carries around 450 calories, making it a gorgeous indulgence that’s well worth the effort.
Feel free to print or save this article so you can revisit it whenever dessert inspiration strikes. Below you’ll find a handy FAQ section to address any lingering questions or troubleshooting tips as you tackle this recipe in your own kitchen. If you try this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, or if you have questions, comments, or feedback—perhaps a personal twist or suggestion—I’d love to hear all about it. Leave your thoughts and let’s chat about how you made this dessert shine in your home!
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Description
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is bursting with the vibrant flavors of cherries and almond liqueur, layered between coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone. A perfect ending to any meal!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cherries start to release their juice, about 5-7 minutes. Add the Amaretto liqueur and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
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Dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee, briefly to avoid becoming soggy. Arrange a layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9x9 inch dish.
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Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Then, layer half of the cherry mixture over the mascarpone.
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Repeat with another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, the remaining mascarpone mixture, and the rest of the cherry mixture.
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Dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve.
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Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set.
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Before serving, garnish with sliced almonds and additional cherries if desired.
Note
- Fresh or canned cherries can be used; if using canned, make sure to drain them well.
- Adjust the amount of Amaretto according to taste preference.
- For a non-alcoholic version, cherry juice can replace the Amaretto.
- The tiramisu can be made a day in advance, making it a perfect dish for entertaining.
