Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu: An Elegant Italian Dessert with a Cherry Twist
When it comes to Italian desserts that embody pure sophistication and indulgence, tiramisu reigns supreme. This classic dessert has captured hearts worldwide with its delicate layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone. Today, we’re elevating this beloved treat with a stunning Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu that combines the traditional elements with the sweet-tart brightness of fresh cherries and the distinctive almond notes of amaretto liqueur.
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu represents the perfect marriage of classic Italian tradition and innovative flavor combinations. The addition of fresh cherries not only provides a beautiful pop of color but also introduces a delightful contrast to the rich, creamy textures that make tiramisu so irresistible. The amaretto liqueur, with its sweet almond essence, complements both the cherries and the traditional coffee elements, creating a harmonious blend that will leave your guests absolutely enchanted.
What makes this dessert particularly special is its ability to transform any gathering into an elegant affair. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. The visual appeal alone is worth the effort – those gorgeous red cherries nestled between layers of coffee-kissed ladyfingers and cloud-like mascarpone create a dessert that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its stunning presentation but also in its make-ahead convenience. Like traditional tiramisu, this dessert actually improves with time as the flavors meld together and the textures achieve perfect harmony. This makes it an ideal choice for entertaining, as you can prepare it a day in advance and let the refrigerator work its magic while you focus on other aspects of your meal preparation.
The combination of fresh cherries and amaretto creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. The cherries provide natural sweetness with just enough tartness to balance the richness of the mascarpone, while the amaretto adds depth and complexity that elevates the entire dessert. Each bite delivers layers of flavor that unfold on your palate – from the initial burst of cherry sweetness to the subtle almond notes and the comforting familiarity of coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
This recipe is particularly wonderful during cherry season when fresh, plump cherries are at their peak. However, you can also adapt it for year-round enjoyment by using high-quality frozen cherries or even preserved cherries in light syrup (just be sure to drain them well). The key is to use cherries that are sweet but still maintain some structure, as overly soft cherries can make the dessert watery.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coffee Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups strong espresso or coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Mascarpone Layer:
- 1 1/2 pounds mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Assembly:
- 2 packages (7 oz each) ladyfinger cookies
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Fresh cherries for garnish
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cherry mixture by combining pitted cherries, granulated sugar, amaretto, lemon juice, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Toss gently and let macerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the cherries to release their natural juices and absorb the flavors.
- Create the coffee mixture by whisking together cooled espresso, amaretto, coffee liqueur (if using), and granulated sugar in a shallow dish until the sugar completely dissolves. Set aside to cool completely.
- Make the mascarpone cream by first whisking egg yolks with powdered sugar in a large bowl until pale and thick, about 3-4 minutes. Add mascarpone, amaretto, vanilla, and salt, whisking until smooth and well combined.
- Whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in three additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Begin assembly by quickly dipping each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they’re soaked but not falling apart. Arrange them in a single layer in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish or individual serving glasses.
- Layer the components by spreading half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, then spooning half of the macerated cherries and their juices over the cream.
- Repeat the layers with another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, the remaining mascarpone mixture, and the remaining cherries.
- Chill thoroughly by covering the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerating for at least 6 hours, though overnight is preferred for optimal flavor development and texture.
- Finish and serve by dusting with cocoa powder just before serving and garnishing with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings if desired.
The magic of this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The coffee-soaked ladyfingers provide a tender, cake-like base that contrasts beautifully with the silky mascarpone cream. The cherries add bursts of juicy sweetness and a slight tartness that cuts through the richness, while the amaretto weaves everything together with its distinctive almond notes.
When serving, use a sharp knife to cut clean portions, wiping the blade between cuts for the most attractive presentation. Each serving should showcase the beautiful layers you’ve created, with the deep red cherries providing a stunning visual contrast against the pale cream and golden ladyfingers.
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the cherry mixture by combining pitted cherries, granulated sugar, amaretto, lemon juice, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Toss gently and let macerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Create the coffee mixture by whisking together cooled espresso, amaretto, coffee liqueur (if using), and granulated sugar in a shallow dish until sugar dissolves completely.
- Make the mascarpone cream by whisking egg yolks with powdered sugar until pale and thick, about 3-4 minutes. Add mascarpone, amaretto, vanilla, and salt, whisking until smooth.
- Whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form. Gently fold into the mascarpone mixture in three additions.
- Begin assembly by quickly dipping each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture and arranging in a single layer in a 9×13 inch dish.
- Layer the components by spreading half the mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers, then spooning half the macerated cherries over the cream.
- Repeat the layers with coffee-dipped ladyfingers, remaining mascarpone mixture, and remaining cherries.
- Chill thoroughly by covering with plastic wrap and refrigerating for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Finish and serve by dusting with cocoa powder and garnishing with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
This dessert is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of preparation, though it will maintain its quality for up to a week when properly stored in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to develop and intensify over time, making day-old tiramisu often even more delicious than when freshly made.
For those looking to customize this recipe, consider adding a layer of cherry preserves for extra intensity, or incorporating a touch of almond extract to enhance the amaretto flavors. You could also experiment with different types of cherries – sweet Bing cherries provide classic flavor, while tart Montmorency cherries offer a more pronounced contrast to the creamy elements.
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu represents the perfect fusion of tradition and innovation, creating a dessert that honors the classic while introducing exciting new dimensions of flavor and visual appeal that will make it the star of any dining experience.
