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

Scale

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