Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert Recipe

Prepare to fall head over heels for this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert—a playful twist on the beloved Italian classic that balances the richness of mascarpone cream, the vibrance of cherries, and the enchanting whisper of almond-scented liqueur. Each creamy, coffee-soaked bite perfectly weaves together tart cherry preserves, pillowy layers of ladyfingers, and a dreamy cream that feels like pure celebration. Whether you’re looking to wow the crowd at a dinner party or to enjoy a luxurious treat any night of the week, this unforgettable dessert is just the thing to put a magical spin on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every layer of this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert brings something vital to the party. These simple ingredients work in harmony to create an experience that’s creamy, fruity, and irresistibly indulgent—just a little planning and you’ll have the perfect dessert.

• Heavy cream: Whips up light and fluffy for that signature tiramisu silkiness.
• Mascarpone cheese: The heart of the cream layer, lending rich, buttery smoothness.
• Powdered sugar: Dissolves beautifully for effortless sweetness, without any graininess.
• Vanilla extract: Adds an aromatic note that ties the cream together.
• Espresso or strong coffee: Gives those ladyfingers their unmistakable depth and backbone.
• Amaretto liqueur: Infuses the dessert with just the right hit of nutty, almond warmth.
• Ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi): The essential base, ready to drink up all those delicious flavors.
• Cherry preserves or cherry pie filling: Bursts of sweet-tart cherry in every bite—choose your favorite for a bold pop of color.
• Fresh cherries: Add texture and a gorgeous, vibrant finish—perfect for inside and on top.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: A dusting on top intensifies the chocolate notes and creates a classic tiramisu look.
• Fresh cherries with stems: Optional, but stunning for a festive presentation.
• Shaved chocolate or sliced almonds: The finishing flair for extra crunch and decadence.

How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert

Step 1: Whip the Cream Layer

Start by pouring the chilled heavy cream into a large mixing bowl and whip it using a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form—think of clouds that gently hold their shape. Next, add the room-temperature mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue whipping just until everything becomes smooth, thick, and creamy. This luscious mixture is the foundation that makes every bite of Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert so swoon-worthy.

Step 2: Prepare the Soaking Liquid

In a shallow dish, combine your freshly brewed (and completely cooled) espresso or strong coffee with the fragrant amaretto liqueur. Give it a gentle stir. The key here is to let the amaretto sing alongside the coffee, ensuring your ladyfingers pick up both depth and sweetness in every layer.

Step 3: Dip and Layer the Ladyfingers

Working quickly, dip each ladyfinger into the espresso–amaretto mixture. Just a swift dunk is all you need—no need to let them linger, or else they’ll get too soggy to hold the layers together. Arrange the dipped ladyfingers snugly in a single layer on the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish, creating the sturdy base for your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert.

Step 4: Spread the Cream

Take half of that plush mascarpone cream and gently spread it over the first layer of ladyfingers. Use a spatula to nudge it into every corner—this dreamy, velvety blanket is what separates the bold flavors of coffee and cherry, making every spoonful special.

Step 5: Add the Cherry Layers

Spoon half of the cherry preserves (or your favorite cherry pie filling) evenly over the cream. Sprinkle in half of the fresh, juicy cherry halves for bursts of color and flavor. This step is where that tangy-sweet cherry essence really pops, making this version of tiramisu truly unique.

Step 6: Repeat the Layers

Make another layer: dip and arrange the rest of your ladyfingers, add the remaining cream, then finish with another round of cherry preserves and fresh cherries. Build these layers with care—you’ll be rewarded with a cross-section that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for at least 6 hours (overnight is even better). This chilling time is absolutely crucial, allowing all the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften into a sliceable, tender treat.

Step 8: Finish with Garnish

Just before serving, take your masterpiece out of the fridge, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder, and let your creativity shine. Add fresh cherries—with or without stems—for a show-stopping touch, and scatter over some shaved chocolate or sliced almonds if you like a little extra flair.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Carefully slice the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert into generous squares and serve while it’s beautifully chilled. Every forkful is pure joy—the kind you’ll want to share (or maybe keep to yourself!).

How to Serve Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert

Garnishes

For a dessert that looks every bit as glorious as it tastes, top your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert with a cloud of unsweetened cocoa powder, a tumble of fresh cherries (leave the stems on for drama), and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or toasted sliced almonds. Each topping adds a new layer of flavor or crunch, giving your guests plenty to rave about before they’ve even taken the first bite!

Side Dishes

This dessert is a showstopper on its own, but for an extra-festive table, pair it with tiny Italian biscotti cookies or a plate of dark chocolate squares. If you want to keep things refreshing, offer a small dish of vanilla gelato or a sparkling cherry spritz on the side to echo the flavors in your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the tiramisu into elegant parfait glasses or individual mason jars—especially great for picnics or parties where guests can grab their own. For a more rustic feel, assemble the dessert in a deep trifle bowl and let those colorful cherry layers steal the spotlight. However you serve it, every scoop of Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert is guaranteed to be a conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have some Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert left (a big if!), store it covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay beautifully fresh for up to three days, though you might notice the layers getting even softer and more decadent as time goes by.

Freezing

You can freeze Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert with good results—just be sure to wrap the dish well with both plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. While the texture might be a touch softer after freezing, those flavors remain absolutely irresistible.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dessert! Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert is best served well chilled. If it’s been in the freezer, let it fully thaw in the fridge before enjoying. If the layers seem especially soft, try placing the dish (uncovered) in the fridge for an extra hour to firm things up before cutting.

FAQs

Can I use a different liqueur instead of amaretto?

Absolutely! While amaretto provides that signature almond flavor, you can swap in a cherry liqueur, hazelnut liqueur, or even rum if you prefer. Each will put its own twist on Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert, so feel free to experiment with what you love.

Do I have to use espresso, or can I use regular coffee?

Strong brewed coffee works just as well as espresso, so use what you have on hand. The deeper the roast, the more flavor it will give the ladyfingers, but the recipe is very forgiving—no fancy equipment required!

What’s the best way to pit fresh cherries for the layers?

If you don’t have a cherry pitter, poke a sturdy straw through the stem end to easily remove the pit. Halved cherries work beautifully in this recipe, adding a little burst of freshness in every bite of Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert.

Can I make this dessert gluten free?

Certainly! Just look for gluten-free ladyfinger cookies at your local store or make your own at home. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten free, so it’s a simple substitution.

How far in advance can I make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert?

This dessert is actually best when made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to blend and the texture to set. You can safely make it up to two days before serving, just keep it well-covered in the fridge until ready to garnish and serve.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fresh new twist on a classic, Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert is here to brighten your table and wow everyone lucky enough to get a forkful. Try it once, and you might find yourself inventing dinner parties just for an excuse to make it again!

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