Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Delight

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is my answer to those times when you crave something elegant yet crave-worthy with bold fruity elegance This tiramisu is inspired by my love for cherry season and the way amaretto transforms simple desserts into celebration-worthy treats that feel decadent but make use of plenty of shortcuts

The first time I made this was with cherries right off the tree and it disappeared before dinner even started Now it is what I bring to every family brunch in cherry season and the kids love helping pit the cherries

Gather Your Ingredients

• Mascarpone cheese: Brings mild tang and rich texture Always check dates for the freshest tub
• Heavy cream: Is essential for whip and silkiness Choose the highest fat content you can find for the fluffiest results
• Amaretto liqueur: Imparts an almondy warmth Look for authentic Italian brands if possible for a smooth finish
• Cherry juice: Deepens the fruit notes and soaks into ladyfingers Opt for a juice with no added sugar
• Fresh cherries, chopped: Deliver texture and natural tartness Glossy firm cherries will hold their own best
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling Check to make sure it dissolves fully for no grittiness
• Cherry preserves: Add a concentrated punch of flavor Look for whole fruit preserves for juiciness
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out and deepens flavors I favor pure vanilla for fullest aroma
• Ladyfingers: Are the tiramisu backbone Crisp when dry they become tender in the soak
• Cocoa powder: Finishes with a dust of bitterness Sift before using for no lumps
• Dark chocolate, shaved: Offers little hits of intensity Choose eighty percent dark for the deepest taste

How to Make It

Prepare the Mascarpone Base:

Combine mascarpone cheese and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl Use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed and beat until the mixture turns light smooth and fluffy This step usually takes two to three minutes You want peaks that are soft but not stiff

Layer in Flavor:

Stream in the amaretto liqueur cherry juice and vanilla extract into the mascarpone mixture Continue mixing at medium low until everything is just completely blended The mixture will smell incredible at this point

Sweeten Up:

In a separate small bowl stir together the granulated sugar and cherry preserves until combined No large lumps should remain Add this sweetly tart mix into the mascarpone bowl and beat again for about a minute This ensures the preserve flavor is evenly distributed through every creamy bite

Prepare the Cherries:

Pit and chop fresh cherries into small pieces Save a handful for decorating the top If you like you can give them a quick toss in a splash of cherry juice for extra flavor

Soak the Ladyfingers:

Pour the remaining cherry juice and half of the amaretto liqueur into a shallow dish Working quickly dip ladyfingers one at a time turning only briefly so they do not go soggy Lay them to fully cover the bottom of your chosen baking dish

Layer and Build:

Spread half the mascarpone mixture gently over the ladyfingers making sure to go all the way to the edges Sprinkle in a layer of chopped cherries Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers then the rest of the mascarpone mixture smoothing the surface

Chill and Finish:

Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate at least four hours or up to overnight Longer chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully Right before serving dust the top generously with sifted cocoa powder and scatter over a shower of shaved dark chocolate and the reserved cherries

My absolute favorite part is the contrast between the chocolate curls and the creamy mascarpone My niece calls it happy cherry food and steals as many extra cherries off the top as she can

Flavor Boosters

Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate They will keep flavor and texture for up to three days If you want to store longer freeze individual portions in airtight containers and thaw in the fridge overnight The cocoa and chocolate may darken slightly on thawing but the flavor remains lush

Serving Suggestions

A big spoonful of tiramisu with a pile of fresh cherries on top is pure bliss For fancier occasions serve with crunchy almond biscotti or small glasses of chilled amaretto For a backyard picnic I bring it in mason jars layered ahead of time

Creative Twists

If cherries are out of season swap in thawed frozen cherries or jarred sour cherries drained You can replace amaretto with almond extract and a bit more cherry juice for a kid friendly version Swap mascarpone for a blend of cream cheese and a big splash of heavy cream in a pinch

Prepare this once for family and you will want it at every cherry season My friend asked for this recipe after a single bite—it is truly memory-making dessert

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What makes this tiramisu unique?

Fresh cherries and amaretto liqueur infuse classic tiramisu layers with a fruity kick and nutty depth, transforming the familiar dessert into a standout centerpiece.

→ Can I substitute the amaretto?

Yes, almond extract or cherry juice can be used for a non-alcoholic version, though the characteristic flavor may change slightly.

→ How long should tiramisu chill before serving?

Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to fully set the layers and blend the flavors for best results.

→ What cherries work best for this dessert?

Fresh, pitted sweet cherries are ideal, but frozen or jarred cherries packed in natural juices can be a good substitute when fresh are unavailable.

→ Can this dessert be made ahead?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish a day in advance to allow flavors to meld for a richer, more harmonious taste and texture.