This dreamy cherry amaretto tiramisu transforms the classic Italian dessert into a fruity masterpiece that’s absolutely irresistible. Rich mascarpone cream mingles with sweet-tart cherries and nutty amaretto liqueur, creating layers of pure indulgence. The boozy cherry syrup soaks into delicate ladyfingers while fresh cherries burst with juicy sweetness in every bite. This no-bake dessert is perfect for special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? It gets even better overnight as all those incredible flavors meld together into dessert perfection.
Table of Contents
Premium Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Ingredients – Everything You Need
Rich Mascarpone Cherry Amaretto Cream Layer
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese – room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream – cold for best whipping results
- ⅓ cup amaretto liqueur – Di Saronno brand recommended
- ¼ cup cherry juice – 100% pure cherry juice preferred
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – pure vanilla for best flavor
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – adjust to taste preference
- 3 tablespoons cherry preserves – seedless variety works best
- 1½ cups fresh cherries – pitted and chopped into small pieces
Essential Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Assembly Components
- 2 packages (7 oz each) ladyfinger cookies – about 48 pieces total
- ½ cup amaretto liqueur – for soaking mixture
- ½ cup cherry juice – for soaking mixture
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder – for dusting
- 2 oz dark chocolate – 70% cocoa, finely grated or shaved
Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Shallow dish for soaking
- Offset spatula
- Fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
Cherry Amaretto Cream
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold for best whipping results
- ⅓ cup amaretto liqueur Di Saronno brand recommended
- ¼ cup cherry juice 100% pure cherry juice preferred
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure vanilla for best flavor
- ¼ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste preference
- 3 tablespoons cherry preserves seedless variety works best
- 1½ cups fresh cherries pitted and chopped into small pieces
Assembly
- 2 packages ladyfinger cookies 7 oz each, about 48 pieces total
- ½ cup amaretto liqueur for soaking mixture
- ½ cup cherry juice for soaking mixture
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- 2 oz dark chocolate 70% cocoa, finely grated or shaved
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Base (5 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine room temperature mascarpone cheese and cold heavy cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. (Mixture should have no lumps.)
- Add Liquids (3 minutes): Add ⅓ cup amaretto liqueur, ¼ cup cherry juice, and vanilla extract to the mascarpone mixture. Beat for another 1-2 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Sweeten the Mixture (2 minutes): In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cherry preserves until combined. Add this mixture to the mascarpone cream and beat for 1 minute until fully incorporated.
- Fold in Fresh Cherries (3 minutes): Gently fold the chopped fresh cherries into the creamy mixture using a rubber spatula. Distribute evenly throughout the cream. (Don’t overmix to avoid breaking the cherries.)
- Prepare Soaking Liquid (2 minutes): In a shallow dish, combine ½ cup amaretto liqueur and ½ cup cherry juice. Mix well to create the soaking mixture for ladyfingers.
- Soak and Layer Ladyfingers (5 minutes): Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the amaretto-cherry mixture for 1-2 seconds per side. Arrange in a single layer in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. (Don’t oversoak or cookies will become mushy.)
- First Cream Layer (3 minutes): Spread half of the mascarpone cherry mixture evenly over the ladyfingers using an offset spatula. Smooth into an even layer, reaching all corners.
- Second Cookie Layer (3 minutes): Dip remaining ladyfingers in the soaking liquid and arrange over the cream layer. Press gently to ensure even coverage.
- Final Cream Layer (3 minutes): Spread remaining mascarpone mixture over the top layer of ladyfingers. Smooth with spatula until completely even and sealed to edges.
- Chill and Set (4+ hours): Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. (Longer chilling time allows flavors to meld beautifully.)
- Final Garnish (2 minutes): Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine mesh strainer. Sprinkle grated dark chocolate evenly over the surface for an elegant finish.
Notes
Step-by-Step Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Instructions – Foolproof Method
- Prepare the Cherry Amaretto Cream Base (5 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine room temperature mascarpone cheese and cold heavy cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. (Mixture should have no lumps.)
- Infuse with Cherry Amaretto Flavors (3 minutes): Add ⅓ cup amaretto liqueur, ¼ cup cherry juice, and vanilla extract to the mascarpone mixture. Beat for another 1-2 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Perfect the Cherry Amaretto Sweetness (2 minutes): In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cherry preserves until combined. Add this mixture to the mascarpone cream and beat for 1 minute until fully incorporated.
- Add Fresh Cherries to Amaretto Cream (3 minutes): Gently fold the chopped fresh cherries into the creamy mixture using a rubber spatula. Distribute evenly throughout the cream. (Don’t overmix to avoid breaking the cherries.)
- Create Cherry Amaretto Soaking Liquid (2 minutes): In a shallow dish, combine ½ cup amaretto liqueur and ½ cup cherry juice. Mix well to create the soaking mixture for ladyfingers.
- Layer Cherry Amaretto Soaked Ladyfingers (5 minutes): Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the amaretto-cherry mixture for 1-2 seconds per side. Arrange in a single layer in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. (Don’t oversoak or cookies will become mushy.)
- Build First Cherry Amaretto Cream Layer (3 minutes): Spread half of the mascarpone cherry mixture evenly over the ladyfingers using an offset spatula. Smooth into an even layer, reaching all corners.
- Add Second Cherry Amaretto Cookie Layer (3 minutes): Dip remaining ladyfingers in the soaking liquid and arrange over the cream layer. Press gently to ensure even coverage.
- Complete Final Cherry Amaretto Cream Layer (3 minutes): Spread remaining mascarpone mixture over the top layer of ladyfingers. Smooth with spatula until completely even and sealed to edges.
- Chill Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu to Perfection (4+ hours): Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. (Longer chilling time allows flavors to meld beautifully.)
- Finish with Elegant Cherry Amaretto Garnish (2 minutes): Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine mesh strainer. Sprinkle grated dark chocolate evenly over the surface for an elegant finish.
Best Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Pairings and Serving Ideas
This elegant cherry amaretto tiramisu pairs beautifully with other crowd-pleasing desserts for special occasions. If you’re hosting a dinner party, consider serving this alongside our homemade banana pudding recipe for guests who prefer classic Southern comfort desserts. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with our chopped Italian sandwich recipe as an appetizer.
When entertaining, this no-bake cherry amaretto tiramisu shines because it requires no last-minute preparation, unlike our indulgent honey bun cake recipe that’s best served warm. The make-ahead nature makes it perfect for busy hosts who want to focus on other dishes.
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Expert Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This cherry amaretto tiramisu is the perfect make-ahead dessert that gets better with time. Store your finished cherry amaretto tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it ideal for entertaining. The cherry and amaretto flavors continue to develop and meld, creating an even more luxurious dessert experience.
For casual gatherings, pair this sophisticated cherry amaretto tiramisu with comfort foods like our popular dill pickle dip recipe for appetizers, creating a nice balance between elegant and approachable flavors.
Why This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe Works Every Time
Serve your cherry amaretto tiramisu chilled alongside espresso or coffee for an authentic Italian experience. Try substituting frozen cherries when fresh aren’t available, or add a splash of cherry liqueur for extra intensity. This restaurant-quality cherry amaretto tiramisu proves that impressive doesn’t have to mean complicated. Pin this cherry amaretto tiramisu recipe for your next dinner party – your guests will be begging for seconds and the recipe!