Cherry Almond Dessert

As seen in Indulgent Desserts and Baked Delights for Every Occasion.

Fresh cherries are turned into a luscious syrup, combined with Amaretto, and used to soak crispy ladyfingers. These delicious layers alternate with an almond and vanilla-infused mascarpone cream. Chill it for at least 6 hours, and you’ll get a showstopper dessert that’s equal parts fruity, nutty, and creamy. Makes 9 servings and stays fresh in the fridge for a few days, though it may get softer each day.
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Created by Sandra
Fresh as of Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:23:03 GMT
A close-up of a tiramisu slice with juicy cherries on a dessert plate. Save Recipe
A close-up of a tiramisu slice with juicy cherries on a dessert plate. | yummygusto.com

This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu elevates classic Italian dessert-making with fresh summer cherries and sweet almond flavors. The delicate layers combine rich mascarpone cream with perfectly soaked ladyfingers for an elegant no-bake dessert that captures summer's essence in every spoonful.

This dessert first appeared at a summer garden party where it quickly became the centerpiece of conversation. The combination of fresh cherries and amaretto creates an unforgettable flavor that even traditional tiramisu lovers request time and again.

Key Ingredients

  • Fresh Bing cherries: Select ripe, firm fruits for optimal sweetness
  • Italian mascarpone: The foundation of the cream layers
  • Traditional Savoiardi: Crisp ladyfingers that provide structure
  • Premium Amaretto: Adds depth with almond notes
  • Heavy cream: Creates light, airy texture
  • Dark chocolate: Adds sophisticated contrast

Assembly Instructions

Cherry Preparation:
Combine pitted cherries with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer until soft and syrupy. Strain carefully, then enhance with amaretto liqueur for depth.
Mascarpone Mixture:
Beat mascarpone until smooth, gradually incorporating sugar. Separately whip cold cream to soft peaks. Gently fold together until uniform.
Layer Assembly:
Quickly dip ladyfingers in cherry mixture. Create base layer, top with mascarpone cream. Repeat layers, finishing with cream.

In Italian kitchens, cherries symbolize summer's arrival. This recipe honors that tradition while introducing contemporary elegance through the addition of amaretto and dark chocolate.

A glass bowl filled with a delicious dessert, including cherries and whipped cream. Save Recipe
A glass bowl filled with a delicious dessert, including cherries and whipped cream. | yummygusto.com

Serving Suggestions

Present this dessert dusted with cocoa powder and garnished with fresh cherries. Individual glass servings create an elegant presentation. Accompany with espresso or dessert wine to enhance flavors.

Variations

Adapt this recipe by using mixed berries, creating an alcohol-free version with almond extract, or adding extra chocolate layers. For a lighter option, incorporate Greek yogurt while maintaining the signature texture.

Storage Guidelines

Keep refrigerated for up to three days, covered tightly. For extended storage, freeze individual portions double-wrapped. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

Each summer brings opportunities to share this cherished dessert. The process of preparing it together creates lasting memories and continues cherished culinary traditions.

Expert Tips

  • Temperature control is crucial for mascarpone
  • Monitor ladyfinger soaking carefully
  • Pre-chill equipment for best results
A glass bowl filled with a delicious dessert, containing cherries and whipped cream. Save Recipe
A glass bowl filled with a delicious dessert, containing cherries and whipped cream. | yummygusto.com

This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu represents the perfect fusion of traditional technique and seasonal ingredients. Each carefully crafted layer delivers pure dessert excellence.

Recipe Tips & Help

→ Can I make this dessert alcohol-free?
Absolutely! Just skip the Amaretto and use 1.5 teaspoons of almond extract as a substitute.
→ How long will this tiramisu last in the fridge?
You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it tastes best within the first 2 days.
→ Is it okay to use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yep! Thawed frozen cherries work perfectly. Just drain any extra liquid before measuring.
→ Why is my mascarpone filling too soft?
Over-whipping mascarpone can make it lose its thickness. Blend it just enough, and gently fold in the whipped cream.
→ Can I freeze this tiramisu for later?
It’s not a great idea to freeze it since the mascarpone might get weirdly watery, and the ladyfingers can turn too mushy when thawed.

Cherry Almond Dessert

This twist on the timeless tiramisu blends almond liqueur and sweet cherries for a dessert full of creamy, fruity, and nutty goodness.

Preparation Time
75 Mins
Cooking Time
360 Mins
Total Time
435 Mins
Created by: Sandra

Dish Type: Sweet Treats

Skill Level: Medium

Style: Fusion of Italian and American

Makes: 9 Serves

Dietary Notes: Meat-Free

What You'll Need

→ Mascarpone Mix

01 1 teaspoon extract of vanilla
02 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
03 16 ounces mascarpone cheese
04 2/3 cup cherry syrup (made earlier)
05 1 teaspoon almond extract
06 ¾ cup white sugar

→ Cherry Syrup

07 ½ cup white sugar (granulated)
08 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 4 cups fresh cherries (Bing preferred), sliced in half and pitted (around 22 ounces)
10 ⅓ cup water
11 2-4 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur (Disaronno suggested)

→ For Building the Dessert

12 7-ounce package of Savoiardi (about 24 sponge-finger cookies)

Method

01

In a medium pan, toss in some fresh cherries and add water. Set it on medium-high heat and mash the cherries gently with a fork or potato masher. Let it simmer on medium-low for around 2 minutes. Stir every so often.

02

Pour the cherry mixture through a fine strainer into a measuring cup, pressing down on the solids with the back of a ladle. Toss out the leftover solids. Put the liquid back on the stove, mix in the sugar and lemon juice, and let it come to a boil for 2 minutes. Once that’s done, let it chill completely in the fridge.

03

Take a stand mixer and use the whisk to beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Switch to the paddle attachment and mix together mascarpone, sugar, cherry syrup, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream bit by bit, starting with a cup of it.

04

Mix the leftover cherry syrup with a bit of Amaretto to your taste (2-4 tablespoons). Quickly dip each of the ladyfingers in the cherry-Amaretto mix, and line them up in two rows of six in an 8-inch square dish. Spread half of the mascarpone filling over that. Do another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top and spread the rest of the filling. Use a piping bag or a cut-up zip-top bag to decorate the top.

05

Cover the whole dessert and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 6 hours (overnight is even better) so it sets and the flavors mix nicely.

Cook's Tips

  1. Cutting the soaked ladyfingers makes them easier to arrange without breaking.
  2. Feel free to drizzle extra syrup (1-2 tablespoons) on the ladyfingers if you want even bolder cherry flavor.
  3. Letting this rest in the fridge for 6 hours is enough, but waiting overnight makes it taste even better.

Kitchen Equipment

  • Square baking tray or dish, 8-inch size
  • Mixer (stand type, with whisk and paddle attachments)
  • Potato masher or an old-fashioned fork
  • A saucepan (medium-sized)
  • Pastry piping bag (or just a plastic bag with a corner cut)
  • A strainer with tiny holes (fine mesh)

Allergen Guide

Check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your doctor.
  • Uses dairy products like mascarpone and heavy cream.
  • Contains wheat (in the ladyfingers).
  • Includes alcohol (Amaretto).
  • Ladyfingers have eggs.