Description
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining the rich creaminess of mascarpone cheese with vibrant, juicy cherries and warm amaretto liqueur. This layered treat offers a refreshing fruity flavor balanced with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a dusting of cocoa powder, perfect for special occasions or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Base
- Ladyfinger Cookies – 24 pieces
- Strong Espresso or Coffee – 1 cup, cooled
- Amaretto Liqueur – 1/4 cup
Cream Mixture
- Egg Yolks – 4 large
- Granulated Sugar – 3/4 cup
- Mascarpone Cheese – 16 ounces
- Heavy Cream – 1 cup
Cherry Mixture
- Fresh Cherries – 2 cups, pitted and chopped
- Amaretto Liqueur – 2 tablespoons
- Granulated Sugar – 2 tablespoons
Garnish
- Cocoa Powder – for dusting
- Fresh Whole Cherries – a few, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Mixture: Wash, pit, and chop fresh cherries. In a small saucepan, gently simmer the cherries with 2 tablespoons of amaretto and 2 tablespoons of sugar until they become soft and syrupy. Allow the mixture to cool.
- Whip the Cream and Egg Yolks: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks and 3/4 cup sugar. Gently heat over a double boiler, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and is pale. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Fold in mascarpone cheese until smooth. Separately, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and carefully fold it into the mascarpone mixture to create a light, fluffy cream.
- Soak the Ladyfingers: Combine cooled espresso with 1/4 cup amaretto in a shallow dish. Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the mixture, ensuring they soak up flavor without becoming soggy.
- Layer the Dessert: Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in your serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, then spoon half of the cherry mixture on top. Repeat the layers, finishing with mascarpone cream on top.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and decorate with fresh whole cherries.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries and high-quality mascarpone for best flavor and texture.
- Dip ladyfingers quickly to avoid sogginess and preserve texture.
- Chill the dessert overnight for optimal flavor blending.
- Temper the eggs by gently heating yolks with sugar to create a safe custard base.
- Adjust sugar amounts to balance the tartness of the cherries.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 140mg