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–+ servings
recipe image of mascarpone cheese ladyfingers cherries amaretto liqueur espresso coffee vanilla extract powdered sugar heavy cream cinnamon almond extract marsala wine chocolate shavings on a white marble kitchen counter with clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight top down mise en place shot
Benjamin

Elegant Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu – Perfect for Special Occasions

A sophisticated twist on the classic tiramisu, this cherry amaretto version blends the rich, creamy layers of mascarpone with the bright tartness of cherries and the distinct almond notes of amaretto liqueur. Perfect for celebrations and special occasions, it’s a no-bake dessert that tastes even better the next day.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cherry Compote
  • 2 cups pitted cherries fresh or frozen and thawed
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp amaretto liqueur plus extra for soaking
For the Cream Layer
  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese room temperature
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup heavy cream cold
For the Soaking Mixture
  • 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso coffee cooled
  • 2 tbsp amaretto liqueur
For Assembly
  • 24 ladyfingers (savoiardi) whole or halved
  • 1 cup cherries for topping
  • 1/4 cup chocolate shavings for garnish

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • - Mixing bowls
  • - Whisk
  • Rubber Spatula
  • 9x13 Glass Baking Dish
  • Fine Mesh Strainer

Method
 

Prepare the Cherry Compote
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, and 2 tsp of amaretto liqueur.
  2. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until the cherries release their juices and the liquid thickens slightly.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain if desired to remove any seeds.
Whip the Cream
  1. In a large chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  2. Set aside.
Combine Mascarpone and Flavorings
  1. In a separate large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
  2. Gently fold in the whipped cream until just combined.
Prepare Soaking Mixture
  1. In a shallow dish, mix the cooled espresso coffee with 2 tbsp of amaretto liqueur.
Assembly
  1. Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee mixture, making sure they are moist but not soggy.
  2. Spread a thin layer of the cherry compote over the bottom of a 9x13 glass dish.
  3. Place a layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of the compote.
  4. Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
  5. Add half of the cooled cherry compote on top of the cream layer.
  6. Repeat the layers: ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, then the remaining cherry compote.
  7. Top with the final layer of ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone cream.
  8. Garnish the top with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings.
Final Steps
  1. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, for flavors to meld.
  2. Allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 6gFat: 22g

Notes

This tiramisu is best served chilled, and is perfect for special occasions. It can be prepared one day in advance and refrigerated. Fresh cherries are ideal but frozen ones work well too. For a kid-friendly version, reduce the alcohol or substitute with almond extract mixed into cherry juice.
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