Jump to:
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu combines the classic Italian dessert with luscious cherry flavors and aromatic almond notes. This delightful twist on traditional tiramisu creates an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with something extraordinary.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The combination of fresh cherry syrup and almond extract creates an incredible flavor profile that elevates traditional tiramisu
- No baking required – this elegant dessert comes together with simple assembly and chilling time
- Perfect make-ahead dessert that actually tastes better after resting overnight in the refrigerator
- The homemade cherry syrup adds natural sweetness and beautiful color without artificial ingredients
- Creamy mascarpone filling paired with coffee-free ladyfingers makes this dessert suitable for all ages
Why This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it balances sweetness, texture, and flavor perfectly. The homemade cherry syrup infuses every layer with natural fruit essence, while almond extract provides the distinctive flavor traditionally associated with amaretto.
The mascarpone cream mixture achieves the ideal consistency by folding whipped cream into the sweetened cheese base. This technique creates a light, airy texture that melts on your tongue. Unlike traditional tiramisu, this version skips coffee entirely, letting the cherry and almond flavors shine through.
What You’ll Need for Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients
For the Cherry Syrup:
- 4 cups pitted and halved fresh red cherries (about 22 ounces)
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2-4 tablespoons cherry juice or almond syrup
For the Mascarpone Filling:
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup cherry syrup (from recipe above)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 (7 oz) package Savoiardi ladyfingers (about 24)
Tools
- Medium saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Glass measuring cup
- Stand mixer with whisk and paddle attachments
- 8-inch square baking dish
- Potato masher or fork
- Pastry bag or ziplock bag
How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Creating this stunning dessert requires patience but rewards you with incredible results. Follow these steps carefully for the best outcome.
| Step 1: | Place cherries and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Crush the cherries using a potato masher. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2 minutes. |
| Step 2: | Strain the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass measuring cup. Press the solids with a ladle to extract maximum juice. Discard the cherry solids. |
| Step 3: | Return cherry juice to the pan. Add sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and refrigerate until completely cool. |
| Step 4: | Whip heavy cream in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a separate bowl. Switch to paddle attachment for the next step. |
| Step 5: | Beat mascarpone cheese, sugar, ⅔ cup cherry syrup, vanilla, and almond extract until combined. Add 1 cup whipped cream and beat until incorporated. Gently fold in remaining whipped cream. |
| Step 6: | Add 2 tablespoons cherry juice or almond syrup to remaining cherry syrup. Taste and adjust, adding up to 4 tablespoons total based on preference. |
| Step 7: | Dip ladyfingers individually in cherry syrup until soaked but not soggy. Arrange in two rows of six in your dish. Spread half the mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers. |
| Step 8: | Create another layer of soaked ladyfingers. Spread half the remaining filling on top. Transfer the rest to a pastry bag and pipe decoratively over the surface. |
| Step 9: | Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, before serving. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor – frozen cherries work too but drain them well first
- Don’t oversoak the ladyfingers – a quick dip on each side prevents them from becoming mushy
- Room temperature mascarpone blends more easily and prevents lumps in your filling
- Save some cherry syrup for serving – drizzle it over individual portions for extra flavor
- For cleaner slices, run a knife under hot water and wipe dry between each cut
Serving and Storage Tips for Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Serving Tips
Present your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu chilled directly from the refrigerator. Cut into neat squares using a sharp knife cleaned between cuts. Garnish each serving with fresh cherries, a dusting of cocoa powder, or shaved chocolate.
This dessert pairs beautifully with after-dinner coffee or tea. For special occasions, serve alongside fresh berries or a small glass of cherry juice. Individual portions look elegant when served in clear glasses, showcasing the beautiful layers.
Store leftover tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture remains best within the first 48 hours. Don’t freeze this dessert as the mascarpone filling may separate upon thawing.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Overbeating the mascarpone mixture causes it to become grainy or curdled. Mix just until ingredients combine smoothly. Similarly, overwhipping the cream leads to a dense, butter-like texture instead of light and fluffy.
Using cold mascarpone straight from the refrigerator creates lumps. Let it reach room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing. Also, avoid squeezing cherries too aggressively when straining – this releases bitter compounds from the pits.
Soaking ladyfingers too long makes them fall apart. A quick dip ensures they absorb flavor while maintaining structure. Finally, rushing the chilling time results in a loose dessert that won’t hold its shape when served.
