Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, boozy, and fruity, you absolutely have to try this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert. Each spoonful is a dreamy blend of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone whipped cream, ribbons of sweet-tart cherry preserves, and a playful splash of amaretto. This dessert takes the elegance of classic tiramisu and gives it a bright, luscious cherry twist that feels both nostalgic and irresistibly new. Whether it’s a family celebration or a cozy night in, this easy no-bake treat will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert really comes to life thanks to a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Each element plays a starring role, adding flavor, texture, or that little extra something that makes dessert special. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it’s worth having on hand.
- Heavy cream: Provides the rich, pillowy base for the mascarpone layer—whip it just until soft peaks form for the dreamiest texture.
- Mascarpone cheese (room temperature): This Italian cheese gives tiramisu its signature blend of creaminess and lightness; let it warm up a bit for easy mixing.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves smoothly into the cream, balancing sweetness without leaving any graininess behind.
- Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the flavors in the creamy filling.
- Strong brewed espresso or coffee: The base liquid for dipping ladyfingers—make sure it’s cooled so the cookies don’t turn soggy.
- Amaretto liqueur: Infuses the dessert with nutty, almond flavor, pairing beautifully with cherries and coffee.
- Ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi): These crisp, airy cookies soak up all the lovely espresso and amaretto, layering bite after bite of flavor.
- Cherry preserves or cherry pie filling: Sweet-tart cherries add a burst of fruitiness and gorgeous color between layers.
- Fresh cherries, pitted and halved: Bring a pop of freshness and juicy texture that can’t be beat, plus they make a striking garnish.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: A final dusting brings classic tiramisu style and deep cocoa flavor to the surface.
- Fresh cherries (with stems, optional): For an extra-pretty presentation, you can pile on a few whole cherries as a finishing touch.
- Shaved chocolate or sliced almonds (optional): Add crunch, elegance, and an extra layer of decadence on top.
How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert
Step 1: Whip the Cream and Mascarpone
Start by adding your heavy cream to a large mixing bowl and whip it until soft peaks just begin to form. Add room temperature mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and fluffy—it should almost look like soft clouds. Take care not to over-whip, which can make the mascarpone grainy.
Step 2: Prepare the Espresso-Amaretto Bath
In a shallow bowl or dish, stir together your cooled espresso (or strong coffee) and the amaretto liqueur. The scent alone will let you know you’re on the right track. This will be the magical soak that transforms your ladyfingers into the perfect base for the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert.
Step 3: Dip and Layer the Ladyfingers
Give each ladyfinger a quick dip—just one or two seconds—in the espresso-amaretto bath. You want them saturated but not soggy, so don’t let them linger. Line the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish with a neat layer of your soaked ladyfingers, tucking them in snugly.
Step 4: Add the Mascarpone Cream Layer
Now, spread half of your whipped mascarpone cream mixture gently over the ladyfingers. Smooth it out with a spatula, letting that luscious layer settle into every nook and cranny.
Step 5: Spoon on the Cherries
Next comes the burst of flavor that makes this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert so special: dollop on half the cherry preserves or pie filling, then scatter half of your fresh cherry halves on top. Every bite should get a taste of that sun-ripened cherry goodness!
Step 6: Repeat the Layers
For the ultimate layered effect, repeat the dipping and layering process—add your remaining espresso-soaked ladyfingers, cover with the rest of the cream, and top with the remaining cherry goodness. The more layers, the more delectable each bite.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least six hours, but if you have the patience, overnight chilling lets all the flavors meld beautifully, making your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert even more irresistible.
Step 8: Add Final Garnishes
Right before serving, dust the surface generously with unsweetened cocoa powder, then pile on fresh cherries, a sprinkle of shaved chocolate, or even some sliced almonds if you like a little crunch. This finishing touch makes your tiramisu utterly stunning.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices, and serve your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert well-chilled. Every layer will be perfectly set, and those flavors will shine.
