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Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

This Easy Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring fresh cherries soaked in a cherry-amaretto mixture layered with creamy mascarpone and whipped cream, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and garnished with more cherries. It’s simple to prepare, requires no baking, and is perfect for a refreshing, elegant treat.

Ingredients

Cherry-Amaretto Soaking Liquid

  • 1/2 cup cherry juice
  • 2 tbsp Amaretto liqueur

Fruit

  • 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted (plus extra for garnish)

Ladyfingers

  • 1 package (7 oz) ladyfinger cookies

Mascarpone Cream

  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Finishing Touch

  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Make the Cherry-Amaretto Soaking Liquid: In a shallow dish, combine the cherry juice and the Amaretto liqueur. Stir well to blend the flavors. This mixture will be used to soak the ladyfingers.
  2. Prepare the Mascarpone Cream: Whisk the mascarpone cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy to form the rich base of the tiramisu.
  3. Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, beat together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, indicating the cream can hold its shape.
  4. Combine the Creams: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese mixture, carefully blending them to maintain a light and fluffy texture without deflating the cream.
  5. Soak the Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cherry-amaretto liquid, ensuring they are moist but not soggy. Arrange them evenly in the bottom of your serving dish or pan.
  6. Layer the Tiramisu: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the soaked ladyfingers, then spoon a layer of the pitted cherries on top of the cream.
  7. Add Another Layer: Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone cream mixture, smoothing the top layer nicely.
  8. Finish and Chill: Dust the top layer with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with whole fresh cherries. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, slice and serve the cherry amaretto tiramisu, savoring the rich layers and fresh cherry flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature mascarpone for smooth mixing and better texture.
  • Do not soak ladyfingers for too long to avoid sogginess; a quick dip is sufficient.
  • If fresh cherries are unavailable, frozen pitted cherries can be used after thawing and draining.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, substitute Amaretto liqueur with almond extract diluted in water or additional cherry juice.
  • Letting the tiramisu chill overnight enhances the flavor and texture significantly.
  • Use unsweetened cocoa powder to balance sweetness and add a chocolatey touch without overpowering the cherry flavor.