Don’t be intimidated by its elegant appearance! This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, requiring no baking and relying on simple assembly techniques. You’ll achieve a showstopper dessert with minimal fuss, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something truly special. The combination of rich mascarpone, bold coffee, sweet cherries, and almond liqueur creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Give this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu a try tonight—you won’t believe how simple achieving dessert perfection can be! It’s destined to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

6 large Egg Yolks (Use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best flavor and texture)
¾ cup Granulated Sugar, divided
16 oz (about 2 cups) Mascarpone Cheese, at room temperature (Essential for creaminess; let it sit out for about 30 mins before using)
1 ½ cups Heavy Cream, cold
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 ½ cups Strong Brewed Coffee or Espresso, cooled completely
½ cup Amaretto Liqueur (This almond-flavored liqueur is key!)
Approx. 48 Ladyfingers (Savoiardi) (Italian sponge biscuits, crucial for the right texture)
1 (15-oz) can Dark Sweet Cherries in heavy syrup, drained, syrup reserved, cherries roughly chopped (Or use 1.5 cups fresh pitted cherries + ½ cup cherry preserves)
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, for dusting
Optional Garnish: Fresh cherries, shaved dark chocolate, toasted sliced almonds

User-Provided Tips:

Use Room Temperature Mascarpone: This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety cream filling for your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu.
Cool Coffee Completely: Hot coffee will melt the mascarpone cream and make the ladyfingers too soggy. Patience is key here!

Universal Tips:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Especially the mascarpone and eggs, as they form the heart of the tiramisu.
Don’t Overmix the Mascarpone Cream: Mix until just combined and smooth to keep it light and airy.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Mascarpone Cream: In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and ½ cup of the granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on high speed until pale yellow and thick, about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air and dissolves the sugar, creating a smooth base. Add the room temperature mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract, and beat on low speed until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
Whip the Cream: In a separate, clean bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with the remaining ¼ cup of sugar using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks mean the cream holds its shape when the beaters are lifted – this gives the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu its structure.
Combine Creams: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone-yolk mixture in thirds, using a rubber spatula. Fold until just combined, maintaining as much airiness as possible. Overmixing will deflate the cream. Set aside.
Prepare the Soaking Liquid: In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee, Amaretto liqueur, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved cherry syrup (if using canned cherries). Stir well. This mixture infuses the ladyfingers with the signature Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu flavor.
Assemble Layer 1: Quickly dip about one-third of the ladyfingers (approx. 16) into the coffee-amaretto mixture, one by one, ensuring they absorb some liquid but don’t become overly saturated (a 1-2 second dip per side is usually sufficient). Arrange them in a single layer in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish. Why quick dipping? Oversoaked ladyfingers lead to a soggy tiramisu.
Add Cream and Cherries: Spread one-third of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Sprinkle half of the chopped cherries over the cream.
Assemble Layer 2: Repeat the dipping process with another third of the ladyfingers and arrange them over the cherry layer. Spread another third of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle the remaining chopped cherries over this cream layer.
Assemble Layer 3: Dip the final third of the ladyfingers and arrange them on top. Spread the remaining mascarpone cream mixture smoothly over the final layer of ladyfingers, ensuring the top is even.
Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu for at least 6-8 hours, or preferably overnight. Why chill? This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the tiramisu to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serve: Just before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve. Garnish with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, or toasted almonds, if desired. Slice and serve cold.

Serving Ideas

Serving your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is all about enhancing its visual appeal and complementing its rich flavors. For a classic presentation, dust the top generously with high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder just before serving; use a stencil for an elegant pattern if you like. A scattering of fresh, plump cherries (with stems, if possible) adds a pop of color and freshness, echoing the flavors within. Toasted sliced almonds provide a delightful textural contrast and reinforce the Amaretto notes.

When it comes to plating, you can serve generous squares directly from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style feel. Alternatively, for individual portions, assemble the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu in small glasses or ramekins for a more refined look. Pair a slice with a robust cup of espresso or a quality black coffee; the bitterness cuts through the richness beautifully. For an after-dinner treat, a small glass of Amaretto liqueur neat or on the rocks, or even a sweet dessert wine like a Recioto della Valpolicella, makes for a luxurious pairing. Enjoy this delightful Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu!

