Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert that combines the indulgent flavors of rich mascarpone cheese, sweet cherries, and the nutty essence of Amaretto liqueur. This recipe is not only visually stunning with vibrant layers of luscious cherries and creamy filling, but it also provides a perfect balance of textures. It’s an ideal dessert for special occasions or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings. Once you try this delightful dessert, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a highlight in any dessert spread. It’s not just about the incredible flavors; there are numerous reasons to make this dessert. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare! With straightforward steps and minimal cooking, you can whip up this stunning tiramisu in no time.
It’s also family-friendly and a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for gatherings, holidays, or casual dinners with loved ones. The layers of flavors and textures surprise and delight with every spoonful, ensuring everyone keeps coming back for more. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly! You can prepare it a day in advance, which means less stress and more time to enjoy your company.
Ingredients
To create your own Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh red cherries, pitted and halved (about 22 oz)
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2-4 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur (such as Disaronno)
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup prepared cherry syrup (from above)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 (7 oz) package Savoiardi ladyfinger cookies (about 24 pieces)
Imagine the beautiful, juicy red cherries layered in between clouds of creamy mascarpone. The sweet creaminess contrasted with the crispness of the ladyfingers, doused in a cherry syrup with hints of almond and Amaretto, makes for a dessert that is simply irresistible.
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating your Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a breeze with these simple, vivid steps:
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Prepare the Cherry Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 4 cups of pitted and halved cherries, ⅓ cup of water, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the cherries become soft and syrupy. Remove from heat, stir in 2-4 tablespoons of Amaretto liqueur, and let it cool completely.
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Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat 1½ cups of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. This will add the light, fluffy texture that you want in your tiramisu. Set aside.
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Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together 16 oz of room temperature mascarpone cheese, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, the reserved ⅔ cup of cherry syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract until smooth and creamy.
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Combine Cream and Mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula and fold carefully to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Layer the Tiramisu: Reserve ½ cup of the cherry syrup for dipping later. Quickly dip each ladyfinger in the cherry syrup and arrange them in a single layer in a 9×13 dish.
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Add the First Layer of Cream and Cherries: Spread half of the creamy mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, then spoon half of the remaining cherry mixture on top.
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Repeat the Layers: Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone filling. Finally, finish with the remaining cherries piled on top.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips & Tricks
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cherries: While fresh cherries offer an exquisite taste, feel free to use frozen cherries if they’re out of season. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your tiramisu.
- Make It Your Own: Adjust the amount of Amaretto liqueur to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less, or if you’re feeling adventurous, add a bit more for an extra kick.
- Layering: Ensure that when you dip the ladyfingers in syrup, you do it quickly. Over-soaking can lead to a soggy dessert, while under-soaking can result in dry coffee-flavored layers.
- Presentation: Garnish your tiramisu with additional fresh cherries and a sprinkle of chopped almonds or cocoa powder right before serving, to enhance both presentation and flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich espresso, enhancing the Italian dining experience. You can also enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. For those who appreciate a good pairing, consider serving it alongside a dish of chocolate-covered strawberries for a beautifully balanced dessert spread.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (assuming 12 servings total):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 5g
Please note that the nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and specific quantities used.
Storing Tips & Variations
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it tightly covered to prevent it from absorbing any strong odors. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, this dessert is best made 24 hours in advance.
For variations, consider using different fruits such as raspberries or strawberries for the fruit layer. Alternatively, switch out the Amaretto for another liqueur, like Baileys or a flavored whiskey, to create a new take on this dish.
Conclusion
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a stunning dessert that is sure to impress friends and family alike. Its vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and beautiful presentation make it a showstopper on any dessert table. So grab those ingredients, channel your inner Italian chef, and give this delightful recipe a try!
Feel free to explore your creativity and make it your own. We’re sure it will be a hit and earn you many compliments!
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the mascarpone cheese?
While mascarpone gives a unique flavor and texture, you can try cream cheese blended with a bit of sour cream as a substitute in a pinch.
2. Is there a non-alcoholic version of this tiramisu?
Absolutely! You can replace the Amaretto with almond extract or a mixture of cherry juice and almond extract for flavor without the alcohol.
3. Could I use store-bought cherry filling instead of making the syrup?
Yes, store-bought cherry filling can be used for a quicker alternative. Just drizzle a bit of liqueur in to enhance the flavor.
4. How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe typically serves about 12 people, making it perfect for parties or gatherings.
5. Can I freeze my Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it well and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu
Ingredients
For the Cherry Syrup
- 4 cups fresh red cherries, pitted and halved (about 22 oz)
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2-4 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur (such as Disaronno)
For the Tiramisu Filling
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup prepared cherry syrup (from above)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 package Savoiardi ladyfinger cookies (7 oz, about 24 pieces)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 4 cups of pitted and halved cherries, ⅓ cup of water, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the cherries become soft and syrupy. Remove from heat, stir in 2-4 tablespoons of Amaretto liqueur, and let it cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat 1½ cups of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. This will add the light, fluffy texture that you want in your tiramisu. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 16 oz of room temperature mascarpone cheese, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, the reserved ⅔ cup of cherry syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula and fold carefully to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Layering
- Reserve ½ cup of the cherry syrup for dipping later. Quickly dip each ladyfinger in the cherry syrup and arrange them in a single layer in a 9×13 dish.
- Spread half of the creamy mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, then spoon half of the remaining cherry mixture on top.
- Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone filling. Finally, finish with the remaining cherries piled on top.
Chill
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.