Why Make This Recipe
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delicious twist on the traditional Italian dessert. With its creamy layers and fruity flavor, it brings a delightful surprise to any occasion. The combination of rich mascarpone and sweet cherries, along with the kick of amaretto, makes this treat truly special. Plus, it’s easy to make, and you can prepare it ahead of time, making it perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients:
- 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)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, whip the 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, 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 the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu chilled. It makes an elegant dessert for any occasion. You can slice it into squares and plate it up. Adding a few fresh cherries and a dusting of cocoa on top makes for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
You can store Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s covered to keep it fresh. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but the flavors can deepen if left overnight.
Tips to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
- Make sure the mascarpone cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t soak the ladyfingers in the coffee mix too long; they should be moist but still hold their shape.
- For extra flavor, you can add a bit of almond extract along with the amaretto.
Variation
You can change things up by using different fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry instead of cherry. Alternatively, you might try a different liqueur, such as coffee liqueur for a mocha flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu can be made a day before serving. In fact, it tastes better if it sits for a while to let the flavors blend.
2. What can I use instead of amaretto?
If you want a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute amaretto with almond extract. Use only a small amount, as it can be quite strong.
3. Can I freeze Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu?
It is not recommended to freeze Tiramisu, as the texture may change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients
For the Cream Layer
- 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature) Ensure mascarpone is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly
- 1 ½ cups strong brewed espresso or coffee (cooled)
- 3 tbsp amaretto liqueur Can substitute with almond extract for non-alcoholic version, use sparingly.
- 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)
Instructions
Preparation of Cream
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until smooth and fluffy.
Assembly of Tiramisu
- 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 9x9-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, preferably overnight.
Serving
- Just before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and decorate with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, or almonds as desired.
- Slice and serve chilled!