The Italian Charm of Tiramisu

Tiramisu is the quintessential Italian dessert, beloved for its creamy mascarpone layers, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and delicate dusting of cocoa. Elevating it with cherry and Amaretto transforms the classic into a festive, indulgent treat. This dessert marries the richness of mascarpone with sweet cherries, bright notes of cherry liqueur, and the nutty warmth of Amaretto, creating a luscious flavor explosion with every bite.

Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or a decadent weekend dessert, Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu looks as good as it tastes. Its layered presentation also makes it ideal for serving in glasses, trifle dishes, or large family-sized bowls.

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Why This Version is Special

• Cherry & Amaretto: Adds a fruity, slightly boozy layer that pairs beautifully with creamy mascarpone.
• No-bake elegance: Easy to assemble without turning on the oven.
• Layered indulgence: Each bite gives a balance of cream, soaked ladyfingers, and cherries.
• Versatile serving: Perfect for individual portions or large gatherings.

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The Ingredients That Make It Amazing

• Ladyfingers: Light, airy, and perfect for soaking in cherry-Amaretto mixture.
• Mascarpone & cream: Rich, silky, and creates the creamy layers.
• Cherries: Fresh, frozen, or canned, balanced with cherry liqueur or juice.
• Amaretto: Adds warmth and nutty sweetness to soak the ladyfingers.
• Sugar & vanilla: Sweetens and flavors the mascarpone layer.
• Optional cocoa or chocolate shavings: For garnish and added decadence.

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Step-By-Step Assembly Tips

• Cherry preparation: Drain or lightly macerate cherries to avoid excess liquid that can make layers soggy.
• Layering: Alternate soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream carefully for uniform layers.
• Chilling: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to allow flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set.
• Garnish: Dust with cocoa, shaved chocolate, or extra cherries for presentation.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled as a holiday dessert centerpiece.
• Portion in small glasses for elegant single servings.
• Pair with espresso, coffee, or dessert wine for an authentic Italian experience.

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Creative Twists & Variations

1. Chocolate Cherry Tiramisu: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between mascarpone layers.
2. Mini Parfaits: Assemble in small jars for gifting or parties.
3. Almond Flour Ladyfingers: For a gluten-free variation.
4. Extra Boozy: Add a splash of cherry liqueur or Amaretto to mascarpone mixture

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INGREDIENTS

Cherry-Amaretto Soak

• 1 ½ cups fresh, frozen, or canned cherries, pitted
• ¼ cup Amaretto liqueur
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cherry juice or water

Mascarpone Cream

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Assembly

• 24–30 ladyfingers
• Optional cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for garnish

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and cherry juice or water; heat lightly to macerate cherries for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Cool slightly.
2. Stir in Amaretto liqueur into the cooled cherries.
3. In a medium bowl, whip heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form.
4. Gently fold mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract into whipped cream until smooth.
5. Quickly dip ladyfingers into the cherry-Amaretto mixture, coating lightly but not soaking through.
6. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a trifle dish or serving glasses.
7. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
8. Spoon half of the cherry mixture evenly over the cream layer.
9. Repeat with remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cherries.
10. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
11. Before serving, garnish with cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or additional cherries.