Description
A delightful and indulgent twist on classic tiramisu, this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu combines the rich creaminess of mascarpone and heavy cream with the sweet and nutty flavors of amaretto and fresh cherries. Perfect for a festive dessert, it layers cherry-dipped ladyfingers with luscious mascarpone cream and fresh cherries, chilled to perfection for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Mascarpone Mixture
- 2 cups mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1/2 cup cherry juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Other Ingredients
- Ladyfingers (enough to layer in baking dish, approx. 24–30 pieces)
Instructions
- Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups mascarpone cheese and 1 cup heavy cream. Beat thoroughly using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth, creating a rich cream base.
- Add Flavorings: To the fluffy mascarpone and cream mixture, add 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur, 1/2 cup cherry juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Incorporate Sugar and Cherries: In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar with cherry preserves (about 2–3 tablespoons) if available; then fold this mixture into the mascarpone blend along with the 1 cup of fresh, pitted, and chopped cherries. Gently fold to maintain the airy texture.
- Prepare Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into a mixture made from the remaining amaretto and cherry juice (adjust the quantity to have enough for dipping all ladyfingers). The ladyfingers should be soaked but not soggy, absorbing the flavors without falling apart.
- Assemble Layers: Place a layer of dipped ladyfingers on the bottom of a baking dish. Spread half of the mascarpone and cherry mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat the layering with the remaining dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture to create two layers.
- Chill to Set: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set to a perfect consistency before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor and texture; frozen cherries can be used but drain excess juice.
- If cherry preserves are not available for the sugar mixture, increase the granulated sugar slightly to enhance sweetness.
- The ladyfingers should be dipped quickly to prevent them from becoming too soggy and falling apart.
- This dessert is best served chilled; allow the tiramisu to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for softer texture.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute amaretto liqueur with almond extract and use extra cherry juice or syrup.
