Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist Recipe
If you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a luscious homemade dessert, the Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist is bound to become your next obsession. This vibrant spin on the classic Italian tiramisu infuses juicy, syrupy cherries and aromatic Amaretto with layers of creamy mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. Each spoonful is sweet, tangy, and delightfully boozy, allowing you to savor the taste of summer with every bite. Whether you’re making this for a special celebration or just a weeknight treat, it’s an irresistible dessert that brings excitement and elegance to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist is all about letting simple, quality ingredients shine. Each component layers together to give a balance of bold flavors — rich cream, tart cherries, and those unmistakable coffee and almond notes — with a showstopping presentation every time.
- Fresh cherries: Choose ripe, juicy cherries as the star of your fruity layer — pitted and halved for maximum flavor infusion.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to gently sweeten the cherries and help them release their natural juices.
- Amaretto liqueur: This aromatic almond liqueur ties together the fruity and creamy elements while adding depth to both cherries and coffee.
- Lemon juice: A splash highlights the cherry brightness and prevents the fruit from tasting flat.
- Heavy cream: Cold whipping cream gives the filling its light, cloud-like texture.
- Mascarpone cheese: Room temperature ensures a smooth, luxurious mixture — the heart of every tiramisu.
- Powdered sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to balance mascarpone’s richness.
- Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla rounds out and enhances the creamy filling’s flavor.
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee: Cooled to room temperature for dipping those delicate ladyfingers — rich and robust, never bitter.
- Ladyfinger biscuits: Classic or gluten-free, they soak up the coffee-laced Amaretto without getting mushy; about 24 per dish.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For that classic finishing dusting before serving and a touch of elegant bitterness.
- Fresh cherries and shaved dark chocolate (optional): Top your tiramisu with extra cherries and chocolate for a showstopping, decadent finish.
How to Make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Mixture
Start by gently cooking your cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and Amaretto together in a saucepan. As they simmer, the cherries soften and their juices mingle beautifully with the liqueur, creating a vibrant, boozy syrup. Stir every so often and savor the aroma — you want the cherries to break down just enough to spoon easily, but keep some texture. Once it’s glossy and slightly thickened, set aside to cool completely. This jewel-toned layer is the tangy-sweet heart of your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist.
Step 2: Whip the Mascarpone Cream
Next, beat your chilled heavy cream to soft peaks — think fluffy clouds, not stiff. In a separate bowl, blend the room temperature mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth, then gently fold in the whipped cream. Take your time with this step! A light touch keeps the filling airy and makes your tiramisu melt-in-the-mouth.
Step 3: Mix the Espresso Layer
Combine the cooled espresso or strong coffee with a splash of Amaretto. Pour this aromatic mixture into a wide, shallow dish to make dipping easy. This coffee-Amaretto soak infuses the ladyfingers with soul-warming depth and a signature scent that’s pure tiramisu magic.
Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu
Now the fun part! Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-Amaretto on both sides — just a moment each, so they’re moist but not soggy. Arrange a single layer in your dish or trifle glasses. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, followed by half of your gorgeous cherry mixture. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, remaining cream, and finish with cherries. You’ll see beautiful layers peeking through the glass!
Step 5: Chill
Patience is a virtue here. Cover and refrigerate your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist for at least 4 hours — overnight is even better! This gives the ladyfingers time to soak up all those luscious flavors and for the dessert to set perfectly. It’s worth every minute of anticipation.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Just before serving, dust the top liberally with unsweetened cocoa powder for that classic touch. If you like, scatter a few fresh cherries and shavings of dark chocolate for drama and decadence. Each slice will be as stunning as it is delicious!
How to Serve Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist

Garnishes
For a sophisticated finish, always add a generous dusting of cocoa powder right before serving. Pile on a handful of glossy, fresh cherries and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings for extra color, texture, and wow factor. You can even add a sprig of mint for a refreshing contrast if you’re feeling fancy! The garnishes bring out the cherry notes and make every serving photo-ready.
Side Dishes
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist is rich and fruity, making it a wonderful centerpiece for a festive meal. Balance its indulgence with light sides: serve it after a salad-based Italian dinner, or pair with espresso and almond biscotti for a true café experience. A small glass of chilled Limoncello or extra Amaretto liqueur on the side is always a welcome touch!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to go beyond the classic casserole dish, try layering the tiramisu in individual dessert glasses or mini trifle jars. For parties, build parfait-style servings with extra layers of cherries and cream for a modern look. Customizable portions are not only adorable but make serving effortless. Let guests garnish their portion for interactive fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors and to keep the mascarpone filling pristine and moist. The flavors deepen over time, so don’t be afraid to enjoy those leftovers!
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, freeze individual portions in airtight containers. The tiramisu will keep its creamy texture for up to 1 month. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving — avoid microwaving, as that could affect the texture of the cream and cherries.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, not warm! If it’s been frozen, allow it to thaw gently in the fridge. There’s no need to reheat — serve directly from the refrigerator for the classic, refreshing experience.
FAQs
Can I make Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can omit the Amaretto and swap in almond extract (use sparingly, as it’s quite potent) or simply skip it for a pure cherry-coffee flavor. The tiramisu will still have plenty of personality.
What if I don’t have fresh cherries?
No worries — frozen cherries work beautifully. Thaw and drain them well before using, or even use jarred morello cherries in light syrup (drain slightly), adjusting the sweetness as needed.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Yes, and it’s actually recommended! The Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist tastes even better after the flavors meld for several hours or overnight. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert for holidays or entertaining.
Is there a gluten-free option?
It’s easy to make this recipe gluten-free: just use gluten-free ladyfinger biscuits, which are widely available. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use another fruit besides cherries?
Certainly! While cherries and Amaretto are a dreamy match, raspberries or blackberries would also be delicious. Adjust the sugar slightly based on the fruit’s tartness for the best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly different, this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist is absolutely worth a try. It’s a beautiful blend of classic character and summery flair, sure to wow family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to grab a spoonful. I can’t wait for you to dive in and experience all those fabulous layers for yourself!
PrintCherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe : A Fruity Twist Recipe
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu recipe, where the classic Italian dessert gets a fruity twist with fresh cherries and a hint of Amaretto liqueur. Layers of creamy mascarpone cheese, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and cherry compote come together to create a decadent and luscious dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cherry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ cup Amaretto liqueur
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Espresso Layer:
- ¾ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 2 tbsp Amaretto liqueur
- 1 pack (approx. 24) ladyfinger biscuits (gluten-free if preferred)
To Assemble & Garnish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Fresh cherries and shaved dark chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Mixture: In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and Amaretto. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries are soft and slightly syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Whip the Mascarpone Cream: In a large bowl, beat the cold cream to soft peaks. In another bowl, whisk mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until fully combined and fluffy.
- Mix the Espresso Layer: Stir Amaretto into the cooled espresso. Pour into a shallow dish for dipping.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Dip ladyfingers briefly into the espresso-Amaretto mixture—just 1–2 seconds per side. Arrange a single layer in the bottom of an 8×8″ dish or trifle glasses. Spoon half the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Add half of the cherry mixture evenly over the cream. Repeat layers: dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and remaining cherries.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) for the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
- Garnish & Serve: Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and top with shaved chocolate and a few extra cherries for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- For a stronger Amaretto flavor, you can add more liqueur to the cherry mixture or espresso.
- Ensure the espresso is cooled before dipping the ladyfingers to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, Fruity Tiramisu Recipe, Italian Dessert, Mascarpone Tiramisu