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Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe 8 ways

Listen, classic tiramisu is wonderful, I adore it, but sometimes you just need to shake things up for the season, right? That’s exactly why I came up with this version. Forget plain cocoa dust; we’re diving into something so much richer! We’re swapping some of those traditional notes for bright cherries and that lovely, nutty kick of Amaretto liqueur. Trust me when I say this Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe To Try Today is the dessert everyone asks me to bring to gatherings now. Layering desserts takes a little patience, but watching those distinct lines of cream, soaked ladyfingers, and fruit come together in the dish—it’s just pure joy. It’s so simple, but looks like you slaved away for hours!

Why You Need This Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe To Try Today

Seriously, why hesitate? This recipe is magic because:

  • It’s completely No-Bake Convenience. No oven time, no fuss!
  • You get that perfect balance of sweet cream, tart cherries, and rich coffee.
  • It’s totally Make-Ahead Friendly—it actually tastes better the next day!

If you love making things look fancy without the long baking time, you’ll want to click over to my Oreo Cheesecake Recipe for more no-bake inspiration!

Gathering Ingredients for Your Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe To Try Today

Okay, this is where the magic starts! Since this recipe really shines because of the flavors playing together, using good quality ingredients, especially that Amaretto in our Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe To Try Today, really matters. You want everything prepped just right so assembly goes smoothly. You’ll need a few distinct things.

If you’re looking for other fantastic ingredients for baking projects, check out my guide to the Vanilla Bean Pistachio Cake!

For the Coffee and Amaretto Soak

You need about 1 cup of really strong brewed coffee—make it fresh and let it cool completely! We mix that with 1/4 cup of good Amaretto liqueur and just 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Don’t skimp on the coffee; that’s the backbone!

For the Cream Cheese Filling

This is the luxurious part. Grab one 8-ounce package of cream cheese, make sure it’s softened up nicely. Then we combine it with 1/2 cup of plain granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar for sweetness and smoothness. Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract for that extra layer of nuttiness. Crucially, you also need 1 cup of heavy cream, which you’ll whip separately until it forms those stiff peaks we need to keep the filling light.

For Assembly and Dusting

We’re using one 7-ounce package of ladyfingers. Make sure you have about 1 cup of pitted cherries ready—if you’re using frozen ones, they must be completely thawed and drained so the whole dish doesn’t get watery! Finally, grab your 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder for that gorgeous, mandatory dusting right before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe To Try Today

Alright, let’s put this beautiful dessert together! It’s all about building those layers correctly to get that perfect slice later. Remember, structure is key in this magnificent, no-bake creation. If you want some inspiration for other layered treats, check out my Apple Crisp Cheesecake while you wait for your coffee to cool!

Prepare the Coffee Soak

Grab a shallow bowl—not too deep! We’re mixing the cooled, strong brewed coffee, the glorious 1/4 cup of Amaretto, and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Give that a quick swirl until everything is combined. It should smell heavenly already.

Create the Cream Mixture

First, beat the softened cream cheese with both the granulated sugar and the powdered sugar until it’s perfectly smooth, then mix in that almond extract. In a completely separate bowl, whip your heavy cream until you get those stiff peaks—this is crucial for lightness! Now, use a spatula gentle as a whisper and fold that whipped cream right into the sweetened cream cheese base. Don’t overmix here, or you’ll deflate all that nice air we just whipped in!

Layering the Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe To Try Today

This is the fun part, but move fast! Quickly dip each ladyfinger—and I mean *quickly*—into the coffee mixture. They soak up liquid so fast, and if they get too soggy, your dessert will turn mushy, which we absolutely don’t want in this Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe To Try Today! Lay a single layer of the dipped ladyfingers in your 8×8 inch dish. Spread half of your cream mixture over them, then scatter half of those beautiful, halved cherries on top. Repeat everything once more!

Chilling and Serving

Once you finish that final layer of cream and cherries, cover the whole dish up tightly. Now comes the hardest part: waiting! You need to refrigerate this for at least 4 hours, but truly, plan for overnight if you can swing it. This allows the flavors to marry and the ladyfingers to soften just right. When you’re ready to serve, dust the top generously with cocoa powder—that final contrast looks amazing!

A decadent slice of Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu topped with whole cherries and cocoa powder.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe To Try Today

Let’s talk details on these ingredients, shall we? Remember how I stressed using good quality amaretto? It really does make a difference since it’s a main flavor here. Also, if you got those gorgeous cherries out of the freezer, be absolutely sure they are totally thawed and drained. Soggy cherries equal a soupy bottom layer!

Now, what if you can’t use alcohol? No sweat! For an alcohol-free version, I ditch the Amaretto entirely. Just use a splash more of that strong coffee, and add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the cream mixture. That keeps the wonderful nutty flavor profile intact in your Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe To Try Today. Easy peasy!

Tips for Success with This No-Bake Dessert

Even though this is a no-bake wonder, there are a few little things that can elevate it from good to absolutely unforgettable. I learned these tricks the hard way—trust me, no one wants a runny Tiramisu!

First up: that cream cheese filling. If your cream cheese is too cold, you’ll end up beating lumps into your mixture no matter how long you go! Make sure it’s truly softened—room temperature is your goal. If you see any small lumps after beating in the sugars, try passing the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before folding in the whipped cream. It’s an extra minute, but the texture will be incredibly silky smooth.

A perfect slice of Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu topped with glossy cherries and cocoa powder.

