This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a stunning twist on the classic Italian dessert — rich, creamy, and infused with the flavor of cherries and almond liqueur. Each bite combines luscious mascarpone cream, juicy cherries, and soft ladyfingers soaked in a cherry-amaretto syrup, making it the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing.
Elegant enough for holidays or special occasions yet simple enough for summer entertaining, this no-bake dessert delivers indulgence without feeling heavy. Serve it chilled for the ultimate make-ahead treat that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
- Light and airy with bright cherry flavor
- No baking required — easy to assemble
- Perfect for summer parties, Christmas, or date nights
- A creative spin on traditional tiramisu
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Ingredients
For the Cherry Layer:
2 cups cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted and halved)
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Cream Filling:
1 ½ cups heavy cream
8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
For the Assembly:
24 ladyfingers (savoiardi)
½ cup brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
Cocoa powder or shaved chocolate, for dusting
Chopped almonds or extra cherries, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the cherry layer
In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, Amaretto, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until syrupy. Let cool completely.
2. Prepare the mascarpone cream
In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, whisk mascarpone with powdered sugar, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until light and fluffy.
3. Assemble the tiramisu
Combine cooled coffee and Amaretto in a shallow dish. Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the mixture (don’t soak). Arrange a single layer in the bottom of a serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, then spoon half of the cherry mixture on top. Repeat with remaining layers.
4. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and layers set.
5. Serve
Dust with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings before serving. Top with fresh cherries or chopped almonds for garnish.
Pro Tips & FAQs
Can I make it alcohol-free?
Yes — substitute cherry juice or almond extract in place of Amaretto for a non-alcoholic version.
How far in advance can I make this?
It can be made 1–2 days ahead. The flavors get even better as it chills.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Definitely. Just thaw and drain them before cooking into syrup.
Flavor Variations
Black Forest Tiramisu: Add chocolate shavings between layers for a decadent twist.
Cherry Almond Tiramisu: Use almond extract in both cream and syrup for a stronger nutty note.
Summer Berry Tiramisu: Swap cherries for mixed berries for a lighter seasonal version.
Nutrition Summary
A silky, cherry-infused dessert with the perfect mix of mascarpone cream and Amaretto — indulgent yet surprisingly light.
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice | 370 | 6g | 38g | 20g | 2g | 25g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
