Layers of luscious mascarpone cream, bold espresso-soaked ladyfingers, sweet cherry preserves, and a splash of almond-scented amaretto… Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is not your average tiramisu—it’s an irresistible twist that feels indulgent, fresh, and full of summer magic.
This stunning dessert brings together the classic Italian favorite and the bold, juicy sweetness of cherries, creating something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating or just craving a showstopper, this tiramisu delivers elegance and ease in every bite.
What Is Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu?
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a no-bake layered dessert that combines the creamy richness of traditional tiramisu with a generous layer of cherry filling and a splash of amaretto liqueur. It’s built with espresso-dipped ladyfingers, whipped mascarpone filling, cherry preserves (or compote), and finished with cocoa powder and fresh cherries for a gorgeous presentation.
The result? A flavor-packed, silky-smooth dessert that’s fruity, boozy, and perfectly balanced.
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu
- No baking required—just chill and serve
- Elegant and fruity twist on a classic favorite
- Amaretto adds depth with subtle almond flavor
- Perfect for entertaining or making ahead
- Visually stunning with fresh cherries on top
What Does Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Taste Like?
It’s rich and creamy, but never too heavy. The espresso and amaretto bring a bold, nutty warmth to the ladyfingers, while the cherries cut through the richness with a pop of tangy sweetness. The mascarpone filling is dreamy—light yet indulgent—and the cocoa powder finish gives just the right touch of bittersweet contrast.
One forkful, and you’ll understand why this is a dessert to remember.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Make-ahead friendly—gets better as it chills
- Customizable—use fresh or jarred cherries
- Impresses guests without fuss
- Perfect for spring and summer celebrations
- Pairs beautifully with coffee, cocktails, or prosecco
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Layers:
- 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups strong brewed espresso or coffee (cooled)
- 3 tbsp amaretto liqueur
- 1 package (about 7 oz) ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- 1 ½ cups cherry preserves or cherry pie filling
- ½ cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (plus more for topping)
For Topping:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Fresh cherries (with stems if possible)
- Shaved chocolate or sliced almonds (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch dish or trifle dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer for dusting cocoa
- Spoon for spreading layers
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No amaretto? Swap with almond extract (½ tsp) or omit for non-alcoholic version
- Mascarpone substitute: Use cream cheese mixed with a few tablespoons of sour cream
- Cherry preserves: Fresh cherry compote or cherry pie filling both work beautifully
- Make it boozier: Add an extra splash of amaretto to the coffee dip
- Gluten-free: Use GF ladyfingers or sponge cake
How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Prepare the coffee mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine cooled espresso with amaretto.
- Layer 1: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture (don’t soak—just a quick dunk!) and line the bottom of your dish.
- Cream layer: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Cherry layer: Spoon and spread half of the cherry preserves and fresh cherries over the mascarpone.
- Repeat: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, the rest of the mascarpone cream, and the remaining cherry filling.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best).
- Before serving: Dust the top with cocoa powder and decorate with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, or sliced almonds.
- Slice and serve cold with a big smile!
What to Serve with Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
- A crisp glass of prosecco or amaretto sour
- Dark roast espresso or cappuccino
- Light almond cookies or biscotti on the side
- Vanilla gelato for extra indulgence
- A sprig of mint for color and aroma
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t over-soak the ladyfingers—they’ll get soggy
- Use high-quality mascarpone for the smoothest texture
- Chill overnight for best flavor and clean slices
- Decorate right before serving to keep cherries fresh
- Add amaretto to taste—start small and build as needed
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months
- To serve frozen: Let thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temp for 30–40 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Skip the amaretto or replace it with almond extract for a similar flavor without the booze.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, thaw them and drain well before layering. They work beautifully in place of fresh ones.
How far in advance can I make this?
Up to 2 days ahead. In fact, the flavor improves as it rests!
What if I can’t find ladyfingers?
You can substitute sponge cake, pound cake, or even vanilla wafers in a pinch.
Conclusion
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is everything you love about a classic dessert, taken to a whole new level. Creamy, sweet, slightly boozy, and bursting with cherry flavor—it’s an effortless stunner that’s bound to steal the show.
Whether it’s for a garden party, holiday dessert table, or just a luxurious treat at home, it’s the kind of recipe that makes memories and earns repeat requests.
Nutritional Info (Per serving – approx. 1 of 9)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 5g
- Alcohol: trace (if using amaretto)
📸 Made this recipe? Tag it on Pinterest or leave a comment with your twist—I’d love to see your cherry masterpiece!
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Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Italian Treat
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
Description
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a luscious, no-bake dessert layered with espresso-dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, juicy cherry preserves, and a splash of almond-flavored amaretto. A fresh and elegant twist on a classic tiramisu—perfect for celebrations or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cream Layer:
– 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
– 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
– ⅓ cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Soaking Liquid:
– 1 ½ cups strong brewed espresso or coffee (cooled)
– 3 tbsp amaretto liqueur
For Assembly:
– 1 package (about 7 oz) ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
– 1 ½ cups cherry preserves or cherry pie filling
– ½ cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (plus more for topping)
For Garnish:
– Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
– Fresh cherries (with stems, optional)
– Shaved chocolate or sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until smooth and fluffy.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the cooled espresso and amaretto liqueur.
3. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture (don’t soak). Line the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish with dipped cookies.
4. Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
5. Spoon half of the cherry preserves and fresh cherry halves evenly over the cream.
6. Repeat the layers: dipped ladyfingers, remaining cream, then remaining cherry mixture.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
8. Just before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and decorate with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, or almonds as desired.
9. Slice and serve chilled!
Notes
– You can replace amaretto with ½ tsp almond extract for a non-alcoholic version.
– For a more intense cherry flavor, simmer cherry preserves with a splash of amaretto to make a quick compote.
– Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
– This tiramisu freezes well in individual portions—just thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Keywords: cherry tiramisu, amaretto dessert, no-bake tiramisu, cherry mascarpone dessert, summer tiramisu, cherry layer cake
