This Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a fun treat with layers of fluffy mascarpone, coffee-soaked cookies, and a sweet cherry finish. It’s like dessert magic in a dish!
I love how the cherry and amaretto flavors pop together! It’s a perfect pick-me-up for any occasion. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—your friends might just think you’re a pro! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are fantastic in this recipe, but you can use frozen ones if they’re out of season. Just thaw them before cooking. For a different flavor, consider using other fruits like raspberries or strawberries!
Amaretto Liqueur: Amaretto adds a lovely almond flavor, but if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, you can use almond extract mixed with a little water or extra coffee. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness!
Mascarpone Cheese: This cream cheese gives the tiramisu its rich texture. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar effect, though the flavor may differ slightly.
Ladyfinger Cookies: If you can’t find ladyfingers, sponge cake cut into strips works well. Alternatively, cookies like vanilla wafers can also be used, but they may change the texture.
How Do I Get the Cream Mixture Just Right?
The cream mixture is what makes this tiramisu dreamy! Here’s how to ensure it’s perfect:
- Start with chilled heavy cream for easier whipping.
- Beat the cream with powdered sugar until you see soft peaks. This takes a few minutes, so be patient!
- Gently fold in the mascarpone. Use a spatula and be careful—this keeps the mixture light and airy!
The goal is a smooth and creamy texture that’s not too dense. This way, it’s easy to spread and layers beautifully in your dessert!
Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cherry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Coffee-Amaretto Mixture:
- 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 3 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
For The Cream Layer:
- 1 package ladyfinger cookies (about 24 pieces)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
Optional Garnish:
- Grated dark chocolate or cocoa powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare and needs at least 4 hours to chill in the fridge. If you can, let it set overnight for the best flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make Cherry Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix the pitted cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until the cherries begin to break down and the sauce thickens slightly (about 8-10 minutes). Once done, take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let it cool for a bit.
2. Prepare Coffee-Amaretto Mixture:
In a shallow dish, mix together the cooled brewed coffee and Amaretto liqueur. Set this aside so it’s ready for dipping!
3. Whip Cream Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form (this should take a couple of minutes). Gently fold in the softened mascarpone cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to over-mix!
4. Assemble Tiramisu:
Time to layer! Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-Amaretto mixture—don’t let them soak; just a quick dip will do. Arrange a layer of the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish.
5. Add Cream and Cherry Layers:
Spread half of the mascarpone-cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Then, spoon half of the cherry sauce over that cream layer.
6. Repeat the Layers:
Repeat the whole process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone-cream mixture, and then top with the rest of the cherry sauce.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover your tiramisu and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps all the flavors mix wonderfully!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish with extra fresh cherries and, if you like, sprinkle some grated dark chocolate or cocoa powder on top. Serve chilled and enjoy this luscious dessert!
This Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu blends the classic creamy texture of tiramisu with sweet cherry goodness and the charming flavor of Amaretto. It’s a delightful dessert everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Dessert?
Absolutely! While cherries bring a lovely flavor, you can substitute them with other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even peaches. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Non-Alcoholic?
To make a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the Amaretto with a splash of almond extract mixed with a bit of water or extra brewed coffee. This way, you still get that wonderful almond flavor without alcohol.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! This tiramisu can be made a day in advance, which actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just cover it well in the fridge and enjoy it chilled the next day!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed cold, so simply slice a piece and dig in when you’re ready!
