This delightful Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu combines rich mascarpone cheese with sweet cherries and a hint of amaretto liqueur. It’s light, creamy, and oh-so-delicious!
I love how this dessert gives a fun spin on the classic tiramisu. It’s like a cherry party in every bite, and trust me, you won’t want to share! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cherries: Using fresh cherries adds a bright, juicy flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen cherries can work too. Just thaw and drain them well before using.
Cherry Preserves: This adds sweetness and a rich cherry flavor. You can substitute with other fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry if cherry isn’t available or if you prefer a different taste.
Mascarpone Cheese: For that creamy texture, mascarpone is key. If you can’t find it, cream cheese mixed with heavy cream can offer a similar consistency, but the taste will be a bit different.
Amaretto Liqueur: The signature flavor comes from amaretto. If you want a non-alcoholic version, use almond extract mixed with a bit of water or almond milk for a similar flavor without the alcohol.
Ladyfinger Cookies: Traditional tiramisu uses ladyfingers. You could also use sponge cake cut into strips or even homemade cake if you want a twist!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture?
The secret to that luscious creaminess lies in how you whip your cream and combine your ingredients. Here are the steps to get it right:
- Start with cold heavy cream to whip it into stiff peaks, which helps create lightness.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula and turn the bowl for an even mix to keep it airy.
- Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate your whipped cream and make the mixture dense.
This method ensures your tiramisu remains light and creamy, giving that melt-in-the-mouth experience that’s simply irresistible!
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cherry Mixture:
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves or cherry jam
For the Cream Layers:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
For Assembly:
- 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Sliced toasted almonds, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu will take about 30 minutes to prepare and requires at least 4 hours of chilling time (preferably overnight) in the refrigerator. So, plan ahead to let those flavors mingle and for the dessert to set properly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherry Mixture:
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the cherry preserves until they are easy to spread. Once warm, gently fold in the pitted cherries. Take it off the heat and allow this mixture to cool completely.
2. Whip the Heavy Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks start to form. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. This will give your tiramisu a light and fluffy texture!
3. Combine Mascarpone and Cream:
In a separate bowl, gently fold the mascarpone cheese with the amaretto liqueur until smooth. Then, carefully fold the whipped cream into this mascarpone mixture until fully combined. It’s important to be gentle to keep the mixture airy.
4. Assemble the Layers:
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into a mixture of amaretto and water (or just use diluted amaretto) for about 1-2 seconds—don’t soak them! Arrange a layer of the dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish or individual plates.
5. Add the Cream and Cherry Layers:
Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the layer of ladyfingers. Then, spoon the cherry preserve and cherry mixture evenly over the mascarpone layer, making sure to cover it well.
6. Repeat the Layers:
Next, add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of the cherries. Follow this with the remaining mascarpone cream, spreading it smoothly over the top.
7. Final Touches:
Generously dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu finish. If you’d like, garnish with fresh cherries and slices of toasted almonds for an added crunch and aesthetic appeal!
8. Chill and Serve:
For best results, refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully! Serve it chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy mascarpone, sweet cherries, and the essence of amaretto.
This recipe yields a rich and creamy tiramisu that’s sure to impress, with its beautiful layers and the delightful cherry and amaretto twist! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before incorporating them into your dish. This will help maintain the right texture and prevent your tiramisu from becoming too watery.
Can I Make This Dessert Without Alcohol?
Definitely! You can leave out the amaretto and substitute it with almond extract mixed with a little water or almond milk. This will still give you that lovely almond flavor without the alcohol.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious! Just remember to enjoy it chilled.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This tiramisu is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the night before and let it chill overnight, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a fantastic option for parties or gatherings!
