Description
This Elegant Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, layering cherry-soaked ladyfingers with fluffy mascarpone cream and luscious macerated cherries. Infused with the subtle almond flavor of Amaretto, it’s a perfect, no-bake treat that’s both elegant and refreshing for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Ladyfingers and Soaking Liquid
- 24–30 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
- 1½ cups (360ml) cherry juice or cherry syrup
- 2–3 tbsp Amaretto liqueur (optional)
Mascapone Cream
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 8 oz (225g) mascarpone cheese, softened
- â…“ cup (40g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cherries
- 1½ cups (250g) fresh or frozen pitted cherries (thawed if frozen)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for macerating cherries)
Garnish (Optional)
- Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder, for garnish
Instructions
- Macerate Cherries: Combine the pitted cherries with granulated sugar in a bowl and allow them to sit for 15–20 minutes. This process softens the cherries and releases the juices, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This light and airy whipped cream will blend smoothly with the mascarpone.
- Prepare Mascarpone Cream: Beat the softened mascarpone cheese until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until fully combined, creating a rich and silky cream layer.
- Dip Ladyfingers: Mix the cherry juice with Amaretto liqueur if using. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into this mixture for about 1–2 seconds per side, ensuring they absorb some liquid but remain intact.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in your serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers, then sprinkle half of the macerated cherries on top. Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, the remaining mascarpone cream, and cherries.
- Chill: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling step helps the flavors meld and allows the dessert to set perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the tiramisu with shaved chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired. Slice and serve chilled to enjoy its creamy, fruity elegance.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cherries during cherry season or thaw frozen cherries completely and drain excess juice.
- Adjust the amount of Amaretto liqueur to your taste or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- Be careful not to soak ladyfingers too long in the cherry juice mixture to avoid sogginess.
- This dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days of preparation.
- You can substitute cherry juice with other fruit juices like raspberry or strawberry for variation.
