Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
This easy, no-bake Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a dreamy almond dessert that layers creamy mascarpone, juicy cherries, and amaretto-soaked ladyfingers for a showstopping treat. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 cups (about 400g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 16 oz (450g) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) amaretto liqueur (or cherry/apple juice for non-alcoholic)
- 24 ladyfingers (Savoiardi), about 200g
- Extra amaretto or cherry syrup for soaking (optional)
- Toasted sliced almonds (for topping)
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional, for topping)
- Fresh cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the cherry compote: In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cherries release juices and mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in almond extract if using. Let cool to room temperature. For a smoother sauce, mash some cherries or strain.
- Prepare the cream layer: In a large mixing bowl, whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer). Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until just combined and smooth. Stir in amaretto liqueur (or juice for non-alcoholic).
- Assemble the tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled cherry compote for 2-3 seconds. Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish or trifle bowl.
- Spread half the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Spoon half the remaining cherry compote over the cream layer.
- Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, the rest of the mascarpone cream, and remaining compote.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to let the flavors meld and layers set.
- Before serving, sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds and chocolate shavings. Garnish with fresh cherries if desired. Slice or scoop and serve chilled.
Notes
Don’t oversoak the ladyfingers—just a quick dip in the cherry compote is enough. Let mascarpone come to room temperature for a smooth cream layer. Chill the tiramisu for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) for the flavors to meld. For gluten-free, use GF ladyfingers. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and vegan cream cheese. You can swap cherries for other berries or poached pears for seasonal variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of the pan
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 23
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: cherry amaretto tiramisu, almond dessert, no-bake tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone, cherries, amaretto, easy tiramisu, summer dessert, trifle