Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu – A Luxurious, Fruity Twist on the Italian Classic
There’s something breathtakingly elegant about tiramisu — the way the espresso-soaked ladyfingers meld into creamy layers of mascarpone, the velvety richness, the deep coffee aroma. But when you take that classic dessert and infuse it with juicy cherries, almond-scented amaretto, and a swirl of bright red sweetness, something magical happens. That’s exactly what this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu delivers: a perfect balance of rich, creamy, and fruity, with just the right touch of Italian indulgence.
This recipe was born for special dinners, gatherings, and holidays — the kind of dessert people see and immediately say, “Wow.” But underneath all that elegance is a surprisingly simple, no-bake process that makes it easy to whip together even on a weeknight. The cherries add a beautiful tart-sweet burst that cuts through the creaminess, while the amaretto adds a warm, almond-kissed depth that pairs perfectly with chocolate and espresso.
Instead of the traditional dusting of cocoa only, this version folds in layers of cherry compote, giving every bite a gorgeous ruby streak. It’s fresh, bold, and a little romantic — everything a memorable dessert should be. Whether you’re serving this for a dinner party, treating your family, or simply craving a twist on a beloved classic, this cherry amaretto tiramisu is guaranteed to become one of your signature desserts.
It’s luscious without being heavy. Sweet without being cloying. Familiar while still exciting. And best of all, it only gets better as it chills, making it ideal for prepping ahead.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1–2 tablespoons water (as needed)
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
- ⅓ cup amaretto liqueur
- 24–28 ladyfingers (Savoiardi)
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional but amazing)
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
- Fresh cherries and chocolate shavings, for garnish
Instructions:
- Make the Cherry Compote:
In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of water. Simmer 6–8 minutes until soft and syrupy. Let cool completely. - Prepare Coffee Amaretto Soak:
In a shallow dish, mix cooled espresso with amaretto. Set aside for dipping the ladyfingers. - Make the Cream Layer:
In a bowl, beat the heavy cream to soft peaks.
In another bowl, mix mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
Fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fluffy. - Assemble the Layers:
Quickly dip each ladyfinger (1–2 seconds) into the coffee-amaretto mixture and line the bottom of your dish. - Add Cream:
Spread half the mascarpone cream over the soaked ladyfingers. - Add Cherries:
Spoon half the cherry compote on top of the cream and gently swirl for color. - Repeat:
Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, cream, and the remaining cherries. - Finish:
Dust generously with cocoa powder and chill at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). - Serve:
Garnish with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings before serving.
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Simmer cherries, sugar, and lemon juice to make a compote.
- Mix cooled espresso with amaretto for dipping ladyfingers.
- Whip heavy cream, then fold into mascarpone mixture.
- Dip ladyfingers briefly into coffee mixture and layer in dish.
- Spread mascarpone cream and cherry compote in alternating layers.
- Dust with cocoa and chill at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t oversoak the ladyfingers: A quick dip is all you need.
- For a stronger almond flavor: Add a touch more amaretto or almond extract to the cream.
- Use high-quality mascarpone: It makes a huge difference in creaminess.
- Want it kid-friendly? Replace the amaretto with almond syrup.
- Make individual cups: Perfect for parties and portion control.
Variations
- Black Forest Tiramisu: Add shaved dark chocolate between layers.
- Cherry Pistachio Tiramisu: Sprinkle chopped pistachios for nuttiness.
- White Chocolate Cherry: Fold melted white chocolate into the mascarpone mixture.
- Mixed Berry Amaretto: Replace half the cherries with raspberries.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled with espresso for a classic Italian pairing.
- Add a drizzle of warm cherry sauce on top for extra color.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla gelato for a luxurious finish.
- For holidays, add edible gold dust to the top layer.
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Make-ahead: Best assembled 24 hours before serving for maximum flavor.
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Use almond syrup or cherry juice instead of amaretto.
What cherries work best?
Fresh summer cherries taste incredible, but frozen work beautifully too.
Does it get soggy?
No — as long as you don’t oversoak the ladyfingers, it stays perfectly soft and creamy.
History / Fun Facts
Tiramisu dates back to the Veneto region of Italy in the 1960s, originally made with simple ingredients: eggs, mascarpone, sugar, espresso, and ladyfingers. Over time, countless variations emerged — from fruity to boozy to chocolate-infused. Cherry and amaretto became a natural pairing thanks to Italy’s long tradition of cherry liqueurs and almond-flavored spirits. This modern twist keeps the soul of tiramisu intact while elevating it with vibrant flavor and color.
