🎉 Introduction
Tiramisu is already a beloved Italian classic, but when you add sweet-tart cherries and the nutty essence of almond, it becomes something truly special. This Cherry “Amaretto” Tiramisu is a no-bake dessert that layers creamy mascarpone, chocolate, cherries, and soft ladyfingers soaked in a cherry-almond mixture.
It’s light yet indulgent, elegant yet easy to make, and perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or when you want a make-ahead dessert that always impresses. With its beautiful cherry swirls and dusting of cocoa, this tiramisu is as stunning as it is delicious.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (large & medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- 8×8-inch baking dish (or trifle dish for presentation)
- Fine mesh strainer (for dusting cocoa)
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- ½ cup cherry juice
- 2 tbsp cherry preserves
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup dark chocolate, grated or finely chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package ladyfingers
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups mascarpone cheese
- 1 tsp almond extract (to replace amaretto liqueur)
- Extra cherry juice (to replace alcohol soak)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prepare cherry mixture
- In a small bowl, stir cherry juice and cherry preserves together.
- Add almond extract for that signature “Amaretto” flavor.
Step 2: Whip the cream
- In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Step 3: Make mascarpone filling
- Gently fold mascarpone cheese into whipped cream until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Dip the ladyfingers
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cherry-almond juice mixture (don’t soak, or they’ll fall apart).
- Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of your dish.
Step 5: Layer the tiramisu
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
- Sprinkle with half of the chopped cherries and some grated dark chocolate.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, cherries, and chocolate.
Step 6: Finish & chill
- Dust the top with cocoa powder.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to let flavors develop.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8–10
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: ~4 hours 25 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Keeps up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze slices individually for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before serving.
- Reheating: Not needed—serve chilled.
🥄 Variations
- Berry Twist: Use raspberries or strawberries instead of cherries.
- Mocha Cherry: Add 2 tsp instant coffee to the cream for a cherry mocha vibe.
- Chocolate Lovers’: Add a thin layer of chocolate ganache between cream layers.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ladyfingers.
- Mini Servings: Layer in small cups or jars for individual tiramisu portions.
- Holiday Style: Garnish with sugared cherries and shaved white chocolate.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I make this without mascarpone?
Yes—substitute with cream cheese, but the flavor will be tangier.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, just thaw and drain before chopping.
What if I don’t have cherry preserves?
Use strawberry or raspberry jam.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it’s actually better when made the day before.
Do I have to use almond extract?
No, but it gives that signature Amaretto flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.
Do kids enjoy this dessert?
Absolutely—it’s sweet, fruity, and alcohol-free.
Can I use chocolate ladyfingers?
Yes, for an extra decadent twist.
Why do ladyfingers get soggy?
They were over-soaked. Dip quickly, don’t let them sit.
What garnish works best?
Fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, or extra cocoa powder.
🏁 Conclusion
This Cherry “Amaretto” Tiramisu is the perfect no-bake dessert that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly. With layers of juicy cherries, mascarpone cream, chocolate, and cherry-almond soaked ladyfingers, every bite is a dreamy balance of fruity and nutty flavors.
It’s refreshing yet indulgent, making it a standout dessert for holidays, parties, or anytime you want something truly special.
Cherry “Amaretto” Tiramisu | Fruity & Nutty Twist on a Classic Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, stir cherry juice and cherry preserves together.
- Add almond extract for that signature “Amaretto” flavor.
- In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold mascarpone cheese into whipped cream until smooth and creamy.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cherry-almond juice mixture (don’t soak, or they’ll fall apart).
- Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of your dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
- Sprinkle with half of the chopped cherries and some grated dark chocolate.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, cherries, and chocolate.
- Dust the top with cocoa powder.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to let flavors develop.
Notes
Yes—substitute with cream cheese, but the flavor will be tangier. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, just thaw and drain before chopping. What if I don’t have cherry preserves?
Use strawberry or raspberry jam. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it’s actually better when made the day before. Do I have to use almond extract?
No, but it gives that signature Amaretto flavor. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese. Do kids enjoy this dessert?
Absolutely—it’s sweet, fruity, and alcohol-free. Can I use chocolate ladyfingers?
Yes, for an extra decadent twist. Why do ladyfingers get soggy?
They were over-soaked. Dip quickly, don’t let them sit. What garnish works best?
Fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, or extra cocoa powder. 🏁 Conclusion This Cherry “Amaretto” Tiramisu is the perfect no-bake dessert that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly. With layers of juicy cherries, mascarpone cream, chocolate, and cherry-almond soaked ladyfingers, every bite is a dreamy balance of fruity and nutty flavors. It’s refreshing yet indulgent, making it a standout dessert for holidays, parties, or anytime you want something truly special.
