This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delightful take on the classic Italian dessert. It layers rich mascarpone cream with crispy ladyfingers and sweet cherry preserves. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, it’s refreshingly easy to make and will impress anyone who tries it.

Why You Will Love This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

This dessert is a crowd-pleaser, combining those cherished flavors of cherry and amaretto with a creamy texture. It requires minimal prep time, making it a go-to for busy days. The recipe uses everyday ingredients you probably have on hand, making it easy to whip up whenever a sweet craving strikes.

How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

Making Tiramisu may sound fancy, but it’s really simple! You’ll gently whip the cream and mascarpone together, dip the ladyfingers in coffee, and then layer everything up. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill in the fridge, but the result is so worth it!

What You Need

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)
Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Fresh cherries (with stems, optional)
Shaved chocolate or sliced almonds (optional)

Step-by-Step

In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until smooth and fluffy.
In a shallow bowl, combine the cooled espresso and amaretto liqueur.
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture (don’t soak). Line the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish with dipped cookies.
Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
Spoon half of the cherry preserves and fresh cherry halves evenly over the cream.
Repeat the layers: dipped ladyfingers, remaining cream, then remaining cherry mixture.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
Just before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and decorate with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, or almonds as desired.
Slice and serve chilled!

How to Serve Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

Serve this dessert chilled for the best flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea after dinner. You can also enjoy it at potlucks or special occasions. Top it with more fresh cherries or chocolate shavings for an extra treat!

How to Store Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

To keep leftovers fresh, cover the Tiramisu well and store it in the fridge. Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best flavor. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the cream’s texture. Just take out servings as needed, and it’s ready to enjoy again!

Recipe Tips

Make ahead for parties: this dessert tastes even better the next day.
Use different kinds of preserves for a new flavor twist.
Try soaking the ladyfingers briefly but don’t leave them too long.
Adjust the sweetness with more or less powdered sugar based on your taste.
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the amaretto and add a splash of almond extract instead.

Variations & Swaps

Swap the cherry preserves for raspberry or strawberry for a fruity twist.
Use coffee-flavored liqueur instead of amaretto for more coffee flavor.
For a kid-friendly version, substitute the liqueur with chocolate milk or a fruit juice.
Try using Greek yogurt instead of mascarpone for a lighter version.
Mix in some crushed nuts between the layers for added crunch!

FAQs

Can I make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight. The flavors blend beautifully, making it taste even better the next day.

Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best not to freeze Tiramisu, as it can change the creamy texture of the mascarpone. Store it in the fridge instead, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

What can I substitute for ladyfingers?
If you can’t find ladyfingers, you can use sponge cake or even pound cake. Just cut them into strips to mimic the ladyfinger shape and soak them in the coffee mixture.

What if I don’t have cherry preserves?
You can use fresh cherries, raspberry preserves, or another fruit filling you enjoy. The key is to balance the flavors with the creamy mascarpone.

How do I make sure my cream stays whipped?
Make sure to whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, but don’t over-whip, or it can become grainy. Adding the mascarpone gently helps keep it smooth and airy!