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
Scale
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