Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

Ready for a twist on a classic? This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu will have you feeling like you’ve just stepped into an Italian café, but with a little extra flair. Think of it as the perfect marriage of two worlds: the creamy, indulgent goodness of tiramisu with the sweet, boozy notes of amaretto and the juicy pop of ripe cherries. Each bite is a little piece of heaven—a perfect balance of rich mascarpone, slightly sweet cherries, and a hint of almond liqueur that makes it feel oh-so-special. Trust me, this is one dessert you’ll be making over and over again.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

This dessert is all about bringing comfort and excitement to your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it up for a dinner party or just treating yourself, here’s why it’s going to steal the show:

• Versatile: While perfect for summer with fresh cherries, this dessert is great year-round. The cherries can be swapped for other fruits depending on the season, making it adaptable to whatever you’re craving.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of rich mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and the touch of amaretto will wow your guests every time. It’s a dessert everyone can agree on—plus, it’s just stunning to look at!
• Easy Yet Impressive: Don’t be fooled by the fancy name—this tiramisu is surprisingly simple to make. Layer, chill, and serve. The hardest part is waiting for it to set!
• Customizable: Want to make it a little less boozy? Just swap the amaretto for a splash of vanilla extract. You can also play around with the cherries, using them fresh or as a quick compote for added flavor.
• Perfect Balance: It has the indulgence of tiramisu, but the cherries cut through with their fresh, slightly tart flavor, making every bite feel light yet rich. You’ll want to eat the whole pan, I promise.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this gorgeous dessert. Simple ingredients that create such a memorable treat:

• Ladyfingers: These are the perfect vehicle for soaking up the amaretto and coffee mixture, creating that signature tiramisu texture.
• Mascarpone Cheese: The creamy, rich base of tiramisu. You can’t skimp on this one!
• Heavy Cream: To make the mascarpone filling extra smooth and fluffy.
• Sugar: Just a little sweetness to balance the creaminess.
• Egg Yolks: A classic ingredient to add richness and help create a smooth, velvety filling.
• Amaretto: This sweet almond liqueur adds that subtle, nutty flavor that takes this tiramisu to the next level.
• Strong Coffee: You’ll soak the ladyfingers in coffee for that delicious coffee kick that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the mascarpone.
• Fresh Cherries: For that juicy, tart burst of flavor. Fresh is best, but you can also use frozen if cherries aren’t in season.
• Vanilla Extract: To enhance the flavors in the cream filling.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on this show-stopping dessert! Here’s how to make this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu:

Make the Mascarpone Cream

In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until light and fluffy. You can do this by hand or with an electric mixer. Once it’s light and creamy, fold in the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, and gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture. Set this aside for now.

Prepare the Coffee-Amaretto Soak

In a shallow dish, combine the hot coffee and amaretto. Stir until mixed. This is the magic soak that gives the tiramisu its signature flavor—rich coffee and the sweet, almondy taste of amaretto.

Assemble the Layers

Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the coffee-amaretto mixture (don’t soak them too long or they’ll get soggy). Layer them in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish or a large trifle bowl. Once the base is covered, spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers.

Add the Cherry Layer

Take half of your fresh cherries and roughly chop them. Scatter them over the mascarpone cream layer. The cherries will provide a juicy burst that balances the richness of the tiramisu.

Repeat the Layers

Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream, and top it all off with the remaining cherries.

Chill and Set

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together and the better it tastes!

Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, you can garnish with some extra chopped cherries or a dusting of cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu look. Serve chilled and prepare for the compliments to roll in.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Chill Time: [Time to chill the tiramisu]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

This dessert is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more indulgent:

• With a Drizzle of Chocolate: Add a little extra flair by drizzling melted chocolate on top for a rich finishing touch.
• With a Cup of Espresso: Pair this tiramisu with a strong espresso or a cappuccino for the ultimate Italian-inspired treat.
• As Part of a Dessert Platter: Serve it alongside other small bites like chocolate truffles or fruit tarts for an impressive dessert spread.

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: Tiramisu is a great make-ahead dessert! Prepare it the day before, and it’ll taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
• Swap the Cherries: If cherries aren’t in season, try raspberries, strawberries, or even a mix of berries for a different twist on the traditional tiramisu.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the amaretto and replace it with a bit of almond extract for that same nutty flavor.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so feel free to make a batch ahead of time and freeze it for later!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! Just thaw and drain them before using, and they’ll work beautifully in this dessert.

Q2: Can I make this tiramisu without eggs?
A2: Absolutely! You can skip the eggs and use a store-bought eggless tiramisu cream or make a version using whipped cream and mascarpone.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! Tiramisu is best when it’s allowed to chill and set for several hours, so it’s a great dessert to make ahead of time—ideally the day before.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well if you want to save it for later.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger dish, and you may need to adjust the chilling time accordingly.

Q6: How do I make this dessert kid-friendly?
A6: To make this version kid-friendly, simply omit the amaretto and replace the coffee with a strong brewed decaf or even a fruit juice for a non-caffeinated option.

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