This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a fun twist on the classic dessert! It features layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers paired with a creamy mascarpone filling and a sweet cherry topping.
Who doesn’t love a dessert that combines coffee and cherries? I like to serve it chilled, and every bite feels like a little celebration. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Amaretto Liqueur: This gives the tiramisu a lovely almond flavor. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, a few drops of almond extract mixed in water can work in a pinch!
Mascarpone Cheese: The creaminess of mascarpone is essential. If you can’t find it, a blend of cream cheese and heavy cream can be a good substitute, though the texture might be slightly different.
Ladyfingers: These are crucial for the structure. If you can’t find them, you could use sponge cake cut into strips, but soaking instructions may change since they’re denser.
Coffee: Brew strong coffee for the best flavor. If you prefer a caffeine-free dessert, try using decaf coffee or a rich chocolate milk instead for a different twist.
How Do I Whip Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks?
Whipping egg whites can seem tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it:
- Make sure your mixing bowl is perfectly clean; even a bit of oil can prevent the egg whites from whipping up.
- Start with room-temperature eggs as they whip better than cold ones.
- Beat the whites until soft peaks form before adding sugar gradually. This helps stabilize the egg whites.
- Once you add sugar, continue to whip until stiff peaks form, meaning the peaks stand straight up when you lift the beaters.
Gently folding these airy whites into your mascarpone mixture keeps it light and fluffy, essential for a perfect tiramisu!
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tiramisu:
- 1 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or jarred cherries, pitted and halved (reserve some whole for topping)
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves or cherry jam
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes for preparation, plus at least 4 hours chilling time in the fridge, preferably overnight. This allows all the flavors to develop and gives the tiramisu the right consistency. A little patience goes a long way with this dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Soaking Liquid:
In a shallow bowl, mix the cooled strong coffee with the Amaretto liqueur. This will be the delicious soaking liquid for the ladyfingers, so put it aside for a moment while you work on the rest.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
If you’re using fresh cherries, start by pitting and halving them. Combine these pieces in a bowl with the cherry preserves or jam, mixing them to create a flavorful cherry filling. Set this aside for later!
3. Make the Mascarpone Cream:
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks together with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until it becomes pale and creamy. Add the softened mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract, then beat until the mixture is smooth.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in batches to keep it light and fluffy.
4. Whip the Egg Whites:
Using a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks appear. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, and keep beating until the egg whites form stiff peaks. Now gently fold these beaten egg whites into the mascarpone mixture until just combined. This helps make the cream light and airy!
5. Assemble the Tiramisu:
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-Amaretto mixture. Be careful not to soak them too long—just a quick dip—and then arrange them in a rectangular or square serving dish in a single layer.
Spread half of the mascarpone cream over this first layer of ladyfingers, then evenly distribute half of the cherry filling on top of the cream. Repeat the process with another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, then spread the remaining mascarpone cream over this final layer.
6. Chill the Tiramisu:
Cover your dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best for allowing all those flavors to blend perfectly!
7. Finish and Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, take the tiramisu out of the fridge. Arrange the reserved whole cherries on top for decoration. Dust generously with cocoa powder and sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
8. Enjoy Your Dessert!
Serve the tiramisu chilled and delight in the wonderful cherry and amaretto flavors mingled together in this classic Italian dessert. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Tiramisu?
Absolutely! While cherries are a delightful choice, you can experiment with other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or peaches. Just ensure they’re pitted and halved if necessary and adjust the sweetener accordingly if the fruit is less sweet.
Is There a Non-Alcoholic Version of This Recipe?
Yes! You can simply omit the Amaretto and replace it with a splash of almond extract mixed with water or create a coffee-flavored syrup using extra brewed coffee and sugar. This will still give you a wonderful flavor in your tiramisu.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover tiramisu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the ladyfingers may become softer as it sits, but the flavors will continue to develop!
Can I Freeze Tiramisu?
Freezing tiramisu is possible, but it’s best to do so before adding the toppings. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving and add the cherries and dusting just before you enjoy it.
