Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining sweet cherries and the nutty flavor of amaretto liqueur. This creamy, layered treat is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special homemade indulgence.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup amaretto liqueur
• 1 cup cherry juice
• 16 to 18 ladyfinger cookies
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cocoa powder or grated dark chocolate, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, granulated sugar, and half of the amaretto. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the cherries are soft and their juices are released. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Stir in the remaining amaretto and cherry juice.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix mascarpone with vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the cherry-amaretto mixture, making sure not to oversoak. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish or individual serving cups.
4. Step 4: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers. Spoon half of the cherry mixture on top, then repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
5. Step 5: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
6. Step 6: Before serving, dust with cocoa powder or sprinkle with grated dark chocolate for a finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen cherries when fresh are unavailable, but thaw and drain them well before cooking.
• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute amaretto with almond extract and cherry juice with cherry syrup or juice.
• Serve in individual glasses for elegant presentation and easy portion control.

Storage

Store the tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become grainy. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit instead of cherries?

Yes, berries like raspberries or strawberries work well and complement the amaretto flavor beautifully.

How long should I soak the ladyfingers?

Dip each ladyfinger quickly, about 1 to 2 seconds, to prevent them from becoming too soggy and falling apart in the dessert.

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe

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Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining the rich flavors of mascarpone cream with juicy cherries soaked in amaretto liqueur and cherry juice. This no-bake dessert layers soft ladyfinger cookies with luscious cherry-amaretto syrup and fluffy mascarpone cream, topped with a dusting of cocoa or dark chocolate for an elegant and indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cherry-Amaretto Mixture

• 1 pound fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup amaretto liqueur (divided)
• 1 cup cherry juice

Mascarpone Cream

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Assembly

• 16 to 18 ladyfinger cookies
• Cocoa powder or grated dark chocolate, for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare Cherry-Amaretto Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and half of the amaretto liqueur. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the cherries soften and release their juices. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before stirring in the remaining amaretto and cherry juice to create a flavorful soaking liquid.
2. Make Mascarpone Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form, indicating a light and airy texture. In a separate bowl, blend the softened mascarpone cheese with vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and fluffy, ensuring a creamy and rich filling.
3. Soak Ladyfingers: Briefly dip each ladyfinger cookie into the cherry-amaretto mixture, taking care not to soak them too long to avoid sogginess. Lay a single layer of the soaked ladyfingers evenly in the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish or divide among individual serving cups for a personalized presentation.
4. Layer the Tiramisu: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfinger layer. Spoon half of the cherry mixture on top, allowing some cherries and syrup to be visible. Repeat the process with the remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cherry mixture to build alternating layers, creating a visually appealing and delicious dessert.
5. Chill and Set: Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the dessert to set properly, resulting in a perfect texture and taste.
6. Serve: Just before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu generously with cocoa powder or sprinkle with grated dark chocolate for a finishing touch that adds a hint of bitterness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Use fresh cherries when in season for the best flavor, or frozen cherries that have been thawed and drained if fresh are unavailable.
• If you prefer an alcohol-free version, substitute amaretto liqueur with almond extract mixed with cherry juice.
• Avoid oversoaking the ladyfingers to prevent the dessert from becoming too soggy; a quick dip is sufficient.
• For ease, prepare the tiramisu a day ahead to ensure the flavors develop fully and the dessert is well set.
• Feel free to garnish with fresh cherries or a sprig of mint for added presentation appeal.

Keywords: Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, Cherry Tiramisu, No-Bake Tiramisu, Italian Dessert, Mascarpone Dessert, Cherry Dessert, Amaretto Recipes