You Must Know
- This recipe yields 9 generous servings and requires at least 7 hours total time including chilling
- Fresh cherries provide the best flavor, but quality frozen cherries work as a substitute when thawed and drained
- The dessert actually improves overnight as flavors meld and ladyfingers soften to the perfect texture
- You can prepare the cherry syrup up to 3 days ahead and store it refrigerated in an airtight container
Suggestions for Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Experiment with different fruit variations using this base recipe. Try raspberries, strawberries, or mixed berries for unique flavors. Add a layer of cherry preserves between the mascarpone for extra fruit intensity.
For chocolate lovers, incorporate cocoa powder into the mascarpone mixture or add mini chocolate chips between layers. Consider using chocolate ladyfingers for a decadent twist. You might enjoy exploring other light dessert options for variety.
Make individual portions in wine glasses for elegant presentation at dinner parties. This method also helps with portion control and creates a beautiful layered display. Try pairing this dessert with savory dishes like chicken casserole for a complete meal.
FAQs:
Yes, you can use frozen cherries or even high-quality cherry preserves. If using frozen, thaw completely and drain excess liquid. For preserves, thin with a little water and lemon juice to create a syrup consistency.
You can prepare this dessert up to 2 days ahead. It actually tastes better after resting overnight as the flavors develop and ladyfingers soften. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until serving.
While mascarpone provides the authentic texture, you can substitute with a mixture of 8 oz cream cheese (softened) blended with ½ cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons sour cream for similar results.
This usually happens from oversoaking the ladyfingers, underwhipping the cream, or not chilling long enough. Make sure to whip cream to stiff peaks and allow at least 6 hours chilling time.
Absolutely! Use a 9×13 inch pan for a thinner dessert that serves more people, or make individual portions in 8-10 small glasses. Adjust the ladyfinger arrangement accordingly.
Conclusion
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu transforms the beloved Italian classic into something truly special. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with straightforward techniques anyone can master. The combination of homemade cherry syrup, creamy mascarpone, and delicate ladyfingers creates an unforgettable dessert.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating your family to something special, this tiramisu never disappoints. The make-ahead nature means less stress when entertaining. For more delicious recipes, check out quick pasta dishes or browse traditional tiramisu variations.
Remember, great desserts come from quality ingredients and patience. Take your time with each step, and you’ll create a Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu that becomes your signature dessert. Happy cooking!
More Easy desserts Recipes:
- Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe – Easy Homemade Dessert
- Avocado Chocolate Mousse Recipe – Easy 10-Minute Dessert
- 4th July Fruit Kabobs: Easy Patriotic Recipe in 20 Minutes
- Creamy Matcha Ice Cream Recipe – Easy Homemade Japanese Dessert
Recommended
📖 Recipe Card
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu No-Bake Dessert
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
This elegant Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu combines creamy mascarpone layers with homemade cherry syrup and almond flavors for an irresistible Italian-inspired dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 cups pitted and halved fresh red cherries (about 22 ounces)
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2–4 tablespoons cherry juice or almond syrup
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup cherry syrup (from recipe above)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 (7 oz) package Savoiardi ladyfingers (about 24)
Instructions
- Place cherries and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Crush the cherries using a potato masher. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Strain the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass measuring cup. Press the solids with a ladle to extract maximum juice. Discard the cherry solids.
- Return cherry juice to the pan. Add sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and refrigerate until completely cool.
- Whip heavy cream in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a separate bowl. Switch to paddle attachment for the next step.
- Beat mascarpone cheese, sugar, ⅔ cup cherry syrup, vanilla, and almond extract until combined. Add 1 cup whipped cream and beat until incorporated. Gently fold in remaining whipped cream.
- Add 2 tablespoons cherry juice or almond syrup to remaining cherry syrup. Taste and adjust, adding up to 4 tablespoons total based on preference.
- Dip ladyfingers individually in cherry syrup until soaked but not soggy. Arrange in two rows of six in your dish. Spread half the mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers.
- Create another layer of soaked ladyfingers. Spread half the remaining filling on top. Transfer the rest to a pastry bag and pipe decoratively over the surface.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor – frozen cherries work too but drain them well first
- Don’t oversoak the ladyfingers – a quick dip on each side prevents them from becoming mushy
- Room temperature mascarpone blends more easily and prevents lumps in your filling
- Save some cherry syrup for serving – drizzle it over individual portions for extra flavor
- For cleaner slices, run a knife under hot water and wipe dry between each cut
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9 of recipe)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cherry tiramisu recipe, amaretto dessert, no-bake tiramisu, mascarpone cherry dessert, Italian cherry dessert, almond tiramisu, make-ahead dessert, ladyfinger dessert
