OMG this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is seriously a game-changer! I’m obsessed with how the sweet cherries and almond-y amaretto liqueur transform traditional tiramisu into something totally next level. The combo of the rich mascarpone, boozy amaretto-soaked ladyfingers and sweet-tart cherries creates this incredible dessert that’s fancy enough for special occasions but easy enough to whip up when you’re just craving something amazing.
The first time I made this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu for my family, it disappeared in like 10 minutes flat. Trust me, you need this recipe in your life!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ever tried making traditional tiramisu but ended up with soggy ladyfingers or watery cream? Been there! This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu recipe solves those problems with a foolproof method that gives perfect results every time.
Last Christmas, I was stressing about what dessert to make for our family dinner. My aunt is super picky and always critiques everything. I made this tiramisu and she actually asked for the recipe – first time ever! That’s when I knew this was something special.
The best part? You can totally customize it based on what you have. No amaretto? Use almond extract. Fresh cherries not in season? Frozen or even good quality canned work great. Want it boozier? Add more amaretto (I won’t judge). This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu works for practically any occasion from casual family dinners to fancy dinner parties.
Now let’s get to the good stuff!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cherry Amaretto Layer:
- 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted and halved) – these bring amazing freshness but frozen work too when fresh aren’t available
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – helps draw out cherry juices
- 3 tbsp amaretto liqueur – gives that signature almond flavor
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – balances sweetness and keeps cherry color bright
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese (room temp) – don’t substitute with cream cheese, mascarpone’s texture is essential
- 1 cup heavy cream – whips up to create that light, airy texture
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar – sweetens without being overwhelming
- 2 tbsp amaretto liqueur – reinforces that amazing almond flavor
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds depth to the cream layer
For Assembly:
- 24-30 ladyfingers (savoiardi) – Italian style work best, they’re sturdier
- 1 cup strong coffee or espresso (cooled) – the classic tiramisu base
- 2 tbsp amaretto liqueur – mixed with coffee for soaking
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder for dusting – gives that classic tiramisu look
- Optional: dark chocolate shavings – for extra decadence
If you’re making this for kids or prefer alcohol-free, just replace amaretto with 1 tsp almond extract mixed with 2 tbsp cherry juice. Still tastes amazing!
How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Mixture
- Pit and halve cherries if using fresh. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid.
- In a bowl, mix cherries with sugar, amaretto and lemon juice.
- Let sit for 30 mins while you prep other ingredients. You’ll notice juice forming – that’s exactly what you want!
Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Cream
- Beat mascarpone in large bowl till smooth – don’t overbeat or it’ll get grainy!
- In separate bowl, whip heavy cream, sugar and vanilla till soft peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream mixture into mascarpone gently. Don’t stir vigorously or you’ll lose air.
- Add amaretto and fold again till just combined. Mixture should be thick but spreadable.
Step 3: Prepare the Coffee Soak
- Mix cooled coffee with amaretto in shallow dish.
- Quick tip: coffee should be strong but not bitter. I use espresso but strong brewed coffee works too.
Step 4: Assembly
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger in coffee mixture – like 1 second each side! Too long = soggy mess.
- Arrange soaked ladyfingers in single layer in 9×13 dish.
- Spread half the mascarpone cream over ladyfingers.
- Spoon half cherry mixture over cream, including some juice.
- Repeat layers: ladyfingers, cream, cherries.
- Dust top generously with cocoa powder using small sieve.
- Optional: add chocolate shavings for extra wow factor.
Step 5: Chill
- Cover with plastic wrap, careful not to touch surface.
- Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight – this is super important! The flavors need time to meld and textures to set.
When you take your first bite of this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, you’ll get that perfect combo of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, boozy amaretto cream and sweet-tart cherries. Seriously mouthwatering!
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Variations
1. Black Forest Style
Add 2 tbsp kirsch (cherry brandy) instead of amaretto and sprinkle chocolate chunks between layers. Tastes like black forest cake in tiramisu form!
