First, thank you—yes, you! Whether you’ve been with me from the start or you’ve just stumbled into this cozy corner of the internet, I’m so grateful you’re here. Every like, comment, and shared story from your kitchens means the world, and it keeps me inspired to share recipes like today’s beauty.
Now let’s talk dessert… but not just any dessert.
Today, I’m serving you a Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu that’s luscious, boozy, fruity, and completely no-bake. It’s that rare combination of elegant and easy, fancy but unfussy, nostalgic with a twist. And oh, the flavor—tart cherries, rich mascarpone, velvety amaretto, and a whisper of cocoa… It’s as dreamy as it sounds.
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What Is Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu?
This is my fruity, grown-up take on the classic Italian dessert. We swap the espresso and rum for tart cherry syrup and smooth Amaretto liqueur, layering ladyfingers with a lightly sweetened mascarpone cream and juicy Amarena cherries.
Reasons to Fall in Love:
- No baking required—perfect for warm months or busy days.
- Unique flavor twist on a beloved dessert.
- Make-ahead friendly—gets even better after chilling.
- Eye-catching for dinner parties and celebrations.
The Flavor?
It’s a beautiful marriage of tangy, jammy cherry brightness with the toasted almond warmth of amaretto, mellowed by the creamy, vanilla-kissed mascarpone. Each bite is pillowy, just the right amount of sweet, and oh-so-satisfying.
🍒 Benefits of This Recipe
- Elegant without effort: Showstopping presentation, minimal work.
- Great for gatherings: Serves 8-10 easily and can be made ahead.
- Customizable: Use canned, fresh, or frozen cherries depending on the season.
- Impressively unique: Your guests probably haven’t had this before!
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups cherry preserves or cherry compote
- ½ cup Amaretto liqueur
- 1 cup pitted Amarena cherries (or dark sweet cherries)
- 1 ¾ cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temp
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 24-28 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Optional: sliced almonds, for garnish
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer for cocoa powder
🍒 Substitutions and Add-Ins
- Cherries: No Amarena? Use Luxardo or any preserved dark cherries. Even frozen cherries cooked down work!
- Non-alcoholic: Swap Amaretto for almond extract and extra cherry juice.
- Mascarpone substitute: Use cream cheese blended with a touch of sour cream in a pinch.
- Extra indulgent? Add a thin layer of dark chocolate shavings between the layers.
👩🍳 How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Step 1: Make the cherry soak
In a shallow bowl, stir together the cherry preserves and Amaretto. This will be our flavor-packed soaking liquid.
Step 2: Whip the cream
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Set aside.
Step 3: Make mascarpone layer
In a separate bowl, blend mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream gently.
Step 4: Assemble!
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cherry-Amaretto mixture and line the bottom of your dish.
- Spread half the mascarpone cream on top.
- Dot with cherries.
- Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, cream, and cherries.
Step 5: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours—overnight is best for flavor melding and that perfect tiramisu texture.
Step 6: Finish
Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder and sprinkle on some toasted sliced almonds (optional, but so good!).
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- A glass of Amaretto or cherry wine (if you’re feeling fancy).
- A small espresso or affogato for a coffee-cherry contrast.
- A side of fresh cherries when in season.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Cherry Tiramisu
- Don’t soak too long! Ladyfingers need a quick dip, not a bath.
- Use cold cream. It whips better and gives more structure to the mascarpone layer.
- Make ahead. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
- Want it neater? Build in individual glasses for cute, mess-free servings.
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Can be frozen (tightly wrapped) for up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge overnight.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without alcohol?
Absolutely! Swap the Amaretto with almond extract (1 tsp) and use cherry juice instead of liqueur.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—just use gluten-free ladyfingers or sponge cake.
Is it very sweet?
Nope—this dessert leans lightly sweet with balanced tang from the cherries and creaminess from the mascarpone.
What cherries are best?
Amarena or Luxardo if you want fancy, or good-quality cherry preserves + fresh/dark frozen cherries for every day.
💕 Final Thoughts
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a showstopper dessert you’ll want to make again and again. It’s rich but not heavy, easy but elegant, and truly something special for anyone who loves that cherry-almond combo.
And if you’re like me, you’ll be kicking yourself for not making it sooner!
🍑 More Fruity Desserts to Love
- No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake
- Pistachio Raspberry Cake – A Fragrant, Fruity, and Fabulous Treat
- JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
📸 Let’s Make It a Moment!
If you make this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram, leave a review, and share your twist on the recipe. I read every comment and they absolutely make my day.
🧮 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – approx. 1/10th of pan)
- Calories: 390
- Fat: 27g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 19g
- Alcohol: 3g
Let’s be honest—this is the kind of recipe that makes people lean back in their chairs, close their eyes, and say “WOW.” Go on, impress yourself. You deserve it.