Ever since I first discovered the magic of combining cherries with the classic tiramisu, this recipe has become a personal favorite in my kitchen. I love how the tartness of the cherries complements the creamy mascarpone layers, and the subtle hint of almond from the amaretto creates a delightful aroma that fills the room. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for both casual family gatherings and special occasions.
What I adore most about this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is its versatility. You can serve it in a traditional dish, portion it into elegant glasses for an intimate dinner, or even prepare it as individual mini-trifles for parties. Its layered composition allows for creative presentations, making it a show-stopping centerpiece without requiring professional pastry skills.
Another reason this recipe is close to my heart is its affordability. Unlike desserts that demand expensive ingredients or intricate tools, this tiramisu uses simple, accessible items that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Despite its luxurious taste, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly, which makes it perfect for anyone looking to treat themselves or their loved ones without stretching their wallet.
The ingredients are simple yet harmonious, each playing a crucial role in the final flavor. You’ll need fresh cherries, ladyfinger biscuits, mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, amaretto, cocoa powder, and a touch of lemon zest to brighten the flavors. With turkey bacon and chicken ham omitted, this dessert is purely sweet and fruit-forward, allowing the natural richness of mascarpone and the gentle almond notes to shine.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional tiramisu or looking to explore new variations, this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu will captivate your taste buds. Its balance of creamy layers, fruity brightness, and subtle nutty aroma makes it irresistible. Each bite is a reminder that homemade desserts can be both elegant and comforting, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
Prepare to fall in love with this recipe—its versatility, affordability, and exquisite taste make it a must-try for any dessert lover.
Preparing Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a rewarding experience, especially when you see the layers come together and the dessert transform into a stunning treat. The process is straightforward, and with clear step-by-step instructions, even beginners can achieve a professional-looking result.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the cherries
Start by washing and pitting fresh cherries. If fresh cherries are not available, high-quality frozen cherries work just as well. Place the cherries in a small saucepan with a few tablespoons of sugar and a splash of water. Cook over medium heat until they release their juices and form a slightly thickened syrup. Stir gently to avoid breaking them too much, and allow the mixture to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the mascarpone cream
In a medium mixing bowl, separate the eggs, placing the yolks and whites in separate bowls. Whisk the egg yolks with sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. Add the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract, folding gently until smooth and well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture, using gentle motions to maintain the airy texture of the cream.
Step 3: Assemble the tiramisu layers
Dip each ladyfinger biscuit briefly into a mixture of amaretto and a little water. Avoid soaking them for too long, as they can become soggy. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish or individual glasses. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the biscuits evenly. Spoon a layer of the prepared cherry mixture on top, making sure the juices are distributed but not overpowering the cream.
Step 4: Repeat the layers
Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream. Finish with a final layer of cherries, allowing a few to peek through for visual appeal. Dust the top lightly with cocoa powder and, if desired, a few finely grated chocolate shavings to enhance both texture and presentation.
Quick and Easy Tips
While this tiramisu might seem elaborate, it comes together quickly if your ingredients are prepped in advance. Cook the cherries first and let them cool while you prepare the mascarpone cream. Use a shallow dish to speed up assembly, or prepare individual portions in glasses to reduce the overall setup time.
Customizable Options
This recipe is highly adaptable. You can adjust the sweetness of the cherry layer depending on your taste, substitute part of the sugar with honey for a natural sweetness, or add a light sprinkling of almond slices on top for extra crunch. For an even fruitier twist, try mixing in raspberries or blackberries with the cherries. The mascarpone cream can also be flavored subtly with almond extract instead of vanilla for a richer aroma.
Popular With Many People
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu has become a favorite at gatherings because it balances the creamy richness of mascarpone with the bright acidity of cherries. Its texture is indulgent yet light, making it suitable for dessert lovers who prefer a refined but not overly heavy treat. The elegant layers appeal visually, making it perfect for special occasions, while the familiar flavors of cherries and almonds provide comfort and nostalgia.
By following these steps carefully and taking time to layer each component thoughtfully, you’ll create a Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. The process is straightforward, the flavors are harmonious, and the final dessert will impress anyone who tastes it.
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Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a luscious twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining creamy mascarpone layers with tart, sweet cherries and a subtle almond flavor. This dessert is perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions, offering a balance of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted (or thawed frozen cherries)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 24 ladyfinger biscuits
- 1 cup amaretto (or almond syrup mixed with water for non-alcoholic version)
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz (450 g) mascarpone cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
- Optional: chocolate shavings or sliced almonds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the cherries: In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat until slightly thickened. Let cool completely.
- Prepare mascarpone cream: Whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale and creamy. Add mascarpone and vanilla extract; fold until smooth.
- Whip egg whites: Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into mascarpone mixture.
- Dip ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into amaretto (or almond syrup mixture). Avoid soaking too long.
- First layer: Arrange dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of your dish or glasses. Spread half the mascarpone cream over the biscuits.
- Add cherries: Spoon half of the cherry mixture over the cream.
- Second layer: Repeat with remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cherries.
- Finish: Dust the top with cocoa powder and optional chocolate shavings or almond slices.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
Ensure cherries are cooled before layering to prevent the cream from becoming watery.
Handle whipped egg whites gently to maintain a light, airy cream.
Use shallow dishes or glasses for quicker layering and better presentation.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 10
FAQs
Can I make this tiramisu in advance?
Yes, this dessert benefits from resting in the refrigerator for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften, giving the tiramisu its classic creamy texture.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking them with sugar. This prevents the dessert from becoming too watery.
Is there an alcohol-free alternative to amaretto?
Yes, you can replace amaretto with a simple almond syrup or almond extract mixed with a bit of water. This maintains the signature almond flavor without adding alcohol.
How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the tiramisu will remain fresh for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture of the cream.
Can I make individual servings?
Definitely. Layer the tiramisu in small glasses or ramekins for a beautiful presentation. This also makes portion control easier and is perfect for parties.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes, cherries can be combined with raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches for a slightly different flavor while keeping the dessert refreshing and fruity.