Print

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

This sophisticated twist on the traditional Italian tiramisu combines the rich flavors of sweet cherries and the warm almond notes of Amaretto liqueur. Light, creamy, and indulgent, it’s a perfect dessert for dinner parties, romantic evenings, or festive celebrations. Easy to assemble and make-ahead friendly, this no-bake treat brings elegance to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cherry Compote

  • 3 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

  • 1 tablespoon Amaretto liqueur (optional)

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 compote or store-bought)

  • ½ cup Amaretto liqueur

  • Dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (for garnish)

  • Extra cherries for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook for 7–10 minutes until the cherries release juices and soften. Optional: stir in a cornstarch slurry for thicker compote. Remove from heat, stir in Amaretto, and cool completely.

  2. In a bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. In another bowl, stir mascarpone with Amaretto until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.

  3. In a shallow dish, mix cherry juice and Amaretto. Briefly dip each ladyfinger in this liquid for 1–2 seconds per side.

  4. In a 9×13-inch dish, arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over them, followed by half the cherry compote. Repeat with remaining ladyfingers, cream, and compote.

  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

  6. Before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, and extra cherries if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

  • You can substitute almond extract for Amaretto for a non-alcoholic version (use only ½ teaspoon).

  • Frozen cherries work well when fresh are out of season—thaw and drain first.

  • Layer in individual glasses or jars for a personal serving twist.

  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free ladyfingers and verify your Amaretto is gluten-free.