FAQs

Can I make this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu non-alcoholic? Absolutely! To make a non-alcoholic version of Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, simply omit the Amaretto liqueur. You can replace it with an equal amount of the reserved cherry syrup from the can for extra cherry flavor, or use almond extract (start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste, as it’s potent) mixed into the coffee soaking liquid to mimic the almond flavor profile. The dessert will still be delicious, focusing more purely on the coffee and cherry notes.
How far in advance can I make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu? Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu benefits from chilling time! You can make it 1 to 2 days ahead of serving. Prepare the entire dessert up to the final dusting of cocoa powder, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the structure to set firmly. Dust with cocoa powder just before serving for the freshest look.
What kind of cherries work best? Canned dark sweet cherries in heavy syrup (like Bing or Lambert) are convenient and work very well, as you can use the syrup too. Drain them well and roughly chop. Alternatively, you can use fresh, pitted sweet cherries (like Bing or Rainier); toss them with a tablespoon or two of sugar and a splash of Amaretto and let them macerate for 30 minutes before using. Frozen cherries, thawed and drained, are another option, though they might be softer. Avoid sour cherries unless you significantly increase the sugar.
My mascarpone cream seems runny. What went wrong? Several things can cause runny cream in a Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu:
- Mascarpone Temperature: If the mascarpone was too cold, it might have created lumps, or if too warm/overbeaten, it could have broken or become oily. Room temperature (around 70°F/21°C) is ideal.
- Overmixing: Beating the mascarpone too much, especially after combining it with the yolks, can cause it to break and become liquidy. Mix until just combined.
- Not Whipping Cream Enough: Ensure the heavy cream is whipped to stiff peaks so it provides structure.
- Folding Technique: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to retain air. Vigorous stirring will deflate it.
How should I store leftover Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu? Store leftover Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu tightly covered with plastic wrap (or in an airtight container) in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3-4 days. Note that the ladyfingers will continue to soften over time. Freezing is generally not recommended as the texture of the mascarpone cream can become grainy upon thawing.
Can I use something other than ladyfingers? While traditional Savoiardi (ladyfingers) provide the ideal texture – firm enough to soak without disintegrating – you could substitute slices of plain pound cake or sponge cake cut to size in a pinch. Be aware that these will absorb the liquid differently and result in a denser, cakier texture than the classic Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu. Adjust soaking time accordingly – likely much shorter dips. For a truly unique twist, explore other decadent desserts; you might find inspiration in treats like this Deep Fried Cherry Filled Cheesecake.

Conclusion

This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a truly special dessert that elevates the classic Italian favorite with the delightful combination of sweet cherries and warm, nutty Amaretto. Its layers of creamy mascarpone, soaked ladyfingers, and fruit offer a sophisticated yet comforting taste experience that’s surprisingly simple to assemble – no baking required! Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or simply when you crave an indulgent treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Remember, allowing it to chill adequately is key to developing the best flavor and texture for your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu. If you’re exploring variations of classic desserts, understanding the original is always helpful; you can learn All about Tiramisu to appreciate the foundation of this twist.

Pro Tips:

For extra richness: Add 2 ounces of softened cream cheese to the mascarpone before mixing it with the egg yolks.
Don’t oversoak: A quick dip (1-2 seconds per side) is all the ladyfingers need; otherwise, your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu might become soggy.
Ensure Coffee is Strong: Use espresso or double-strength brewed coffee for a robust flavor that stands up to the cream and Amaretto.

Variations:

Raspberry Frangelico Tiramisu: Swap cherries for fresh raspberries and Amaretto for hazelnut liqueur (Frangelico).
Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu: Fold mini chocolate chips into the mascarpone cream and add a layer of chocolate shavings between the ladyfinger layers.

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

Print Recipe

This elegant yet simple no-bake Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu features layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, a light mascarpone cream, and sweet cherries with a hint of almond liqueur. It’s rich, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to prepare—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

6 large Egg Yolks
¾ cup Granulated Sugar, divided
16 oz Mascarpone Cheese, at room temperature
1½ cups Heavy Cream, cold
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1½ cups Strong Brewed Coffee or Espresso, cooled
½ cup Amaretto Liqueur
Approx. 48 Ladyfingers (Savoiardi)
1 (15 oz) can Dark Sweet Cherries in syrup, drained and chopped
2 tbsp Reserved Cherry Syrup
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, for dusting
Optional Garnish: Fresh cherries, shaved dark chocolate, toasted almonds

Instructions

Prepare Cream Base: Beat egg yolks with ½ cup sugar until pale and thick (3–5 min). Add mascarpone and vanilla, mix on low until smooth.
Whip Cream: In another bowl, beat heavy cream with remaining ¼ cup sugar to stiff peaks.
Fold Together: Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture in thirds until just combined.
Soaking Liquid: Mix cooled coffee, Amaretto, and 2 tbsp cherry syrup in a shallow dish.
Layer 1: Quickly dip 16 ladyfingers, arrange in 9×13 dish. Spread ⅓ of cream over top. Sprinkle half the chopped cherries.
Layer 2: Dip 16 more ladyfingers, layer over cherries. Spread another ⅓ of cream. Add remaining chopped cherries.
Layer 3: Dip final ladyfingers, layer on top. Spread remaining cream evenly over top.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 6–8 hours or overnight to set.
Serve: Dust with cocoa powder before serving. Garnish with cherries, chocolate shavings, or toasted almonds as desired. Slice and serve cold.

Notes

Use room temperature mascarpone and cool coffee to prevent runny cream. Don’t oversoak ladyfingers—1–2 seconds per side is perfect. For extra flavor, toast almonds or use espresso-strength coffee.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 410
Sugar: 21g
Sodium: 95mg
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 170mg

Keywords: cherry amaretto tiramisu, no bake tiramisu, mascarpone dessert, amaretto dessert