This Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a fun twist on the classic dessert! With layers of soft ladyfingers, sweet cherries, and a hint of almond flavor, it’s a treat for your taste buds.
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up. Just layer, chill, and enjoy! I mean, who can resist that creamy, fruity goodness? Perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh sweet cherries are the star here, bringing sweetness and a lovely tartness. If they’re out of season, frozen cherries can work too—just thaw and drain excess juice. I personally love to use ripe, firm cherries for the best texture!
Amaretto: This almond-flavored liqueur adds a unique depth. For a non-alcoholic version, consider using almond extract mixed with a bit of water or some cherry juice for flavor.
Lladyfingers: The traditional choice for tiramisu, ladyfingers soak up the flavors. If you can’t find them, homemade sponge cake pieces or even vanilla wafers could work as a substitute.
Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy cheese is essential for a rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can mix cream cheese and heavy cream. Just ensure that the cream cheese is nice and soft before mixing.
What’s the Best Way to Layer Tiramisu Without Making a Mess?
Layering tiramisu can be tricky, but with a little care, it can be done beautifully. Here’s how:
- Dip the ladyfingers quickly, so they absorb enough flavor but don’t become soggy.
- Use a spatula to spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers. This helps create clean layers without dragging up the cookies.
- When adding the cherry mixture, spoon it gently over the cream to keep the layers distinct.
- Be patient when refrigerating—allow it to chill thoroughly for at least 4 hours. This helps the layers set nicely, making serving easier.
These steps will help you create a stunning tiramisu that looks as good as it tastes!
Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup fresh sweet cherries, pitted, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves or cherry jam
- 1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur
- 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus at least 4 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator. So, you can whip it up in the afternoon and enjoy it after dinner! The longer it chills, the better the flavors blend together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherry Mixture:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh cherries, cherry preserves, and Amaretto. Cook gently until the mixture is warm and the cherries begin to soften slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let the mixture cool down.
2. Whip the Cream:
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with half of the sugar until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with the remaining sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. It’s nice and creamy—just like that!
3. Combine the Mixtures:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined and creamy. Be gentle so you keep all that lovely air in the whipped cream!
4. Dip the Ladyfingers:
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the Amaretto cherry syrup mixture (make sure to reserve some syrup) so they are moistened but not soggy. We want them to soak up flavor without falling apart!
5. Layer the Tiramisu:
Arrange a layer of the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving pan. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out evenly. Then, spoon half of the cherry and Amaretto mixture evenly over the cream layer.
6. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone cream. Top it off with the rest of the cherry mixture.
7. Dust and Chill:
Generously dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder, giving it that classic tiramisu look. Then, cover the tiramisu and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This helps all the flavors blend beautifully!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish with fresh whole cherries on top for an extra pop of color and flavor. Slice it up and enjoy your rich, creamy, and fruity Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu!
FAQ for Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries can work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking with them. You may want to simmer them a bit longer to get that nice, syrupy consistency.
Can I Make This Tiramisu Non-Alcoholic?
Yes! For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the Amaretto and replace it with almond extract mixed with a bit of water or use cherry juice for added flavor. This will still give you that delicious cherry taste without the alcohol!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover tiramisu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Just keep in mind that the longer it sits, the softer the ladyfingers will become, but the flavors will keep getting better!
What Can I Use Instead of Ladyfingers?
If you can’t find ladyfingers, you can use homemade sponge cake cut into pieces or even vanilla wafers as a substitute. Just make sure they can soak up the cherry syrup without disintegrating too much!
