Elegant Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu took shape on an early winter evening when the house felt quieter than usual and dessert carried more meaning than the main course. A small group had gathered after a long workday dinner.

My sister was visiting from out of town, a close friend had just finished a major project, and someone casually mentioned missing the tiramisu they once had in a tiny café near Lake Como. That memory lingered as the espresso cooled on the counter.

I didn’t want to recreate a classic exactly as remembered. Instead, Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu felt like a natural evolution. The cherries came from a jar I had been saving for something special, and the amaretto was already open from the holidays.

As I dipped the ladyfingers quickly into coffee, conversation slowed. The sound of the spoon smoothing cream across the dish felt almost meditative. Each layer came together with intention rather than urgency.

When the final dish went into the refrigerator, the kitchen lights dimmed and the night settled in. Hours later, when the tiramisu was sliced and served, the cherries cut through the richness, the almond notes lingered softly, and the espresso tied everything together. Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu didn’t just end the meal. It marked it.

Short Description

A refined twist on classic tiramisu, this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu layers espresso-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream, cherry preserves, and fresh cherries, finished with cocoa and subtle almond notes.

Key Ingredients

For the cream layer

• 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the layers

• 1 ½ cups strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
• 3 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
• 1 package ladyfinger cookies (about 7 oz)

For the cherry layer

• 1 ½ cups cherry preserves or cherry pie filling
• ½ cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

For finishing

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

Tools Needed

• Electric mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Shallow dish for coffee
• 9×9-inch or similar serving dish
• Rubber spatula
• Fine mesh sieve

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream
In a large bowl, whip heavy cream, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until thick, fluffy, and able to hold soft peaks. If the mixture looks loose, chill for 10 minutes and whip briefly again.

Step 2: Mix the Coffee Soak
Stir cooled espresso with amaretto in a shallow bowl. The liquid should be aromatic but not overpowering.

Step 3: Build the First Layer
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, no more than 1–2 seconds per side. Arrange in a single layer in the serving dish.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cherries
Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers. Spoon half of the cherry preserves across the cream, then scatter half of the fresh cherries on top.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining cream, cherry preserves, and fresh cherries. Smooth the top gently.

Step 6: Chill the Tiramisu
Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the layers to set and flavors to deepen.

Step 7: Finish and Serve
Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder. Garnish with fresh cherries and optional shaved chocolate or sliced almonds. Slice cleanly and serve chilled.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required

Balanced sweetness with bright cherry flavor

Elegant dessert suitable for gatherings

Can be made entirely ahead of time

Rich without feeling heavy

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Over-soaking the ladyfingers
Can lead to a soggy base.
Solution: Dip quickly and remove immediately.

Cold mascarpone
Causes lumpy cream.
Solution: Bring mascarpone to room temperature before whipping.

Too much amaretto
Overpowers the dessert.
Solution: Stick to the measured amount for balance.

Skipping chill time
Layers will not set properly.
Solution: Chill at least 6 hours for clean slices.

Uneven layering
Makes serving messy.
Solution: Smooth each layer carefully with a spatula.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled in clean slices

Pair with espresso or almond coffee

Add a small biscotti on the side

Present family-style or pre-sliced

Ideal for dinner parties or holidays

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days

Do not freeze as texture will suffer

Avoid leaving at room temperature longer than 30 minutes

Dust with cocoa just before serving for best appearance

FAQs

1. Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes. Replace amaretto with almond extract diluted in coffee or omit entirely.

2. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, thaw and drain well before using.

3. What dish size works best?
A 9×9-inch dish allows clean layers without overcrowding.

4. Can I make individual portions?
Yes, layer in glasses or ramekins using the same method.

5. Does this dessert taste strongly of coffee?
The coffee is present but balanced by cream and cherries.

Tips & Tricks

Use high-quality cherry preserves for best flavor

Chill your mixing bowl for faster cream whipping

Sift cocoa powder right before serving

Clean knife between slices for neat presentation

Recipe Variations

Dark Chocolate Cherry Tiramisu
Add shaved dark chocolate between layers and increase cocoa dusting for deeper flavor.

Vanilla Cherry Version
Skip coffee entirely and soak ladyfingers in milk mixed with vanilla and amaretto.

Almond-Crunch Tiramisu
Layer sliced almonds between the cream and cherries for texture.

Lighter Cream Option
Replace ½ cup mascarpone with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier finish.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu has a way of slowing everything down once it reaches the table. It invites quiet appreciation, second glances, and small pauses between bites. The cherries brighten the cream, the amaretto lingers softly, and the espresso keeps the dessert grounded.

Making it feels intentional rather than rushed. Each layer holds its place, and each slice tells the same story from top to bottom. This is the kind of dessert that feels thoughtful without effort, and generous without excess. When it’s served, the room always grows a little calmer, and that alone makes it worth returning to.