Some desserts just refuse to go out of style—tiramisu is one of them. Silky mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, a dusting of cocoa—classic perfection. But every now and then, a timeless dessert deserves a little glow-up. That’s where this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe steps in.
This isn’t your grandma’s tiramisu (though no shade to Nonna—hers will always be legendary). This version layers espresso-dipped ladyfingers with juicy Amaretto-kissed cherries and dreamy mascarpone cream. No oven, no stress, just chill time and an epic payoff.
So grab that forgotten bottle of Amaretto lurking in your cabinet, and let’s turn a simple Italian classic into one of the Best Italian Desserts you’ll ever make.
The Story Behind This Dessert
This recipe was born on a breezy spring afternoon. I came home from the farmers’ market with a bag of glossy, ruby-red cherries. Meanwhile, a bottle of Amaretto had been gathering dust in my cabinet for—well, let’s just say, a while.
Lightbulb moment: why not give tiramisu a fruity, boozy upgrade? One bowl of cherries later, I was layering my new creation, and after the first bite, I knew this Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe was going into the permanent rotation.
Now it’s my go-to when I need a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks fancy but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. (FYI: zero judgment if you lick the spoon while layering. Consider it part of the chef’s perks.)
What Makes This Recipe So Irresistible?
✔️ No-bake & make-ahead friendly — Perfect for hot days or busy schedules.
✔️ Fresh cherries + Amaretto = fruity, nutty, slightly boozy magic.
✔️ Light but indulgent — Rich mascarpone cream balances the espresso-soaked layers.
✔️ Versatile — Works as a full trifle, pretty parfaits, or even Tiramisu Bars Recipe for parties.
Basically, this tiramisu checks all the boxes: easy, elegant, and absolutely addictive.
Ingredient Spotlight
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cherry Tiramisu:
- Fresh cherries – Juicy, tart-sweet, and the star of the show. You’ll cook them down slightly with sugar and Amaretto.
- Amaretto liqueur – Adds nutty almond depth. If you’re into Amaretto Desserts, this one’s a must-try.
- Ladyfingers – Crisp sponges that soften beautifully once dipped in espresso.
- Espresso or strong coffee – For that iconic tiramisu kick.
- Mascarpone cheese – Creamy, luscious, and the key to a velvety filling.
- Heavy cream + powdered sugar + vanilla – For fluff and sweetness.
Optional but recommended: cocoa powder, dark chocolate shavings, and extra cherries on top. (Dessert is 50% taste, 50% showing off, right?)
How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu (Step-by-Step)
- Cook the cherries: Toss them in a saucepan with sugar, lemon juice, and Amaretto. In about 5–7 minutes, you’ll have soft, syrupy cherries ready to layer.
- Whip the cream: Beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. Mix mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla in another bowl, then fold the two together.
- Espresso mix: Stir Amaretto into cooled espresso—this is your ladyfinger dip.
- Layer it up: Dip ladyfingers (don’t drown them—1–2 seconds max). Layer in your dish: ladyfingers → mascarpone cream → cherries. Repeat.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight = perfection).
- Finish & serve: Dust with cocoa, sprinkle chocolate shavings, and top with fresh cherries.
Boom. Done. You’ve just created one of the dreamiest Italian Night Desserts ever.
Pro Tips for the Best Outcome
- Don’t over-soak your ladyfingers. A quick dunk keeps them from going mushy.
- Quality mascarpone = everything. Cheap versions can be grainy. Splurge here.
- Frozen cherries? Totally fine. Just thaw and drain them first.
- Want more cherry kick? Add a splash of cherry juice to your espresso mix.
Variations to Try
- Cherry Almond Tiramisu – Add toasted almonds between layers for crunch.
- Chocolate Cherry Tiramisu – Drizzle chocolate ganache as you layer. (Yes, it’s as sinful as it sounds.)
- Mini Tiramisu Cups – Assemble in mason jars or pretty glasses for portioned servings. Perfect for showers and parties.
- Almond Tiramisu – Skip the cherries and double down on almond flavors with Amaretto + toasted nuts.
