Name: Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 4 h 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved; 3 tbsp granulated sugar; ¼ cup Amaretto liqueur; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream, cold; 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature; ⅓ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¾ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled; 2 tbsp Amaretto liqueur; 1 pack (approx. 24) ladyfinger biscuits (gluten-free if preferred); Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting); Fresh cherries and shaved dark chocolate (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu offers a delightful fruity twist on the classic Italian dessert. Combining the rich flavors of mascarpone cream, espresso, and sweet cherries infused with Amaretto, this layered treat is perfect for impressing guests or indulging at home.

A three-layer square cake sits on a white plate with a thin brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is light brown and textured like soaked sponge cake, followed by a thick middle layer of white creamy filling mixed with a hint of red berry sauce. The top layer is another sponge cake, covered with a thick layer of whipped cream, generously topped with fresh, shiny dark red cherries, dusted with fine white powdered sugar and light brown cocoa powder. A few cherries and crumbs are scattered around the base on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
3 tbsp granulated sugar
¼ cup Amaretto liqueur
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream, cold
1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
⅓ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
2 tbsp Amaretto liqueur
1 pack (approx. 24) ladyfinger biscuits (gluten-free if preferred)
Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Fresh cherries and shaved dark chocolate (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and Amaretto. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries are soft and slightly syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream to soft peaks. In another bowl, whisk together mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
Step 3: Stir Amaretto into the cooled espresso. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish for dipping the ladyfingers.
Step 4: Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the espresso-Amaretto mixture—just 1 to 2 seconds per side to avoid sogginess. Arrange a single layer at the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish or individual trifle glasses.
Step 5: Spoon half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, then spread half of the cherry mixture evenly over the cream. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and remaining cherries.
Step 6: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
Step 7: Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with fresh cherries and shaved dark chocolate if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free ladyfingers to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the Amaretto with almond extract and skip the liqueur in the cherry and espresso layers.
Chilling overnight enhances the flavor, so plan ahead for best results.
Fresh or frozen cherries can be used; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.

Storage

Store leftover tiramisu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert may become softer over time but will still taste delicious. When ready to serve again, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for a creamier texture.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a layered dessert showing three layers of light yellow creamy cake alternated with deep red cherry filling that has a juicy, slightly chunky texture, topped with a thick smooth white cream layer dusted with dark brown cocoa powder; on top, there are whole shiny red cherries arranged in neat rows across the surface. The dessert is placed on a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best made at least 4 hours in advance to allow the layers to set and flavors to develop. Overnight chilling is ideal.

What can I use if I don’t have espresso?

You can substitute strong brewed coffee for espresso if needed. Just make sure it’s cooled before dipping ladyfingers.