2. Chocolate Cherry Blast
Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder into mascarpone cream and use chocolate ladyfingers. The chocolate-cherry combo is killer! If you love chocolate tiramisu, you might also like my Tiramisu Brownies.
3. Summer Berry Amaretto
Add 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) to the cherry mixture. The color is gorgeous and flavors amazing.
4. Pistachio Cherry Tiramisu
Add 1/3 cup finely chopped pistachios between layers and sprinkle on top instead of cocoa powder. The green pistachios against red cherries looks beautiful!
5. Cherry Cheesecake Tiramisu
Add 8 oz cream cheese to mascarpone mixture and use graham crackers instead of ladyfingers. Instant cherry cheesecake vibes!
6. Mini Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Cups
Layer ingredients in individual glasses for fancy dinner party presentation. Check out my Tiramisu Cookies for another great individual-sized tiramisu treat!
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu FAQ
How far ahead can I make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu?
This tiramisu actually tastes better made 1-2 days ahead! The flavors have time to develop and meld together. Can be refrigerated up to 3 days but texture best in first 48 hours.
Can I freeze Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu?
Yes! Wrap well and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before serving. Texture might change slightly but still delicious.
What can I substitute for amaretto liqueur?
No amaretto? Use 1 tsp almond extract mixed with 2 tbsp cherry juice. Non-alcoholic amaretto syrup also works great if you can find it.
How do I prevent my ladyfingers from getting too soggy?
Quick dip is key! Like seriously 1 second per side max. Ladyfingers soak up liquid quick so brief dipping keeps them from turning to mush.
What type of cherries work best for Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu?
Sweet dark cherries are best (like Bing) but any variety works. Fresh cherries are amazing in summer but frozen work great year-round. Just thaw and drain excess liquid first.
Can I make this with store-bought mascarpone cream to save time?
You can but homemade tastes way better. If really short on time, mix 8oz store mascarpone with 1 cup pre-made whipped cream and 2 tbsp amaretto for quick version.
Why is my mascarpone cream runny?
Probably overwhipped! Mascarpone can break if mixed too long. Fix by folding in 1-2 tbsp more mascarpone off heat till texture stabilizes.
Final Thoughts on This Amazing Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
First time I served this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu at a dinner party, there was total silence for like a full minute while everyone took their first bites. Then everyone started asking for the recipe at once! That moment perfectly captures what makes this dessert so special.
What I love about this recipe is how it honors traditional tiramisu techniques while adding the cherry-amaretto twist that makes it unique. Each bite gives you that familiar coffee-soaked ladyfinger comfort but surprises you with bright cherry and almond notes.
Make this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu your own! Adjust the amaretto to your taste, play with the cherry quantity, or try one of the variations. Food is about sharing and creating memories, and this tiramisu definitely creates memorable moments.
Can’t wait to hear how your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu turns out! If you love tiramisu variations, don’t forget to check out my Tiramisu Brownies and Tiramisu Cookies too!
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Equipment
- 9×13 inch dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Sieve for dusting cocoa
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Cherry Amaretto Layer:
- 2 cups fresh cherries pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp amaretto liqueur
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese room temp
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp amaretto liqueur
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 24 –30 ladyfingers savoiardi
- 1 cup strong coffee or espresso cooled
- 2 tbsp amaretto liqueur
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder for dusting
- Optional: dark chocolate shavings
Instructions
Prepare the Cherry Mixture:
- Combine pitted cherries, sugar, amaretto, and lemon juice in a bowl. Let sit for 30 minutes to release juices.
Make the Mascarpone Cream:
- Beat mascarpone until smooth. Separately, whip cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone. Add amaretto and fold again until just combined.
Prepare the Coffee Soak:
- Mix coffee and amaretto in a shallow dish.
Assemble the Tiramisu:
- Quickly dip ladyfingers in coffee mixture (1 second per side). Layer half in a 9×13 dish. Spread with half the mascarpone cream. Spoon over half the cherry mixture with juices. Repeat layers. Dust top with cocoa powder and optionally chocolate shavings.
Chill:
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving.