Elegant Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu: A Sophisticated Twist on a Classic Dessert

Tiramisu is one of those timeless desserts that conjures feelings of warmth, comfort, and indulgence. Now imagine infusing that Italian classic with the vibrant sweetness of cherries and the smooth, almond-kissed warmth of Amaretto liqueur. Enter: Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu—a refined and festive variation perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or just an elegant touch to a weekend treat.

This recipe draws inspiration from summers in northern Italy, where fresh cherries are celebrated in everything from pastries to gelato. The twist here is the addition of Amaretto, the iconic almond liqueur from Saronno, Italy, which pairs beautifully with cherries and adds a luxurious depth to the dessert. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something indulgent and unique, this tiramisu is a showstopper worth every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

• Elegant and Unique: A chic update to the traditional coffee-flavored tiramisu.

• No-Bake: Perfect for summer when you want a stunning dessert without turning on the oven.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling overnight.

• Seasonal and Flexible: Can be made with fresh or frozen cherries and adjusted for different preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe serves 8–10 generous portions.

For the Cherry Compote

• 3 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker compote)

• 1 tablespoon Amaretto liqueur (optional, adds extra depth)

For the Cream Layer

• 1½ cups mascarpone cheese, room temperature

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• ⅓ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur

For Assembly

• 1 package (7 oz) ladyfinger biscuits (Savoiardi)

• 1 cup cherry juice (from the compote or store-bought)

• ½ cup Amaretto liqueur

• Dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish

• Extra cherries for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cherry Compote

In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cherries start to release their juices and soften (about 7–10 minutes). If you like a thicker compote, dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold water and stir it in, simmering until thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in Amaretto. Let it cool completely before using.

Tip: For a smoother consistency, mash some of the cherries with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender for a rustic purée.

2. Whip the Mascarpone Cream

In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

In a separate bowl, gently mix the mascarpone with the Amaretto until smooth and creamy. Do not overmix, or it can become grainy.

Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in batches, using a spatula. The result should be light, fluffy, and luxurious.

3. Prepare the Soaking Liquid

In a shallow dish, mix the cherry juice and Amaretto. This will be used to soak the ladyfingers and infuse them with flavor.

Note: You can adjust the amount of Amaretto based on preference or make a non-alcoholic version by omitting it entirely and using cherry juice alone.

4. Assemble the Tiramisu

Use a 9×13-inch dish or similar-sized trifle bowl for layering.

1. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cherry-Amaretto mixture—just 1–2 seconds per side to prevent them from becoming soggy.

2. Lay a layer of soaked ladyfingers on the bottom of your dish.

3. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.

4. Spoon over half the cherry compote.

5. Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and the remaining cherry compote.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

5. Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, top with dark chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder. Add a few fresh cherries on top for a dramatic and inviting presentation.

Use a sharp knife to cut into squares and a wide spatula to lift each piece out with the perfect balance of fruit, cream, and sponge.

Make It Your Own: Variations and Tips

Non-Alcoholic Version

• Replace Amaretto with almond extract (use sparingly—about ½ teaspoon).

• Use cherry juice or a mix of pomegranate and grape juice for depth.

Cherry Substitutes

• Try raspberries, blackberries, or even strawberries for a different berry note.

• For a winter version, use pitted canned cherries with cinnamon for a mulled flavor.

Layer It in Glasses

Individual dessert glasses or jars are perfect for dinner parties or picnics. They also make for beautiful, portion-controlled servings.

Gluten-Free Option

• Use gluten-free ladyfingers or sponge cake.

• Check that your Amaretto is gluten-free—many are, but it’s worth confirming.

The Story Behind the Dish

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu came to life as a twist on a summer vacation memory in Lake Como. During a festival in a nearby village, locals served cherries soaked in Amaretto alongside almond biscotti and espresso. The flavors were simple yet striking—bright cherries, sweet almond warmth, and a hint of bitterness. That memory sparked this dessert, combining everything in one sophisticated, make-ahead treat. It brings together seasonal fruit, a beloved Italian liqueur, and the universal appeal of tiramisu in one modern, decadent dish.

Pairing Suggestions

This tiramisu pairs beautifully with after-dinner drinks like:

• A glass of chilled Amaretto on the rocks

• Espresso or strong coffee

• A sweet dessert wine such as Vin Santo or Moscato

You could also serve it alongside a cheese plate with almonds and dried cherries to echo the flavors of the dessert.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually improves in flavor over time as the layers meld.

• Do Not Freeze: The mascarpone and whipped cream can separate when thawed.

• Make Ahead: Ideal to prepare the night before for the best texture and flavor development.

Serving Ideas for Special Occasions

Dinner Party Centerpiece

Layer the tiramisu in a clear trifle bowl to show off the vibrant cherry and cream layers. Add edible flowers or gold leaf on top for extra elegance.

Holiday Brunch or Dessert

The red cherries and creamy layers make this a festive addition to Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or Mother’s Day celebrations.

Wedding or Anniversary Dessert Table

Offer mini versions in shot glasses or jars for a refined, bite-sized dessert bar option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes. Frozen cherries work perfectly, especially when fresh cherries are out of season. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess liquid.

Is there a substitute for mascarpone?
You can use a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream, though the flavor and texture will be slightly tangier. Full-fat Greek yogurt is another option for a lighter twist.

How long should tiramisu chill?
At least 6 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the layers to set beautifully.

Is Amaretto very strong?
Amaretto has a mild alcohol content (around 21–28%) and a sweet, nutty flavor. In this recipe, it complements rather than overpowers the dessert.

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