🍒 Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu – A Boozy, Berry-Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert
If you’re a fan of tiramisu and have a soft spot for anything cherry, you’re in for a heavenly treat. This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu recipe takes the classic Italian dessert and infuses it with bold cherry flavor, rich espresso, and the sweet almond kick of Amaretto liqueur. The result? A creamy, layered showstopper that’s perfect for celebrations, romantic dinners, or just a pick-me-up at the end of a long week.
Whether you’re an experienced home baker or just looking for a no-bake dessert that looks fancy but is secretly super simple—this one’s for you.
🧁 Why You’ll Love Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
- It’s no-bake – No oven required! Just layer, chill, and enjoy.
- Elegant yet easy – Impress guests without breaking a sweat.
- Cherry + Amaretto = magic – The sweet-tart cherries balance beautifully with the nutty warmth of Amaretto.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert – It actually gets better as it chills overnight.
This dessert combines the richness of traditional tiramisu with fruity flair and a grown-up twist thanks to the Amaretto. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable for different occasions!
🍒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cherry layer:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (thawed if frozen)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
For the mascarpone filling:
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For assembling:
- 1½ cups strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- ¼ cup Amaretto liqueur
- 24–30 ladyfingers (savoiardi)
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Optional: shaved chocolate or slivered almonds for garnish
👩🍳 How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu (Step-by-Step)
1. Make the Cherry Compote
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let them simmer for 8–10 minutes until soft and syrupy. Stir in the Amaretto, then remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
💡 Tip: If you like texture, leave the cherries whole. Prefer smooth? Mash them slightly or pulse in a blender.
2. Whip the Mascarpone Cream
In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, beat mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until fully combined and silky.
👌 The goal is a light, airy cream that still holds its shape.
3. Mix the Coffee & Amaretto
Combine the cooled espresso with Amaretto in a shallow dish. This is what you’ll dip your ladyfingers into for that signature tiramisu flavor.
☕ Don’t over-soak! A quick dunk is all it takes to soften the ladyfingers without turning them soggy.
4. Assemble the Layers
In a 9×9-inch dish or trifle bowl:
- Dip half the ladyfingers in the coffee-Amaretto mix and layer them in the bottom.
- Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Spoon half the cherry compote over the cream.
- Repeat the layers: ladyfingers → cream → cherry.
Smooth out the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours—preferably overnight.
5. Finish & Serve
Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder. Garnish with shaved dark chocolate, toasted almonds, or even a few fresh cherries if you’ve got them on hand.
🎉 This tiramisu looks stunning in a glass trifle bowl for parties or plated as individual servings for special dinners.
🔁 Variations to Try
Want to make it your own? Here are a few easy twists:
- Non-alcoholic version: Skip the Amaretto and use almond extract instead (½ tsp in the cream and 1 tsp in the cherry compote).
- Berry mix: Combine cherries with raspberries or blackberries for a layered fruit flavor.
- Chocolate base: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or drizzle dark chocolate between layers.
- Mini servings: Make individual tiramisus in mason jars or dessert glasses for elegant plating.
📌 Storage Tips
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is one of those desserts that tastes even better the next day, making it a dream for entertaining.
- Store in the fridge: Keep tightly covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze tiramisu for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Dust with fresh cocoa before plating.
❄️ Freezing tip: Make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and flavor absorption.
🧠 Fun Fact: The Origin of Tiramisu
“Tiramisu” literally means “pick me up” in Italian—thanks to its mix of coffee, sugar, and creamy layers. While the classic version is made with cocoa, mascarpone, and espresso-soaked ladyfingers, it’s a wildly versatile dessert. This cherry-Amaretto twist stays true to its roots while introducing fresh flavor and flair.
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❤️ Final Thoughts
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu might just become your new favorite dessert. It’s a blend of luxury and ease: sweet cherries soaked in liqueur, creamy mascarpone, and the unmistakable boldness of coffee. Whether you’re sharing it with guests or sneaking a forkful from the fridge after midnight (no judgment), every bite is rich, satisfying, and totally worth the prep.