Indulge in the elegance of Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, a sophisticated twist on the classic Italian dessert. This refined delicacy combines the rich textures of mascarpone with the vibrant essence of cherries and the aromatic notes of Amaretto liqueur. Its unique flavor profile and stunning presentation make it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering.
Why Make This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Elegant: Create a show-stopping dessert with minimal fuss.
- Minimal Ingredients: Relies on a few high-quality components that shine.
- Impressive Flavor: The harmonious marriage of cherries and Amaretto elevates this tiramisu above standard iterations.
Ingredients
Base:
- 24 ladyfinger cookies, made with care
- 1 cup strong coffee, cooled to room temperature
- 1/3 cup Amaretto liqueur
Filling:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Topping:
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
- Fresh cherries, for garnish
How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
- Prepare the Cherry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the halved cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the cherries soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. Let this fragrant mixture cool.
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue to whisk until glossy peaks emerge.
- Blend the Mascarpone: In another bowl, gently fold the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy, taking care not to overmix.
- Combine Mixtures: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. The result should be light and airy, with a velvety texture.
- Assemble the Layers: Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-Amaretto mixture, allowing them to absorb the liquid. Place a layer in the bottom of a serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, followed by half of the cooled cherry sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining mascarpone mixture on top.
- Chill and Set: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
For an impressive presentation, serve individual portions in elegant glass cups. Dust with cocoa powder just before serving, and crown each cup with a fresh cherry for a pop of color and flavor.
How to Store Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
To maintain the dessert’s exquisite texture and flavor, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If re-serving, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for optimal texture.
Tips to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality Amaretto and fresh cherries for the best flavor.
- Do Not Overmix: When combining the whipped cream and mascarpone, fold gently to retain the lightness.
- Preparation Ahead: This dessert benefits from a day of rest, letting flavors develop beautifully.
- Flavor Variations: Consider using other stone fruits like peaches or plums for a seasonal twist.
Variation
For a luxurious upgrade, substitute dark chocolate shavings between layers or incorporate a splash of almond extract in the mascarpone mix for added depth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used. Simply thaw them before cooking to create the sauce.
How do I achieve the perfect ladyfinger layer?
Ensure the ladyfingers are dipped quickly into the coffee-Amaretto mixture to avoid sogginess. A quick dip will retain structure while still soaking up flavor.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?
Certainly! Replace Amaretto with almond extract diluted in some water for a similar flavor without the alcohol.
Conclusion
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu melds the essence of indulgence with simplicity, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Its refined flavors and stunning layers are sure to impress, inviting you to explore your creativity. Don’t hesitate to share your iterations and delight in the conversation. How would you make this dish your own?
Print
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sophisticated twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining rich mascarpone, vibrant cherries, and aromatic Amaretto liqueur.
Ingredients
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
- 1 cup strong coffee, cooled
- 1/3 cup Amaretto liqueur
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
- Fresh cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the halved cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until soft. Let cool.
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and whisk until glossy.
- Blend the Mascarpone: In another bowl, gently fold the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until light and airy.
- Assemble the Layers: Dip each ladyfinger in the coffee-Amaretto mixture and layer in a serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, followed by half of the cooled cherry sauce. Repeat and finish with the remaining mascarpone mixture.
- Chill and Set: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Notes
Use high-quality Amaretto and fresh cherries for best results. This dessert benefits from resting a day to develop flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg