This Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a fun twist on the classic dessert! With layers of fluffy mascarpone cheese and juicy cherries soaked in amaretto, it’s both rich and fruity.
Making this tiramisu is a breeze! Just mix, layer, and chill—no baking needed! I love serving it after dinner; it always gets smiles and the cherry topping is just icing on the cake, or should I say tiramisu! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries give the best flavor, but you can use frozen ones (just thaw and drain) or even jarred cherries if needed. You could try using raspberries for a different twist!
Amaretto Liqueur: Amaretto adds a lovely almond flavor. If you’re avoiding alcohol, almond extract mixed with a little water or milk can be a good non-alcoholic substitute.
Mascarpone Cheese: The creamy base of this dish! If mascarpone is hard to find, cream cheese mixed with a little heavy cream can work in a pinch, though it will taste slightly different.
Ladyfinger Cookies: These are traditional, but you could swap in sponge cake or any other soft, sweet bread if ladyfingers aren’t available.
How Do I Make a Fluffy Mascarpone Cream?
Creating that light, creamy texture is key for tiramisu. Start by whipping the heavy cream until soft peaks form; be careful not to overwhip it! Next, combine the mascarpone with the powdered sugar and vanilla until it’s smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream to keep it airy!
- Whip heavy cream in a bowl until you see soft peaks.
- In another bowl, mix mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla until well-blended.
- Fold in the whipped cream lightly until mixed—don’t stir too hard!
Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cherry Mixture:
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup cherry preserves or cherry jam
- 1/3 cup amaretto liqueur
For the Cream Layer:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator, or ideally overnight for the best flavors to develop. So, it’s perfect for making ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherry Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the pitted cherries, cherry preserves, and amaretto. Let this mixture sit for at least 15 minutes. This will help the flavors blend beautifully!
2. Whip the Cream:
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the heavy cream until it reaches soft peaks. This means when you lift the beaters out, the cream should hold its shape without being too stiff.
3. Make the Mascarpone Cream:
In a separate large bowl, combine the softened mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat using a mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. No lumps here should be a goal!
4. Combine Creams:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. You want to maintain the light and airy texture, so use a spatula and fold until they’re nicely combined.
5. Dip the Ladyfingers:
Take each ladyfinger and quickly dip it into the cherry-amaretto mixture. Just a quick dip is all you need; you don’t want them soggy! Place the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of your serving dish.
6. Layer the Cream:
Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the layer of ladyfingers. Take your time to make it nice and smooth!
7. Add the Cherry Layer:
Spoon half of the cherry mixture—along with some syrup—over the mascarpone cream layer. This will add a lovely fruity flavor and color to your tiramisu!
8. Repeat the Layers:
Now, add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream, and then top it off with the rest of the cherry mixture. Yum!
9. Chill Your Tiramisu:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait! This chilling time helps everything come together and makes it taste even better.
10. Dust and Garnish:
When you’re ready to serve, take the tiramisu out of the refrigerator. Dust the top lightly with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with fresh cherries for a beautiful finish.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the tiramisu with a sharp knife, serve chilled, and enjoy every delicious bite of your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu!
FAQ for Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries work well! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe. This will keep your tiramisu from getting too soggy.
How Long Can I Keep Leftovers?
Your leftover tiramisu will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out. Just remember to enjoy it while it’s fresh for the best taste!
Can I Make This Tiramisu Alcohol-Free?
Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid alcohol, simply substitute the amaretto with a mixture of almond extract (about 1 tsp) and water or milk to mimic the flavor. You’ll still achieve a delicious result!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! The tiramisu is perfect for making a day ahead. In fact, allowing it to chill overnight enhances the flavors and makes it even tastier. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve!
