Name: Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved; 3 tbsp granulated sugar; ¼ cup Amaretto liqueur; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream, cold; 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature; ⅓ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¾ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled; 2 tbsp Amaretto liqueur; 1 pack (approx. 24) ladyfinger biscuits (gluten-free if preferred); Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting); Fresh cherries and shaved dark chocolate (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that captures the nostalgic comfort of tiramisu with a dazzling twist, look no further than this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist. Juicy cherries, luscious mascarpone, and the unmistakable aroma of Amaretto come together in this vibrant, no-bake treat that’s just as stunning to look at as it is to enjoy. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful balance of sweet, tart, creamy, and boozy notes—all layered in the classic style we know and love. Whether you’re crafting a special centerpiece for a gathering or simply treating yourself, this fruity tiramisu is guaranteed to brighten your table and your taste buds.

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients is all you need to create this show-stopping dessert. Each component has a special role, from the plush mascarpone that adds creaminess, to the cherries that deliver bursts of fresh, juicy flavor, and of course, that signature splash of Amaretto tying everything together.

Fresh Cherries (2 cups, pitted and halved): These are the star of the show, lending gorgeous color and an irresistible sweet-tart note that makes the layers sing.
Granulated Sugar (3 tbsp): Just enough to enhance the cherries’ natural sweetness without overpowering them.
Amaretto Liqueur (¼ cup + 2 tbsp): This almond-scented Italian liqueur brings a punch of fragrance and warmth to both the cherry and espresso layers.
Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): A splash of acidity brightens the cherries and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Heavy Cream (1 cup, cold): Chilled cream whips up fluffy and light for a mascarpone filling that’s pure decadence.
Mascarpone Cheese (1 cup, room temperature): This rich, silky Italian cheese melds with the cream to form the signature tiramisu layer.
Powdered Sugar (⅓ cup): Blends smoothly into the mascarpone, giving it just the right amount of gentle sweetness.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances every other flavor with extra warmth and complexity.
Brewed Espresso or Strong Coffee (¾ cup, cooled): Adds depth, intrigue, and that essential tiramisu undercurrent while complementing the cherries perfectly.
Ladyfinger Biscuits (approx. 24, gluten-free if preferred): These delicate cookies are made for soaking up coffee and liqueur without turning to mush.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for dusting): A traditional finishing touch with a hint of bitterness that ties it all together.
Fresh Cherries and Shaved Dark Chocolate (optional): For extra drama and that irresistible look, add these just before serving.

How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Mixture

Start by creating the cherry layer, which infuses every bite with juicy brightness. Combine your pitted, halved cherries with the sugar, lemon juice, and a generous pour of Amaretto in a medium saucepan. Cook this over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cherries will soften, their colors will deepen, and a gorgeous, lightly syrupy sauce will form. Once ready, pull the pan off the heat and let the cherry mixture cool completely—you don’t want any warmth to melt your mascarpone cream later on.

Step 2: Whip the Mascarpone Cream

This next step is all about achieving that luscious, cloudlike texture. Whip your cold heavy cream in a large bowl until it forms soft peaks—light and billowy but still glossy. In a separate bowl, gently whisk together the room-temperature mascarpone, powdered sugar, and fragrant vanilla extract until the mix is silky and smooth. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone base; this ensures a filling that’s airy, creamy, and holds its shape in the layers.

Step 3: Mix the Espresso Layer

The backbone of any tiramisu is that unmistakable coffee kick, and here, it’s given a twist with Amaretto. Stir 2 tablespoons of Amaretto into your cooled espresso or strong coffee, and pour it into a shallow dish. This will be the soaking bath for your ladyfingers, ensuring each one is perfectly flavored without getting soggy.

Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu

Lining up all your elements assembly-line style is the secret to smooth (and fun!) layering. Quickly dip each ladyfinger, one by one, into the espresso-Amaretto mixture—just 1 to 2 seconds per side is enough. Start with a single layer in the bottom of an 8×8 inch dish or individual trifle glasses. Spread half of your mascarpone cream on top, smoothing it gently to the edges, then spoon over half the cherry mixture for beautiful fruity flavor. Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, the rest of the mascarpone mixture, and finish with the remaining cherries on top.

