Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert

There are evenings when my kitchen feels quieter than usual, and my thoughts drift back to the little family gatherings that turned simple desserts into something worth remembering.

One particular afternoon stands out, when a rainstorm kept everyone indoors and the house smelled of coffee and sweet cherries. I had a bowl of mascarpone waiting on the counter and a jar of cherry preserves that begged to be used in a new way.

That day, I wanted a dessert that didn’t need the oven but still felt special. I brewed a pot of strong coffee, listening to the gentle bubbling, and poured a small splash of amaretto into a shallow dish. The scent was warm and comforting, and I could sense the dessert taking shape before I even started layering.

As I dipped the first ladyfinger, I realized how calming it was to work slowly with something so simple. Each layer felt like placing a soft blanket over the last, with cream, cherries, and coffee settling together in perfect harmony. By the time the dish was wrapped and tucked into the refrigerator, it felt like I had created a little bit of celebration in my own kitchen.

Short Description

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Dessert is a creamy, no-bake layered treat made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, fluffy mascarpone cream, and sweet cherry filling, finished with cocoa dusting and fresh cherries.

Key Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese room temperature
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups strong brewed espresso or coffee cooled
• 3 tbsp amaretto liqueur
• 1 package about 7 oz ladyfinger cookies savoiardi
• 1 ½ cups cherry preserves or cherry pie filling
• ½ cup fresh cherries pitted and halved plus more for topping
• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
• Fresh cherries for topping
• Shaved chocolate or sliced almonds optional

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Shallow bowl for dipping
• 9×9 inch serving dish
• Rubber spatula
• Fine mesh sieve for cocoa

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Whip the Cream Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until smooth, thick, and fluffy.

The texture should look like soft, spreadable clouds. If the mixture becomes grainy, stop mixing and gently fold with a spatula to smooth it out.

Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Dip
Pour the cooled espresso or coffee into a shallow bowl. Stir in the amaretto liqueur until well combined. The liquid should be fragrant and slightly sweet with a deep coffee aroma.

Step 3: Build the First Ladyfinger Layer
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for about 1 second per side. Do not soak or the cookies will fall apart. Arrange them tightly in a single layer in the bottom of a 9×9 inch dish. The cookies should look moist but still hold their shape.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cherry Layers
Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers using a spatula. Spoon half of the cherry preserves across the cream and scatter half of the fresh cherry halves on top. The layer should look bright, glossy, and evenly distributed.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Dip another batch of ladyfingers and place them over the cherry layer. Spread the remaining mascarpone cream on top, followed by the remaining cherry preserves and fresh cherries. Gently smooth the top so it looks clean and ready for decorating.

Step 6: Chill the Dessert
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time allows the layers to set and the flavors to blend. The dessert should feel firm when gently pressed.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve
Just before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve. Decorate with fresh cherries and, if desired, shaved chocolate or sliced almonds. Slice carefully and serve chilled.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert requires no baking and keeps your kitchen cool

The combination of coffee and cherry creates a balanced, rich flavor

The mascarpone cream is light and airy without feeling heavy

It can be prepared ahead of time for stress free entertaining

The recipe feels elegant yet remains simple to assemble

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Over-soaking the ladyfingers
Dipping the cookies for too long makes them soggy and causes the dessert to collapse when sliced.
Solution: Dip each ladyfinger very quickly, about 1 second per side, so they absorb flavor but keep their structure.

Overwhipping the cream and mascarpone
Mixing too long can make the cream mixture grainy and heavy instead of light and fluffy.
Solution: Stop mixing as soon as soft to medium peaks form and finish smoothing gently with a spatula.

Skipping proper chilling time
Insufficient chilling leaves the layers loose and messy, making clean slices impossible.
Solution: Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, and overnight when possible, to allow the layers to fully set.

Uneven layering
Thick or thin patches of cream and filling can lead to unbalanced bites and a sloppy appearance.
Solution: Spread each layer carefully with an offset spatula, smoothing all the way to the edges before adding the next layer.

Adding toppings too early
Dusting cocoa or adding cherries too soon can cause moisture to bleed into the top layer.
Solution: Decorate only right before serving to keep the topping fresh, dry, and visually clean.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled squares on small dessert plates with extra fresh cherries on the side

Pair with espresso, cappuccino, or lightly sweetened tea

For special gatherings, serve family style straight from the dish

On dessert buffets, cut into smaller squares for easy serving

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Keep the dessert tightly wrapped to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors

Do not freeze as the cream texture can become grainy

This dessert should always be served cold and does not require reheating

FAQs

1. Can I make this dessert without alcohol?
Yes, simply replace the amaretto with extra coffee or a few drops of almond extract.

2. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the layers watery.

3. How far in advance can I make this tiramisu?
You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated.

4. Can I substitute cream cheese for mascarpone?
You can, but the flavor will be slightly tangier and less traditional.

5. Why is my tiramisu too soft?
This usually happens when the cookies are soaked too long or the dessert was not chilled long enough.

Tips & Tricks

Use cold heavy cream so it whips faster and holds its shape

Gently fold mascarpone in if needed to keep the mixture silky

Use a clear dish to show off the beautiful layers

Sift cocoa powder just before serving for a fresh finish

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Cherry Version: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder into the mascarpone cream and layer mini chocolate chips between the cherry layers for a richer, dessert-style flavor.

Lemon Cherry Twist: Replace the amaretto with 2 tbsp lemon juice and add 1 tsp lemon zest to the cream for a brighter, citrus balanced version.

Nutty Almond Style: Add ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds between layers and increase the amaretto by 1 tbsp for a deeper almond flavor.

Berry Mix Version: Replace half of the cherry preserves with raspberry or strawberry preserves for a mixed fruit filling with a slightly tangy edge.

Final Thoughts

This dessert creates a quiet, welcoming moment in the middle of even the busiest weeks. Slowly layering the cream, cherries, and coffee-soaked biscuits brings a calm rhythm to the kitchen, and that peaceful feeling seems to stay even after the dishes are done.

The flavors feel balanced and gentle, rich without heaviness, and sweet without excess. Giving it time to chill turns soft layers into neat, elegant slices that look as lovely as they taste.

Deep coffee notes blend softly with the bright sweetness of cherries, creating a steady harmony in every spoonful. It works beautifully for intimate family dinners and also for larger gatherings around the table. Watching a clean slice lift from the dish brings a quiet sense of satisfaction. The combination of silky cream and vivid fruit lingers pleasantly, leaving a warm impression that practically invites another bite.