This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a fun twist on the classic dessert! With fruity cherries, smooth mascarpone, and a splash of amaretto, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion.
Who knew coffee and cherries could be best friends? I love how easy this dessert is to put together. Just layer, chill, and enjoy those happy flavors coming together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are amazing for this dessert, but if they’re out of season, jarred cherries work too. Just make sure to drain them well!
Amaretto Liqueur: This gives the dessert a nutty flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you could use almond extract mixed with water and a little sugar instead.
Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy cheese is essential for that rich texture. If you can’t find it, a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream can work as a substitute, though it won’t taste exactly the same.
Ladyfingers: These cookies are perfect for layering. If you’re gluten-free, there are gluten-free ladyfinger options available, or you could use sponge cake cut into strips.
How Do You Make the Perfect Mascarpone Cream?
Creating a smooth mascarpone cream is key for your tiramisu. First, ensure your egg yolk and sugar mixture is warm enough (160°F/71°C) to kill any bacteria. This step is really important!
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, then heat them gently over simmering water.
- After removing from heat, let the mixture cool slightly before stirring in the mascarpone.
- When whipping the heavy cream, aim for stiff peaks before gently folding it in. This keeps your tiramisu light and airy!
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup fresh or jarred cherries (pitted, drained if jarred)
- 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- About 20-24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Optional: dark chocolate shavings, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to chill in the refrigerator. It’s a bit of waiting, but totally worth it for that rich and creamy dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherries:
If you’re using fresh cherries, make sure to pit them first. In a small saucepan, combine the cherries with 1/4 cup of amaretto. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring gently until the cherries are a little softened and juicy. Set them aside to cool.
2. Mix Coffee and Amaretto:
In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee with the remaining 1/4 cup of amaretto. Give it a good stir and set it aside. This will be the soaking mixture for your ladyfingers!
3. Make the Mascarpone Cream:
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture is pale and thick (about 3-5 minutes). Then, place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (a double boiler) and continue to whisk constantly until the mixture thickens and feels warm to the touch (around 160°F/71°C) for safety. Once it’s warm, take it off the heat and let it cool down a bit.
Now, stir the softened mascarpone into the cooled egg yolk mixture until nice and smooth.
4. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula, being careful to keep it light and airy.
5. Assemble the Tiramisu:
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-amaretto mixture (note: do not soak them) and layer them in the bottom of a serving dish or individual glasses. Then spread a layer of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, followed by a layer of the cooked cherries.
Repeat these layers: ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, cherries, finishing with a mascarpone cream layer on top.
6. Final Touches:
Dust the top layer generously with cocoa powder and garnish with fresh cherries and, if you’d like, some dark chocolate shavings.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully. When you’re ready, serve chilled and indulge in your delicious Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using. You might also want to adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re still a bit firm.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Tiramisu?
You can store leftover Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but it’s best enjoyed fresh within the first couple of days.
Can I Make This Dessert Without Alcohol?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, simply substitute the amaretto with a mixture of almond extract (about 1-2 teaspoons) and some extra coffee or milk for added flavor.
What Should I Do If My Mascarpone Mixture Is Lumpy?
If your mascarpone mixture turns out lumpy, try stirring it more gently until it’s smooth. If that doesn’t work, whisking it with a bit of cream can help smooth it out. Just be careful not to deflate the mixture!