Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu: Prepare to be transported to dessert heaven with this decadent twist on a classic Italian treat! Imagine layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, a creamy mascarpone filling infused with the rich, nutty flavor of amaretto, and bursts of sweet, tart cherries. This isn’t just tiramisu; it’s an experience.

Tiramisu, meaning “pick me up” or “cheer me up” in Italian, has a relatively recent history, believed to have originated in the Veneto region of Italy in the latter half of the 20th century. While the exact origins are debated, its popularity quickly spread worldwide, becoming a beloved dessert for its comforting flavors and elegant presentation. My Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu elevates this classic with a delightful fruity twist.

People adore tiramisu for its harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The soft, coffee-soaked ladyfingers provide a delicate base, while the creamy mascarpone filling offers a luxurious richness. The bitterness of the coffee is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the cream and the subtle cocoa dusting on top. In this version, the addition of cherries and amaretto adds a sophisticated depth of flavor that will leave you craving more. It’s the perfect dessert for a special occasion or simply to indulge in a little bit of Italian luxury at home. I promise, this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu will be a showstopper!

Ingredients:

• For the Ladyfingers:
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar, for dusting
• For the Cherry Amaretto Syrup:
• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) Amaretto liqueur
• 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen pitted cherries, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Mascarpone Cream:
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream, cold
• 16 ounces (450g) mascarpone cheese, cold
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• For Garnish:
• Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
• Fresh cherries, for decoration (optional)
• Chocolate shavings, for decoration (optional)

Preparing the Ladyfingers:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial to prevent sticking!
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
3. Separate Eggs: Separate the eggs into two large, clean bowls. Make sure there’s absolutely no yolk in the egg whites!
4. Whip Egg Whites: Add cream of tartar to the egg whites. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup (50g) of the granulated sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat!
5. Beat Egg Yolks: In the other bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar until pale and thick. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the whipped egg whites. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites.
7. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the flour mixture, about 1/3 at a time, until just combined. Again, be gentle! Overmixing will result in tough ladyfingers.
8. Pipe the Ladyfingers: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or just use a large ziplock bag and snip off a corner). Pipe the batter onto the prepared baking sheet in 3-4 inch long strips, leaving about 1 inch of space between each strip.
9. Dust with Sugar: Dust the ladyfingers generously with powdered sugar. Let them sit for about 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar again. This helps create a nice crust.
10. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the ladyfingers are lightly golden brown.
11. Cool: Let the ladyfingers cool completely on the baking sheet before using them. They should be crisp and dry.

Making the Cherry Amaretto Syrup:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, Amaretto liqueur, chopped cherries, and lemon juice.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Reduce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the syrup has slightly thickened and the cherries have softened.
4. Cool: Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely. The cherries will continue to infuse the syrup as it cools.
5. Strain (Optional): If you prefer a smoother syrup, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the cherry pieces. I like to leave them in for extra flavor and texture!

Preparing the Mascarpone Cream:

1. Whip Heavy Cream: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or you’ll end up with butter!
2. Combine Mascarpone and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the cold mascarpone cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Extracts: Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
4. Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until just combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. You want a light and airy cream.

Assembling the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu:

1. Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled cherry Amaretto syrup, making sure to soak both sides. Don’t soak them for too long, or they’ll become soggy! A quick dip is all you need.
2. First Layer: Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish (or individual serving dishes). You may need to break some of the ladyfingers to fit.
3. Spread Cream: Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
4. Second Layer: Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers.
5. Final Layer: Spread the remaining mascarpone cream over the second layer of ladyfingers.
6. Chill: Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the ladyfingers to soften.
7. Garnish: Just before serving, dust the tiramisu generously with unsweetened cocoa powder.
8. Decorate (Optional): Garnish with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings, if desired.
9. Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience. The vibrant burst of cherry, the subtle almond notes of amaretto, and the creamy, coffee-soaked layers create a symphony of flavors that will dance on your palate. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll understand why I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and boozy, making it an unforgettable treat for any occasion.

But why is this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu a must-try? Because it elevates the classic tiramisu to a whole new level. The traditional coffee flavor is beautifully complemented by the cherry and amaretto, creating a more complex and nuanced taste profile. It’s sophisticated enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough to whip up for a weeknight indulgence. Plus, the vibrant red cherries make it visually stunning, adding a touch of elegance to your dessert table.

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations! While this tiramisu is divine on its own, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can take it over the top. For a more intense cherry flavor, consider adding a drizzle of cherry syrup or a few fresh cherries as garnish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try using different types of cherries, such as Rainier cherries for a sweeter flavor or Bing cherries for a deeper, richer taste.

For a non-alcoholic version, you can easily substitute the amaretto with almond extract and cherry juice. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your liking, starting with a small amount and adding more until you achieve the desired flavor. You could also try using a cherry-flavored coffee liqueur for a unique twist.

Another fun variation is to layer the tiramisu in individual glasses or ramekins for a more elegant presentation. This is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. You can also get creative with the toppings, adding chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

The possibilities are endless! The most important thing is to have fun and experiment until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste.

I truly believe that this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your friends and family. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating delicious and inspiring recipes for you. Happy baking, and enjoy every single bite of this decadent Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu! I can’t wait to hear from you!

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