Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert Recipe
Introduction
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining rich mascarpone cream with bright cherry flavors and a hint of almond liqueur. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special treat at home.

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)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine the cooled espresso and amaretto liqueur.
- Step 3: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture, making sure not to soak them. Line the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish with the dipped cookies.
- Step 4: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Step 5: Spoon half of the cherry preserves and the fresh cherry halves evenly over the cream layer.
- Step 6: Repeat the layers with dipped ladyfingers, the remaining mascarpone cream, and then the remaining cherry mixture.
- Step 7: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 8: Just before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder. Decorate with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, or sliced almonds as desired.
- Step 9: Slice and serve chilled for the best experience.
Tips & Variations
- Use cold espresso to avoid soggy ladyfingers and maintain texture.
- Substitute amaretto liqueur with almond extract for a non-alcoholic version.
- For a lighter dessert, use light mascarpone or reduce the amount of heavy cream slightly.
- Add a splash of cherry liqueur to the espresso mixture for a stronger cherry flavor.
- Garnish with toasted almonds or chocolate curls to add crunch and elegance.
Storage
Store the tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve. If needed, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing for easier cutting. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, as the ladyfingers may become overly soft over time.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert actually benefits from being made a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop and the ladyfingers to soften perfectly.
What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone, a mixture of cream cheese blended with a little heavy cream or sour cream can be used, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
PrintCherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert Recipe
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian tiramisu by incorporating sweet cherry preserves, fresh cherries, and a splash of amaretto liqueur. Layered with creamy mascarpone and fluffy whipped cream atop coffee-soaked ladyfingers, this no-bake dessert is perfect for elegant gatherings and special occasions, providing a luscious balance of flavors with a fruity finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Mascarpone Cream Mixture
- 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Coffee Mixture
- 1 ½ cups strong brewed espresso or coffee (cooled)
- 3 tbsp amaretto liqueur
Assembly
- 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
- Whip the cream mixture: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Then add the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the whipped cream. Continue whipping until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
- Prepare coffee and amaretto mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the cooled strong brewed espresso or coffee with the amaretto liqueur, mixing gently to blend the flavors.
- Dip ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger cookie into the espresso and amaretto mixture, ensuring they are moistened but not soaked, as soaking will cause them to become too soggy and fall apart.
- First layer assembly: Arrange a single layer of the dipped ladyfingers evenly at the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish to form the base layer of the tiramisu.
- Add mascarpone cream and cherries: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Next, spoon half of the cherry preserves along with the fresh cherry halves evenly over the cream layer.
- Repeat layers: Repeat the layering process by placing another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of the cherry mixture, then spreading the remaining mascarpone cream mixture, followed by the remaining cherry preserves and fresh cherries.
- Chill: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Decorate before serving: Just before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Garnish with additional fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, or sliced almonds if desired for an attractive presentation.
- Serve: Slice the chilled tiramisu into portions and serve immediately, enjoying the rich, creamy, and fruit-infused layers of this elegant dessert.
Notes
- Do not soak the ladyfingers for too long in the coffee mixture to maintain the perfect texture.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the amaretto with almond extract or omit it entirely.
- Ensure mascarpone cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- This dessert is best prepared the day before to allow the flavors to develop.
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor and texture.
Keywords: Cherry Tiramisu, Amaretto Dessert, No-Bake Tiramisu, Italian Dessert, Cherry Mascarpone, Coffee Liqueur Dessert