Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu greets you with a glossy surface of chilled cream, dotted by jewel-like cherries and a nutty, boozy aroma. I’ve built and rebuilt this version through multiple test kitchens—each time jiggling the balance between cherry syrup and amaretto until it sang. Testing Note: I discovered that a brief 30-minute rest after assembly keeps ladyfingers from over-soaking, preserving a tender bite.
Why You’ll Love Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
- An almond-scented twist on classic tiramisu that brightens every spoonful
- Layers stay tender with a hint of cherry juice and liqueur
- Easy to assemble in under 20 minutes, then let the fridge do the work
- Echoes Italian tradition with a fruity flavor that feels festive
A Little Background
On a drizzly spring afternoon, I swapped espresso for cherry juice and reached for amaretto, imagining a garden party on a plate. Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu felt like spring in Italy—vibrant, layered, and effortlessly elegant.
Key Ingredients for Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
- Mascarpone Cheese (8 oz): Provides a silky base; let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup): Whipped to stiff peaks for a lofty texture—keep it cold.
- Ladyfingers (24 pieces): The classic sponge that soaks up flavor; use crisp, fresh cookies.
- Fresh Cherries (1 cup, pitted & halved): Bursts of tartness; swap for frozen in off-season.
- Amaretto Liqueur (1/2 cup): Almond notes that tie the cherries and cream together; any brand with real almond extract works.
How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
- In a large bowl, beat 8 oz mascarpone, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth (about 1–2 minutes).
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup cold heavy cream to stiff peaks (2–3 minutes on high speed).
- Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until fully combined and silky.
- Stir 1/2 cup amaretto and 1/2 cup cherry juice in a shallow dish.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the liqueur mix for 1–2 seconds; avoid sogginess.
- Arrange 12 soaked ladyfingers in a single layer in a 9×9-inch dish.
- Spread half of the creamy mascarpone over the ladyfingers with a spatula (gentle strokes).
- Scatter half of the 1 cup cherries evenly across the layer.
- Repeat with remaining dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
- Top with the remaining cherries and dust 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder over the surface.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let flavors meld.
- Before serving, optionally add chocolate shavings or extra cherries on top.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Testing Note: When folding, I found that slower, deliberate strokes kept the cream airy—avoid overmixing or it deflates.
- If ladyfingers sit too long in liquid, they’ll turn mushy—dip swiftly and arrange immediately to maintain structure.
- For a summer twist, stir in chopped mint or swap cherries for raspberries for a tart pop.
- To scale up, double everything and use a 9×13-inch pan; to halve, a smaller dish works just as well.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 3 days at or below 40°F. For longer storage, freeze covered for up to 1 month, thaw overnight in the fridge. Testing Note: I found that storing in an airtight container prevents the cream from absorbing fridge odors. Always keep chilled until serving and discard any leftovers past safety guidelines.
Serving Suggestions
Scoop onto dessert plates and finish with a drizzle of cherry syrup or a sprig of fresh mint. Serve alongside a glass of chilled Prosecco or almond biscotti for an Italian-style dessert board.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long should I chill Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu before serving? Refrigerate for at least 4 hours; overnight yields deeper flavor development.
- Can I use frozen cherries in this tiramisu? Yes—thaw, drain excess liquid, and pat dry to prevent extra moisture.
- What’s a good non-alcoholic substitute for amaretto? Swap for almond extract diluted in water (1 tsp extract + 1/2 cup water).
- How do I prevent the ladyfingers from getting soggy? Dip each for only 1–2 seconds and assemble quickly to retain a slight bite.
- Can I assemble this tiramisu ahead of time? Absolutely—prepare up to 24 hours in advance and keep covered in the fridge.
- Why is my tiramisu too runny? Ensure whipped cream reaches stiff peaks and mascarpone is well beaten; over-dipping also causes excess liquid.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is my go-to when I crave something beyond the classic. Each spoonful feels like a mini celebration—sweet, slightly boozy, with just enough tang from cherries. If you try it, let me know how the layers set in your kitchen and share your flavor twists!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Pistachio Tiramisu – another elegant twist on classic tiramisu with nutty richness
- Chocolate Cherry Pie Bliss (No-Bake) – combines cherry’s tart sweetness with creamy layers for a no-bake treat
- No-Bake Lemon Pie – a bright, citrusy counterpart to cherry’s deep fruit flavor
- Key Lime Pie Trifle – seasonal, layered dessert that mirrors the chilled, creamy assembly
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients
Cream Mixture
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese softened
- 0.33 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
Assembly
- 0.5 cup amaretto liqueur
- 0.5 cup cherry juice
- 24 pieces ladyfingers
- 1 cup fresh cherries pitted and halved
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
Cream Mixture
- In a large bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, about 2–3 minutes.
- Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until silky and combined.
Assembly
- Stir amaretto and cherry juice in a shallow dish.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the mixture for 1–2 seconds to avoid sogginess.
- Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers in a 9×9-inch dish and spread half of the cream over them.
- Scatter half of the cherries over the cream layer.
- Repeat with remaining ladyfingers and cream.
- Top with remaining cherries, dust with cocoa powder, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Before serving, add extra cherries or chocolate shavings if desired.