This Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic dessert! It’s made with layers of soft ladyfingers soaked in cherry juice and a smooth creamy filling, all topped with sweet cherries.
What’s fun is how it feels fancy, but comes together quickly! I love digging in and finding that cherry surprise in each bite. 🍒 Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cherries: These sweet gems add a burst of flavor to the dessert. If cherries aren’t in season, you can use frozen cherries — just thaw and drain them well. Canned cherries in syrup work too, but they can be sweeter, so adjust sugar in the recipe if needed.
Cherry Juice: The cherry juice enhances the cherry flavor throughout the dish. You can replace it with cranberry juice or any other berry juice if you want a different twist. Just ensure the color and flavor balance with the Amaretto.
Amaretto Liqueur: This almond-flavored liqueur gives the tiramisu a nice kick. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version, use almond extract instead, about 1 teaspoon. Just be careful with the amount since extracts can be more concentrated.
Ladyfinger Cookies: Traditional tiramisu uses these sponge-like cookies. If you can’t find them, you could use sponge cake cut into strips or even graham crackers in a pinch, though the texture will differ.
Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy cheese is essential for the classic tiramisu texture. If you can’t find mascarpone, you can mix cream cheese with heavy cream for a similar effect. Just ensure to soften the cream cheese first!
How Do I Get the Ladyfingers Just Right Without Making Them Soggy?
This is a common concern when making tiramisu. The key is to briefly dip the ladyfingers in the soaking liquid. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Pour the cherry-amaretto mixture into a shallow dish. It should be enough to soak the ladyfingers without drowning them.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the mixture, turning it to ensure it’s soaked, but don’t let it sit for more than a second or two. It should feel moist but still firm.
- Lay the soaked ladyfingers in your dish as you go, and don’t stack them until you have a full layer; this helps prevent them from becoming soggy.
By keeping an eye on the soaking time, you’ll ensure a perfect layer of ladyfingers that enhance your tiramisu without falling apart!
Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tiramisu:
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup cherry juice (from fresh or canned cherries)
- 2 tbsp Amaretto liqueur
- 1 package (7 oz) ladyfinger cookies
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu takes about 30 minutes of preparation time. You’ll also want to let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can wait), so it really comes together beautifully. All in all, plan for a total of about 5 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cherry-Amaretto Soaking Liquid:
In a shallow dish, combine the cherry juice and the Amaretto liqueur. Give it a good stir! This will be the delicious liquid for soaking your ladyfingers.
2. Prepare the Mascarpone Cream:
In a mixing bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the rich base of your tiramisu.
3. Whip the Heavy Cream:
In a separate bowl, beat together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream holds its shape nicely!
4. Combine the Creams:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese until it’s all mixed together and smooth. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; you want it light and fluffy!
5. Soak the Ladyfingers:
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cherry-amaretto mixture, making sure to coat them without letting them soak too long. They should be moist but not soggy! Lay them out in the bottom of your serving dish or a square pan.
6. Layer the Tiramisu:
Once you have a layer of soaked ladyfingers, spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the top. Then, spoon a layer of pitted cherries over the cream.
7. Add Another Layer:
Repeat the process with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream. Smooth out the top nicely.
8. Finish and Chill:
Dust the top layer with unsweetened cocoa powder for a touch of elegance, and garnish with whole fresh cherries for a beautiful finish. Now, cover it up and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, slice and serve this delightful cherry amaretto tiramisu! Enjoy the layers of flavor and take in those happy smiles around the table.
This recipe creates a beautiful, fruity tiramisu with the classic creamy texture and a cherry-almond twist. It’s a treat everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries work well! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid. This way, they won’t make your tiramisu too watery.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Tiramisu?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld together!
Can I Make This Recipe Alcohol-Free?
Absolutely! To make it alcohol-free, simply substitute the Amaretto liqueur with an equal amount of almond extract, adjusting to taste, and still use cherry juice for soaking.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Tiramisu?
Slice your tiramisu into squares and serve chilled. You can add extra fresh cherries on top or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special touch!
