Description
Indulge in the delightful Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, a luscious twist on the classic Italian dessert. This recipe features the rich creaminess of mascarpone and heavy cream, complemented by the sweet and tart notes of fresh cherries, all enhanced by the warm, nutty flavor of Amaretto liqueur. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat at home, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy the layers of flavor and texture that make this dessert a memorable experience for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup Amaretto liqueur
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by washing the fresh cherries under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use a sharp knife to pit the cherries by cutting them in half and removing the pit with your fingers or a small spoon.
- After pitting, slice the cherries in half if you haven’t already and place them in a medium bowl.
- Pour the Amaretto liqueur over the cherries and gently toss to ensure they are well-coated. Let this mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the heavy cream. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Once you have soft peaks, add the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the bowl.
- Continue to beat the mixture on low speed until everything is well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as we want to keep that light and airy texture.
- In a shallow dish, pour the cooled brewed coffee. You can add a splash of Amaretto to the coffee for an extra kick.
- Take each ladyfinger and quickly dip it into the coffee mixture. Make sure not to soak them; a quick dip is all you need to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
- In a rectangular or square dish (about 9×9 inches works well), start by laying down a single layer of the dipped ladyfingers at the bottom, arranging them closely together.
- Once the first layer of ladyfingers is in place, spoon half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Next, take the cherry mixture and spoon half of it over the mascarpone layer, spreading it out gently for even distribution.
- Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream, and finally, the rest of the cherry mixture.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting the dessert.
- Chill the tiramisu in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but if you can, let it sit overnight to enhance the flavors even more.
- Once your tiramisu has chilled and set, remove it from the refrigerator and take off the plastic wrap or lid.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the tiramisu into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve for a beautiful finish.
- Optionally, add chocolate shavings on top for an extra touch of elegance.
- Plate the tiramisu and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a truly indulgent experience.
Notes
- Use high-quality mascarpone cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure your coffee is strong and flavorful, as it will be a key component of the dessert.
- Adjust the amount of Amaretto based on your taste preference; reduce it for a milder flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute Amaretto with almond extract and use almond milk in the coffee.
- Experiment with different fruits! While cherries are delicious, you can also try raspberries, strawberries, or even peaches for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes