Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
A dreamy, easy-to-make cherry almond dessert featuring layers of ladyfingers soaked in cherry-amaretto syrup, creamy mascarpone, and a crunchy almond topping. This showstopper is perfect for any occasion and can be made alcohol-free or gluten-free as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 cups (about 10 oz) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur (or 2 tsp almond extract + 1/4 cup water for alcohol-free)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese, cold
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, especially if skipping amaretto)
- 24–28 ladyfingers (about 7 oz)
- 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds
- Extra cherries, for garnish
- Dark chocolate, shaved or grated (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring, until cherries soften and syrup thickens slightly (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in amaretto liqueur (or almond extract and water for alcohol-free). Let cool to room temperature. Strain if desired for a smoother syrup.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) on low until just combined. Do not overmix.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form (about 2-3 minutes). Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled cherry-amaretto syrup for 1-2 seconds per side. Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish or trifle bowl.
- Spread half the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers. Top with half of the syrupy cherries if you left them in. Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, then finish with the remaining mascarpone cream. Smooth the top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds, extra cherries, and shaved dark chocolate if desired.
Notes
For best results, chill overnight to allow flavors to meld and layers to set. Do not over-soak ladyfingers—dip quickly to avoid a mushy texture. Adjust sugar and lemon juice in the syrup to taste, depending on the sweetness of your cherries. For gluten-free, use gluten-free ladyfingers. For alcohol-free, substitute amaretto with almond extract and water. Garnish just before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9th of pan)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: cherry amaretto tiramisu, cherry almond dessert, easy tiramisu, Italian dessert, summer dessert, mascarpone, cherries, amaretto, no bake dessert