This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a fun twist on the classic! Layers of soft ladyfingers soak up amaretto liqueur, with luscious cherry filling and creamy mascarpone. Yum!
It’s like a dessert party in your mouth! I love serving this to guests because it looks fancy but is super easy to make. Trust me, they’ll think you’re a chef! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are best for this recipe, but if they’re out of season, frozen cherries work too. Just thaw and drain excess water. You could also use other fruits like raspberries or strawberries if you want to mix things up!
Amaretto Liqueur: Amaretto gives a lovely almond flavor. If you want a non-alcoholic version, substitute it with almond extract mixed into the coffee or a bit of cherry juice for sweetness.
Ladyfingers: The classic choice for tiramisu! If you can’t find them, sponge cake cut into strips or even pound cake can be a great alternative, though the texture may differ slightly.
Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy cheese is key to achieving that classic texture. If it’s not available, cream cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream can be a substitute, but the taste will change a little.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use whipped topping or even Greek yogurt, but it will alter the dish’s richness.
How Do I Get the Perfect Mascarpone Cream?
Making the mascarpone cream is crucial for a smooth and creamy texture in your tiramisu. Follow these simple steps:
- Start with softened mascarpone cheese to avoid lumps. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before mixing.
- Beat the mascarpone in a bowl until it’s smooth before adding sugar and vanilla extract. This creates a nice base.
- Whip the heavy cream separately until you see stiff peaks. This will provide the airy texture your tiramisu needs.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate it. Use a spatula and a gentle lifting motion to combine.
Taking these steps ensures your cream is light and fluffy! Just remember to be gentle when folding for the best results.
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh or thawed cherries (plus extra whole cherries for topping)
- 2 tbsp cherry jam or preserves
For the Coffee Mix:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- 1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur
For the Layers:
- 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Mascarpone Cream:
For the Toppings:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Optional: grated dark chocolate or chocolate shavings for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. It’s a simple make-ahead dessert that gets better with time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
Start by mashing the cherries gently in a small bowl. Add the cherry jam and mix until you have a slightly chunky sauce. This will give the cherry layer a lovely flavor. Set this aside for now.
2. Mix the Coffee and Amaretto:
In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee or espresso with the Amaretto liqueur. This mixture is what you will dip the ladyfingers into, so ensure it’s ready to go!
3. Dip the Ladyfingers:
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-amaretto mixture. Just a quick dip – don’t soak them, or they will fall apart! Place the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of your serving dish (about 8×8 inches).
4. Make the Mascarpone Cream:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the dreamy layer of your tiramisu!
5. Whip the Heavy Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should stand up when you lift the beaters out and not droop. It’s going to make your tiramisu light and airy!
6. Combine the Creams:
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Do this gently so you don’t lose the lightness. You want everything to be combined nicely and smooth.
7. Layer the Tiramisu:
Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the first layer of ladyfingers. Then, carefully spoon the cherry filling on top, spreading it out evenly as well.
8. Add the Second Layer:
Place another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of the cherry filling. Soak them just like the first layer, then top with the remaining mascarpone cream.
9. Finish with Cocoa:
Dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve for that classic tiramisu finish!
10. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just before serving, garnish with whole fresh cherries and optional chocolate shavings for an extra touch!
Enjoy your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu — a luscious, boozy dessert with fresh cherry vibrance! Your guests will be impressed!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries work just fine! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and drained of excess liquid before mashing them with the jam. This will help maintain the right consistency in your tiramisu.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier!
Can I Make This Tiramisu Without Alcohol?
Absolutely! You can skip the Amaretto and use extra cherry juice or almond extract in the coffee mixture for flavor without the alcohol kick. Just adjust the sweetness to your taste!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Tiramisu?
For the best presentation, slice your tiramisu into squares and serve it with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or some chocolate shavings on top. Pairing it with a fresh cherry on each slice adds a nice touch!