Step 5: Chill

This is where the magic happens. Cover your dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better if you can wait. This allows the flavors of your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist to meld, the ladyfingers to soften, and the entire dessert to set into blissful, sliceable perfection.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Just before serving, add that classic, irresistible finish. Generously dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder, and if you’re feeling festive, scatter fresh cherries and shards of dark chocolate over the top. This not only looks stunning but adds extra flavor bursts in every bite!

How to Serve Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist

Garnishes

Garnishing isn’t just about looks—it adds layered flavors and irresistible textures. Dust your tiramisu with a flurry of unsweetened cocoa powder for depth, and stud the top with more fresh cherries or a tumble of dark chocolate shavings to instantly make your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist a showstopper. A few mint leaves can also add a splash of color and a hint of freshness.

Side Dishes

This dreamy dessert pairs beautifully with coffee or dessert wine, but if you desire a more elaborate spread, consider offering a handful of biscotti, almond cookies, or a fresh fruit platter. Each side dish complements the rich, creamy notes of the tiramisu, making your dessert hour feel truly complete and a bit more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

You don’t have to stick to a traditional baking dish—serve your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist in elegant trifle glasses, petite mason jars, or even as individual tartlets for a playful touch. Layering the dessert in glasses makes the colorful cherries and creamy mascarpone shine, perfect for dinner parties or gifting neighbors with something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. The dessert will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. With each passing day the flavors continue to bloom, so don’t stress if you’re tempted to sneak a spoonful for breakfast.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist far in advance, freezing is your friend. Simply wrap the assembled but ungarnished tiramisu tightly in a double layer of plastic and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then garnish just before serving for best results.

Reheating

Since tiramisu is best enjoyed chilled, there’s no need to reheat. For frozen slices, a gentle thaw in the refrigerator is all it takes to return this treat to creamy, dreamy deliciousness, with all the textures intact and the flavor just as brilliant as day one.

FAQs

Can I substitute another fruit for cherries?

Absolutely! While fresh cherries make this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist truly special, you can easily swap in berries, peaches, or even plums depending on the season and what’s on hand. Just adjust any added sugar to suit the sweetness of your chosen fruit.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Definitely—swap the Amaretto with almond extract (start with ¼ teaspoon in the cherry and espresso layers) and replace any Amaretto in the espresso soak with more cooled coffee. You’ll still capture that luscious almond-cherry flavor without the spirits.

Can I use frozen cherries?

Frozen cherries work beautifully in this recipe. Just thaw completely and drain off excess juice before cooking so your cherry layer doesn’t become too watery.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just be sure to use gluten-free ladyfingers, which are widely available in many grocery stores and online. All other ingredients in the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist are naturally gluten-free.

How far in advance can I make this?

This dessert loves to be made ahead. Assemble the night before your event for the deepest flavors and dreamiest texture, but you can also prepare it up to 2 days in advance if tightly covered and refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist isn’t just a dessert—it’s a joyful celebration of flavors and textures that come alive in each bite. Whether you’re new to tiramisu or a longtime lover, I hope you’ll give this fruity, festive version a try and let it light up your next occasion. Happy layering and even happier tasting!

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 19 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, a refreshing fruity twist on the classic Italian dessert. Layers of cherry-infused goodness, creamy mascarpone filling, and espresso-soaked ladyfingers create a luscious treat perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Prepare the Cherry Mixture: In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and Amaretto. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries are soft and slightly syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Whip the Mascarpone Cream: In a large bowl, beat the cold cream to soft peaks. In another bowl, whisk mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until fully combined and fluffy.
Mix the Espresso Layer: Stir Amaretto into the cooled espresso. Pour into a shallow dish for dipping.
Assemble the Tiramisu: Dip ladyfingers briefly into the espresso-Amaretto mixture—just 1–2 seconds per side. Arrange a single layer in the bottom of an 8×8″ dish or trifle glasses. Spoon half the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Add half of the cherry mixture evenly over the cream. Repeat layers: dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and remaining cherries.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) for the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
Garnish & Serve: Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and top with shaved chocolate and a few extra cherries for a beautiful finish.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: Italian