You know those recipes that feel like a warm hug? The ones you pull out for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a Tuesday that needs a little extra love? For me, that’s this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu.
It started as a way to use up a jar of gorgeous cherries from the farmer’s market, and it quickly became my family’s most-requested dessert. It takes the classic Italian flavors we all adore and gives them a playful, fruity twist. The combination of sweet cherries and nutty amaretto is simply magical.
Honestly, this isn’t just a dessert; it’s a little bowl of joy. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make it. If you can whip cream and dip cookies, you can create this stunning Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHERRY AMARETTO TIRAMISU
First, it’s incredibly easy. No baking required! Second, it balances rich, creamy mascarpone with the bright, tangy pop of cherries.
The amaretto adds a sophisticated depth that makes this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu taste like it came from a fancy bakery. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dessert, which is a lifesaver for busy families. Everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
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Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on classic tiramisu featuring sweet cherries and nutty amaretto liqueur. This no-bake dessert combines layers of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone whipped cream, and a homemade cherry compote for a magical, make-ahead treat perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
1 lb fresh or frozen pitted cherries
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp amaretto liqueur
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups strong coffee or espresso, cooled
3 tbsp amaretto liqueur
24–30 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
Cocoa powder for garnish
Sliced almonds for garnish
Instructions
- Make cherry compote: In saucepan, cook cherries, granulated sugar, and 2 tbsp amaretto over medium heat. Mix cornstarch and water into slurry, stir into bubbling cherries. Cook until thickened. Let cool completely
- Make cream: Whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. In separate bowl, gently whisk mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture
- Prepare coffee dip: Combine cooled coffee with 3 tbsp amaretto in shallow dish
- Assemble: Quickly dip each ladyfinger in coffee-amaretto mixture (do not soak). Layer in dish. Spread half the cream over cookies. Top with all cherry compote. Add second layer of dipped cookies. Finish with remaining cream
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours (overnight preferred). Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and sprinkle with sliced almonds
Notes
For non-alcoholic version: Replace amaretto with 1 tsp almond extract mixed into coffee.
Storage: Keep covered in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Do not freeze.
Substitutions: Use cherry jam if fresh cherries unavailable; amaretti cookies can replace ladyfingers.
Pro tip: Chill bowl and beaters before whipping cream for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: tiramisu, cherry, amaretto, dessert, no-bake
Ingredients you’ll need
| For the Cherry Layer | For the Cream & Assembly |
|---|---|
| 1 lb fresh or frozen pitted cherries | 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold |
| 1/3 cup granulated sugar | 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temp |
| 2 tbsp amaretto liqueur | 1/3 cup powdered sugar |
| 1 tsp lemon juice | 1 tsp vanilla extract |
| 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water | 1 1/2 cups strong coffee or espresso, cooled |
| 3 tbsp amaretto liqueur | |
| 24-30 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi) | |
| Cocoa powder & sliced almonds for garnish |
Substitutions & variations
No fresh cherries? A high-quality cherry jam or preserves work beautifully. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the amaretto with 1 tsp of almond extract mixed into the coffee.
You can use whipped topping instead of fresh cream in a pinch, but the texture will be lighter. Try different cookies like amaretti cookies for an extra almond punch!
Step-by-step instructions
First, make the cherry compote. Cook the cherries, sugar, and amaretto in a saucepan over medium heat. Mix the cornstarch and water, then stir it into the bubbling cherries.
Cook until thick. Let it cool completely. Next, make the cream.
Whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. In another bowl, gently whisk the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
Now, assemble! Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-amaretto mix. Don’t soak them!
Layer them in your dish. Spread half the cream over the cookies. Top with all the cherry compote.
Add another layer of dipped cookies. Finish with the remaining cream. Cover and chill for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and sprinkle with almonds.
Pro tips for success
Use full-fat mascarpone for the creamiest texture. Ensure your mascarpone is at room temperature to avoid lumps. Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream; it whips up faster and higher.
Most importantly, let your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu set fully. This patience allows the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften perfectly.
Storage & reheating tips
Store your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu covered in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for 3-4 days. I do not recommend freezing it, as the creamy layer can separate and become grainy. This dessert is always served cold, so no reheating is needed!
What to serve with this recipe
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a star on its own. For a dinner party, serve it with a small glass of dessert wine or a shot of espresso. A light, fresh fruit salad on the side can balance the richness. For the kids, I sometimes add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside their portion.
FAQs
Can I make this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Making it a day in advance gives the flavors time to develop fully.
What if I can’t find ladyfinger cookies?
You can use a thin layer of plain sponge cake or pound cake slices. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Is there a substitute for mascarpone?
For a similar richness, you can use full-fat cream cheese softened with a tablespoon of heavy cream. The flavor profile will change slightly.
Nutrition information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 |
| Total Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 19g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Protein | 7g |
This decadent Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a special treat. Every bite of this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu delivers a perfect balance. I hope this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu becomes a cherished recipe in your home, just like it is in mine. Trust me, this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is pure love on a spoon.
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert whose name translates to ‘pick me up’ or ‘cheer me up,’ reflecting its coffee-infused layers meant to energize. This beloved treat typically features layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar, often dusted with cocoa powder for a rich finish.