Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delightful Italian-inspired dessert that elevates the classic layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers into a vibrant, fruit-kissed creation. Every bite feels like a gentle symphony of sweet mascarpone, fluffy whipped cream, and the subtle warmth of almond-flavored liqueur. The interplay of tart cherries and the deep, comforting notes of espresso creates a striking balance that will make you feel as though you’re indulging in a slice of festive heaven. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner party or simply treating yourself to a luxurious afternoon dessert, this tiramisu twist brings a burst of color and flavor to any table.
With an intermediate difficulty level, this recipe requires about 30 minutes of hands-on preparation and 10 minutes of gentle cooking to create the silky zabaglione base. Then it’s all about layering—dipping each ladyfinger into a cooled blend of strong-brewed coffee and Amaretto before nestling them under clouds of mascarpone-cream. Allow the assembled masterpiece to rest for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results), and you’ll be rewarded with a chilled, sliceable dessert that tastes like it was made by a seasoned pastry chef. At roughly 520 kcal per serving, it’s rich and satisfying, yet delicately balanced by the bright pop of fresh cherries.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHERRY AMARETTO TIRAMISU
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a pivotal role in building the rich texture and layered flavors that make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu truly unforgettable. From the deep coffee base to the bright fruit garnish, each component contributes its own personality to the final dessert.
- Strong brewed coffee
Anchoring the layers with its robust, slightly bitter profile, this cooled coffee soak ensures the ladyfingers are infused with aromatic depth without becoming soggy.
- Amaretto liqueur
Bringing a warm, nutty sweetness, Amaretto complements the cherries and coffee, creating a sophisticated flavor bridge between the creamy and fruity elements.
- Granulated sugar
Used in both the zabaglione and the whipped cream, sugar balances tartness and enriches the mascarpone filling to a perfectly sweet, silky consistency.
- Egg yolks
Whisked into a velvety custard over a double boiler, these yolks provide structure, richness, and a light golden color to the zabaglione foundation.
- Mascarpone cheese
This luxuriously creamy Italian cheese is the star of the filling, lending a tangy richness that melds seamlessly with whipped cream for cloudlike layers.
- Heavy cream
Whipped to stiff peaks, it adds volume and lightness to the mascarpone base, ensuring each slice is airy rather than dense.
- Fresh cherries
Their bright, slightly tart juice cuts through the richness of the mascarpone, adding a burst of freshness and vibrant red color.
- Ladyfinger cookies
Also known as savoiardi, these sponge-like biscuits are perfect for soaking up the coffee-Amaretto mixture without collapsing.
- Cocoa powder
A generous dusting creates a bittersweet contrast on top, enhancing both presentation and flavor depth.
- Shaved dark chocolate or chocolate curls
These decorative accents add texture and an extra layer of decadent chocolate notes with every forkful.
- Extra cherries and mint leaves
Optional garnishes that lend a fresh, festive finish and a pop of color to your serving platter.
HOW TO MAKE CHERRY AMARETTO TIRAMISU
Creating this elegant dessert is all about thoughtful layering and gentle folding techniques that preserve the light, creamy texture. Here’s how to assemble your tiramisu step by step:
1. In a shallow dish, mix the brewed coffee and Amaretto liqueur until well combined, then set aside so the flavors meld while you prepare the filling.
2. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and half of the granulated sugar until the mixture turns smooth and pale.
3. Position the bowl over a pot of simmering water to create a double boiler, whisking continuously for about 5 minutes until the custard thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat.
4. Allow the egg mixture to cool slightly before gently whisking in the mascarpone cheese, resulting in a silky, lump-free zabaglione.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream and the remaining sugar together until stiff peaks form, careful not to overmix.
6. Using a spatula, fold the mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream in gentle strokes until fully combined and smooth.
7. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-Amaretto mixture—just a second on each side—and arrange them in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Evenly spread half of the mascarpone-cream mixture over the layer of soaked ladyfingers, smoothing the top with an offset spatula.
9. Scatter half of the pitted and halved cherries across the surface, distributing them evenly.
10. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ladyfingers, dipping them in the coffee-Amaretto soak and placing them atop the cherries.
11. Spread the rest of the mascarpone-cream filling over this second layer, taking care to maintain a consistent thickness.
12. Arrange the remaining cherries on the final layer to create a bright, jewel-like pattern across the top.
13. Dust the surface generously with cocoa powder, then sprinkle with shaved dark chocolate or chocolate curls for a decorative finish.
14. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
15. Just before serving, enhance the presentation with extra fresh cherries and a few mint leaves for a beautiful, bright garnish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHERRY AMARETTO TIRAMISU
When it’s time to showcase your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, the way you slice, plate, and pair it can elevate the entire experience. Whether you’re serving a casual gathering or a special celebration, these suggestions will help you present each slice at its absolute best. A chilled tiramisu maintains its structure beautifully, so plan to serve it straight from the fridge. Allow guests to appreciate the layers of cream, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and juicy cherries. For a truly polished look, consider serving on individual dessert plates, perhaps with a delicate drizzle of cherry coulis or a small sprig of mint resting on the side.
- Garnish individual slices with a fresh cherry on top and a light sprinkle of cocoa powder for a refined presentation that highlights the dessert’s signature flavors.
- Serve alongside a small cup of espresso or a shot of Amaretto for an elegant pairing that accentuates the coffee and almond notes in every bite.
- Offer mini dessert forks or spoons, placing a few chocolate curls next to each slice to invite guests to mix textures as they taste.
- For a festive twist, present the tiramisu on a platter surrounded by additional mint leaves and whole cherries, creating a vibrant centerpiece for your dessert table.
HOW TO STORE CHERRY AMARETTO TIRAMISU
Proper storage ensures your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu remains moist, flavorful, and beautifully layered until you’re ready to enjoy it again. Always keep the dessert chilled, as the mascarpone and whipped cream filling is best preserved at a cool temperature. Before storing, make sure the surface is evenly dusted with cocoa powder and the dish is securely wrapped to prevent any lingering odors from permeating the delicate layers. If you’re preparing the tiramisu ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place the entire baking dish in an airtight container. This will keep the top pristine and prevent the ladyfingers from drying out.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making sure the plastic wrap or container lid seals tightly to maintain moisture.
- Freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture.
- If you notice any condensation under the wrap, gently blot the surface with a paper towel before resealing to avoid sogginess.
- Let frozen or refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before plating to enhance flavor and ease slicing.
CONCLUSION
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the classic flavors of tiramisu but wants a fruit-forward twist that feels both homey and sophisticated. We’ve walked through every step of the preparation—from whisking egg yolks into a creamy zabaglione to folding in luscious mascarpone and whipped cream, dipping ladyfingers in a coffee-and-Amaretto bath, and layering with bright cherries. Along the way, you learned how each key ingredient contributes to the final symphony of flavor and discovered tips for serving and storing your masterpiece. This elegant dessert takes just 30 minutes of active prep time, plus a brief cook for the custard and at least 4 hours of chilling to set properly, making it an ideal make-ahead option for gatherings.
Feel free to print this article or save it to your favorite recipe collection so you can come back anytime you’re in the mood for a show-stopping dessert. You’ll also find a FAQ section below to address any lingering questions you might have about technique or ingredient substitutions. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out—please leave a comment with your feedback, questions, or any fun variations you invent. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more delicious adventures in your kitchen!
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Description
Creamy mascarpone whipped to cloudlike peaks mingles with sweet cherries and a warm almond liqueur drizzle. Ladyfingers soaked in coffee and Amaretto create a luscious, layered dessert that’s vibrant, rich, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a shallow dish, mix the brewed coffee and Amaretto liqueur. Set aside.
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In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
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Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and continue to whisk until the mixture is thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
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Once the egg mixture cools slightly, whisk in the mascarpone cheese until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar together until stiff peaks form.
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Gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined.
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Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-Amaretto mixture and arrange them in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the layer of ladyfingers.
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Distribute half of the cherries over the mascarpone layer.
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Repeat for the second layer: dip the remaining ladyfingers in the coffee-Amaretto mixture and place them over the cherries.
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Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture over the second layer of ladyfingers.
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Top with the rest of the cherries.
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Dust generously with cocoa powder and sprinkle with shaved dark chocolate or curls.
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Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
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Before serving, garnish with extra cherries and mint leaves if desired.
Note
- Make sure not to soak the ladyfingers too long in the coffee-Amaretto, as they can become soggy.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace Amaretto with almond extract.
- Fresh or frozen cherries can be used, be sure to thaw and drain well if using frozen.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less sugar to the mascarpone or heavy cream.
- This dessert is best made a day in advance to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