Basically, this recipe is a choose-your-own-adventure situation.
Best Way to Serve
This tiramisu shines at any occasion—family dinners, brunches, holiday parties, or as the star of a Fancy Italian Night Desserts spread. Serve it in a glass dish for that wow factor, or cut into neat squares for a classy Tiramisu Bars Recipe vibe.
Pair it with a shot of espresso (for balance) or, if you’re feeling extra, a small glass of Amaretto. Dessert + matching drink? Always a power move.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Keeps up to 3 days, tightly covered.
- Freezer: Store up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Pro tip: Flavors deepen after Day 1. If you can wait, it tastes even better the next day. (Keyword: if.)
FAQs
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Swap Amaretto for a touch of almond extract and extra cherry juice. You’ll still get those sweet nutty notes without the booze.
Can I use kirsch instead of Amaretto?
Totally. Kirsch (cherry brandy) plays super well with cherries and espresso—your Cherry Tiramisu will still be amazing.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yep. Use plant-based whipped cream and vegan mascarpone. Still creamy, still indulgent.
Can I make this as bars instead of layered dessert?
Absolutely. Use a square pan, layer as directed, chill, then slice into neat squares. Instant Cherry Tiramisu Bars Recipe success.
Final Bite
This Cherry Tiramisu Recipe is the love child of classic tiramisu and fruity summer indulgence. With the nutty sweetness of Amaretto, silky mascarpone, and juicy cherries, it’s a mash-up of flavors that scream celebration.
Whether you serve it family-style, as Cherry Almond Tiramisu cups, or cut into Tiramisu Bars Recipe, one thing’s guaranteed: people will ask for seconds.
So, next time you’re craving a no-bake showstopper, skip the cake and go for this Amaretto Desserts masterpiece. Trust me, this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe will earn its spot as one of your Best Italian Desserts ever. Print
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe — Fruity Italian Dessert
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Description
Tiramisu might be a classic, but every so often, it deserves a glow-up. This version gets a fruity, boozy makeover with juicy cherries and a splash of Amaretto—because why not? It’s creamy, decadent, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Ingredients
Cherry Layer
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and sliced in half
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup Amaretto liqueur
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Mascarpone Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened to room temperature
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Espresso Mixture
- ¾ cup strong coffee or espresso, cooled
- 2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
- About 24 ladyfinger cookies (gluten-free works too)
To Finish
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Extra cherries and dark chocolate shavings (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Make the Cherry Compote
- In a small pot, toss the cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and Amaretto. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring here and there, until the fruit softens and releases its juices into a syrupy sauce. Take it off the heat and let it cool.
- Whip the Creamy Filling
- Grab a mixing bowl and whip the cold cream until it forms soft peaks. In another bowl, beat mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and velvety. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mix until it’s light and fluffy.
- Prepare the Coffee Soak
- Stir the Amaretto into your cooled espresso. Pour into a shallow dish so you can dip the ladyfingers without a struggle.
- Assemble the Layers
- Dip each ladyfinger quickly—don’t let them swim!—into the coffee-Amaretto mixture. Lay them in a single layer at the bottom of an 8×8 dish or in glass cups for individual servings.
Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the cookies, then spoon half of the cherry mixture on top.
Repeat the process with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, the rest of the mascarpone, and finish with cherries.
- Dip each ladyfinger quickly—don’t let them swim!—into the coffee-Amaretto mixture. Lay them in a single layer at the bottom of an 8×8 dish or in glass cups for individual servings.
- Let It Set
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). This chill time lets the layers settle and flavors blend into creamy perfection.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Right before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder. Garnish with extra cherries and dark chocolate shavings if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
- Quick dunk only! A 1–2 second dip keeps the ladyfingers from turning soggy.
- Mascarpone matters. A high-quality mascarpone makes the cream ultra-smooth and rich.
- Fresh vs. frozen cherries. Fresh gives the best flavor, but thawed frozen cherries (well-drained) will work in a pinch.
- For an extra pop of flavor, add a splash of cherry juice to your espresso mix.
Nutrition
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Protein: 6 g
