This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a tasty twist on the classic dessert! With layers of fluffy mascarpone cheese and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, it’s a sweet treat that’s hard to resist.
The cherry and amaretto flavors take this dessert to the next level. It’s like a party in your mouth! I love making this when I want to impress friends without spending all day in the kitchen. 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ladyfinger Cookies: These soft cookies are essential for the structure of your tiramisu. If you can’t find them, savoiardi or even sponge cake can be a good alternative.
Fresh Cherries: Cherries bring a delicious, fruity note to this dessert. You can substitute with frozen cherries (thawed and pitted), or use any other fruit like raspberries or strawberries—but cherries are my personal top choice!
Amaretto Liqueur: This adds a lovely almond flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, use almond extract mixed with a bit of water instead to mimic the flavor. I love the warmth that amaretto adds, so I recommend not skipping it if you can help it!
Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy cheese is a key component. If you’re in a pinch, you can mix cream cheese with heavy cream for a similar texture, but it won’t be quite the same flavor-wise.
Cocoa Powder: A light dusting on top adds a nice finish. If you want to switch things up, consider using chocolate shavings for a richer look and taste.
How Do You Make Sure Your Tiramisu Layers Are Perfect?
Layering is where the magic happens! Quick dipping of ladyfingers is crucial. You want to soak them just long enough to absorb some coffee and amaretto but not to the point that they fall apart.
- Dip the ladyfingers for about 1-2 seconds on each side to maintain their shape.
- Arrange them snugly in the dish—you want to create a solid base for your creamy layers.
- Make sure to spread the mascarpone cream smoothly over the ladyfingers to seal in moisture and keep everything together.
This will help your tiramisu hold its shape when you serve it. Patience pays off while letting it chill in the fridge; the flavors blend beautifully over time!
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tiramisu:
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries (pitted, plus extra for garnish)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
- 8 oz (225g) mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Sliced almonds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of active preparation time, plus a chilling time of at least 4 hours (or overnight) for the flavors to meld together. With just a bit of patience, you’ll create a delightful dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherry Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted cherries with sugar and 2 tablespoons of amaretto. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until the cherries break down and the mixture thickens a little. Once done, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.
2. Combine Coffee and Amaretto:
In a shallow dish, mix the cooled espresso or coffee with the remaining tablespoon of amaretto. Set this mixture aside for soaking the ladyfingers.
3. Make the Mascarpone Cream:
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream together with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the softened mascarpone cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Tiramisu:
Take half of the ladyfingers and quickly dip them into the coffee-amaretto mixture. Make sure to soak them just long enough—about 1-2 seconds on each side—so they don’t get too soggy. Arrange a layer of these soaked ladyfingers in a 9×9-inch dish or individual serving dishes.
5. Layer the Cream and Cherry Sauce:
Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers, then add half of the cherry sauce over the cream layer.
6. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the process by adding another layer of soaked ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream and topping it off with the rest of the cherry sauce.
7. Chill the Tiramisu:
Cover the dish and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours. It’s even better if you can let it chill overnight, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully!
8. Serve:
Before serving, dust the top of your tiramisu with cocoa powder and garnish with fresh whole cherries and sliced almonds. Enjoy your delightful creation!
Indulge in the rich and fruity flavors of your homemade Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu! 🍒
Can I Use Different Fruits for This Tiramisu?
Absolutely! While cherries add a unique flavor, you can substitute them with other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Just ensure they are sweet and juicy for the best results!
Is It Possible to Make This Tiramisu Non-Alcoholic?
Definitely! To make a non-alcoholic version, you can simply replace the amaretto with almond extract mixed with a little water. This will imitate the nutty flavor without any alcohol.
How Long Does This Tiramisu Last in the Fridge?
The Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu can be stored in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep it covered to maintain its freshness!
Can I Freeze Leftover Tiramisu?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the tiramisu tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