How to Serve Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes! A dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder adds a hint of bitterness that balances the sweet cream and cherries. Decorate with whole fresh cherries (stems on if you have them for drama), delicate shavings of dark chocolate, or a handful of toasted sliced almonds for lovely crunch and nostalgia.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert with something simple makes every spoonful even better. Try offering tiny espresso shots, aromatic black tea, or even a scoop of pistachio gelato for a cool, nutty contrast. If you want extra luxury, a drizzle of amaretto crema or a few berries on the side works wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
While a big square pan is classic and perfect for feeding a crowd, you can get playful with serving. Layer your tiramisu in glass cups, vintage teacups, or mini dessert jars for individual portions—each guest gets their own little masterpiece of Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert. For parties, trifle bowls or stemmed glasses make for a dramatic reveal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dessert is a make-ahead superstar! Cover the pan tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The cherry preserves and mascarpone will continue to meld flavors, keeping the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert moist and delicious. Just be sure to give it a fresh dusting of cocoa before serving leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, you can freeze individual portions of the tiramisu after it’s set. Wrap slices well or pack them into airtight containers, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best creamy, luscious texture.
Reheating
Tiramisu never needs reheating—it’s meant to be savored cold, straight from the fridge. Just slice what you need and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you like it a little less chilled. That’s it!
FAQs
Can I make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert without alcohol?
Absolutely! To keep it kid-friendly or alcohol-free, simply replace the amaretto with almond extract (about 1/2 teaspoon) and add a splash more coffee. You’ll get all that almond aroma without the booze.
What can I use instead of mascarpone?
If mascarpone is hard to find, use full-fat cream cheese (softened) with a splash of heavy cream to mimic the silky texture. The taste will be slightly tangier, but still delicious.
Which cherries are best for this recipe?
You can use jarred or canned cherry preserves, or even cherry pie filling for ease, but if fresh cherries are in season, they’ll add wonderful texture and bright flavor to your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert. Dark, sweet varieties are especially scrumptious.
Can I use decaf coffee for dipping?
Definitely! Decaf espresso or strong brewed decaf coffee will still give you that bold flavor without any caffeine buzz, perfect for dessert served in the evening.
How far in advance can I prepare Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert?
You can make it up to two days ahead, and it actually improves as it rests. Longer chilling lets all the layers merge for an even more delicious, sliceable result—just wait to add the garnishes until you’re ready to serve!
Final Thoughts
There are desserts, and then there’s this—every bite of Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert is pure, celebratory joy, bursting with layers of rich cream, espresso, almond, and cherries. I hope you give it a try and let it become a tradition at your table, too!
Print
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert, a luscious twist on the classic Italian treat. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, sweet cherry preserves, and a hint of amaretto create a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cream Mixture:
- 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Remaining Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups strong brewed espresso or coffee (cooled)
- 3 tbsp amaretto liqueur
- 1 package (about 7 oz) ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- 1 ½ cups cherry preserves or cherry pie filling
- ½ cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (plus more for topping)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Fresh cherries (with stems, optional)
- Shaved chocolate or sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until smooth and fluffy.
- Prepare Espresso Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the cooled espresso and amaretto liqueur.
- Layer Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture (don’t soak). Line the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish with dipped cookies.
- Spread Cream Mixture: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Add Cherry Layer: Spoon half of the cherry preserves and fresh cherry halves evenly over the cream.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers: dipped ladyfingers, remaining cream, then remaining cherry mixture.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Final Touches: Just before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and decorate with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, or almonds as desired.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled!
Notes
- For a stronger amaretto flavor, you can increase the amount of liqueur.
- Ensure the espresso is cooled to prevent the ladyfingers from becoming too soggy.
- Experiment with different toppings like chopped nuts or grated chocolate for added texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Layering, Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, Dessert Recipe, Italian Desserts, Mascarpone Recipes
