Decadent Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining the rich creaminess of mascarpone with the bold flavors of cherries and amaretto. The layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, sweetened mascarpone, and cherry topping make this dessert an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any special occasion or a luxurious end to a meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu because it takes the beloved traditional tiramisu and adds a fruity, nutty flair with cherries and amaretto liqueur. The cherries provide a beautiful balance of tartness against the creamy, sweet mascarpone filling, while the amaretto adds a warm, almond flavor that’s simply irresistible. The dish is elegant and rich, yet surprisingly easy to make, and always leaves an impression!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cherry Topping:

• Fresh or frozen cherries (pitted and halved)

• Sugar

• Amaretto liqueur

• Lemon juice

For the Tiramisu:

• Ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits)

• Espresso or strong coffee (cooled)

• Amaretto liqueur

• Mascarpone cheese (softened)

• Heavy cream

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cherry Topping:

   • In a saucepan, I combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat, cooking for about 5–7 minutes, until the cherries begin to soften and release their juices.

   • I stir in the amaretto liqueur and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes, then set it aside to cool.

2. Make the Tiramisu Filling:

   • In a large bowl, I whisk together the softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

   • In a separate bowl, I whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

   • I gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated, creating a fluffy, creamy filling.

3. Assemble the Tiramisu:

   • I mix the espresso or strong coffee with the amaretto liqueur in a shallow dish.

   • I quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-amaretto mixture (don’t soak them, just dip briefly) and lay them in the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish or similar-sized pan.

   • I spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it into an even layer.

   • I then add a layer of the cherry topping over the mascarpone layer, spreading it evenly.

   • I repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, the remaining mascarpone mixture, and then finish with the cherry topping.

4. Chill and Serve:

   • I cover the tiramisu and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

   • Just before serving, I dust the top with a light coating of unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic finishing touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people and takes about 30 minutes total — 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for assembling. Don’t forget the chilling time of at least 4 hours!

Variations

I sometimes add a little bit of orange zest to the cherry topping for a citrusy kick. For a richer flavor, I use dark chocolate shavings as a topping instead of the cocoa powder. If I want a less boozy version, I reduce the amount of amaretto or skip it entirely in favor of cherry juice.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Since this is a chilled dessert, there’s no need to reheat it — it’s best served cold and slightly set.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for the topping?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before cooking them down with the sugar and lemon juice.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! Tiramisu is best when made a day ahead, as it gives the flavors time to meld and the dessert to set properly.

Is it okay if I don’t have ladyfingers?

Ladyfingers are traditional, but I’ve used pound cake or sponge cake in a pinch. Just slice it into the right size to fit the layers.

Can I make this non-alcoholic?

Yes, if you prefer not to use amaretto, you can substitute it with almond extract and a little more sugar or use a non-alcoholic coffee liqueur.

Can I freeze Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu?

I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture of the mascarpone filling can change when frozen. However, it can keep in the fridge for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.

Conclusion

This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is an elevated version of the classic, offering a delightful mix of creamy, tart, and nutty flavors. The combination of amaretto, coffee, and cherries creates a rich and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion or dinner party. I love how easy it is to make but still feels like a gourmet treat that everyone will love.