Now for the cherries. Those wonderful fruits dump a lot of juice, and that juice is not our friend when it mixes with the dairy cream layer. Before you even think about scattering them, lay your thawed cherries out on a few layers of paper towels. Gently press down. They should look relatively dry on the surface. This simple step stops the dish from weeping liquid overnight, keeping your layers firm and perfect.

When you’re folding things together, always use a light hand, especially when combining the whipped cream and the cheese base. You want to maintain all that gorgeous air you whipped into the cream; that’s what keeps this dessert from feeling heavy. For more insider baking secrets, you absolutely have to read my tips on making the best dinner rolls—the same gentle handling principles apply!

Make-Ahead and Storage for the Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe To Try Today

This is truly a show-stopper because it gets better with age! For the absolute best flavor melding—and the firmest texture—I always try to make this dessert the day before I plan to serve it. That overnight chill time lets the Amaretto and coffee really penetrate the ladyfingers beautifully. I just cover it tightly with plastic wrap once the cocoa dust is on top.

You can definitely keep it stored covered in the fridge for about three days. It remains absolutely delicious! If you’re making something else big ahead of time, you might want to check out my tips for the Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe; that freezes like a dream too!

Serving Suggestions for Your Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe To Try Today

Because this Tiramisu is so rich and totally packed with flavor from the Amaretto and the cream, you don’t want a heavy side dish. I always serve it with something light to contrast it. A tiny cup of strong, plain espresso is always my first choice—it mirrors the coffee soak perfectly!

If you want a little something extra on the plate, just stick to a simple selection of fresh berries. Presentation wise, once you dust that cocoa powder on, grab a piece of doily or a stencil if you have one! A quick dust of powdered sugar over the cocoa makes it look so professional. Speaking of drinks, if you want a fun pairing, you should look at my Root Beer Rum Cocktail—it’s surprisingly good with chocolate!

A decadent slice of Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, layered with cream, ladyfingers, and topped with bright red cherries.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

I knew you’d have questions! When you make a dessert this special, you want to get all the little details perfect. I’ve answered the most common things people ask me when they try to bring this Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe To Try Today into their own kitchens. Don’t let confusion stop you from making this!

Can I make this Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu without alcohol?

Absolutely, you can! Honestly, if you’re making a dessert for little ones or just prefer skipping the booze, it’s not a big deal at all. Just skip the 1/4 cup of Amaretto. To replace that liquid and keep the flavor profile exciting, add an extra splash of that strong coffee you brewed, and sneak in about a half teaspoon of extra almond extract into your cream cheese base. That keeps that lovely nutty note front and center!

How long does this no bake tiramisu need to chill?

This is where patience pays off! You need at least four solid hours for this no bake tiramisu to set up enough so you can actually slice it without everything sliding everywhere. But here’s my golden rule: if you can manage it, let it chill overnight! When it chills overnight, the ladyfingers absorb the coffee and liqueur perfectly, and the flavors really settle in. It just tastes richer and holds its shape beautifully.

What kind of ladyfingers work best for this recipe?

You want the hard, crisp ones—you know, the Italian savoiardi biscuits, not the soft, cake-like ones you sometimes see in the box near the shortbread. The hard ones are built to absorb liquid without instantly turning to sludge. You dip them quickly, and they hold their structure through the soaking and chilling process. If you use the soft ones, you’ll end up blending the layers together instead of getting that nice distinct texture!

If you’re mastering no-bake desserts, you might also want to check out my tips for the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli, just so you know how to handle quick prep work for other parts of your meal!

Estimated Nutritional Data for This Dessert

So, if you’re counting anything—calories, fat, or sugar—just remember that these numbers are my best guess based on standard ingredient calculations. Since we’re making this rich and wonderful, it’s definitely a treat! This data is based on the recipe yielding 8 generous servings, so keep that in mind when dividing up that incredible dessert.

It’s not the lightest thing you’ll eat all week, but wow, is it worth it! For something lighter that still packs a protein punch for the morning, you should check out my guide for the High-Protein Breakfast.

Here’s the breakdown per slice:

  • Calories: About 350
  • Fat: 18g (with 10g being saturated fat)
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Sugar: 30g (Yes, it’s sweet!)
  • Protein: 6g

Don’t sweat the numbers too much, though! Just enjoy the blend of coffee, cherry, and that lovely Amaretto flavor!

Share Your Experience Making This Recipe

Well, that’s it! We’ve put together what I honestly think is the most flavorful, vibrant no-bake dessert you’ll make all year. Now, the final, crucial step: I need to know what you think!

Did you try the Amaretto? Did you get those lovely defined layers? Please, take a second when you’ve tasted that first perfect bite and leave me a rating below. It helps other folks know this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is worth making!

I absolutely love hearing how the dessert turned out in your kitchen. Tell me in the comments: What was your absolute favorite layer? Was it that almond cream, the burst of cherry, or maybe just that rich, bitter cocoa dust on top? I can’t wait to read your stories!

If you’re already planning your next show-stopper, you ought to take a look at my Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe—it’s another layered stunner that disappears fast at parties!

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Close-up of a slice of Irresistible Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu showing layers of cream, soaked ladyfingers, and cherry filling.

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu


  • Author: recipebychefs.com
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A simple recipe for a cherry and amaretto flavored tiramisu dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 (7 ounce) package ladyfingers
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) pitted cherries, halved
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Mix the cooled coffee, amaretto, and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, confectioners’ sugar, and almond extract until smooth.
  3. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they do not become too soggy.
  6. Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  7. Spread half of the cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
  8. Scatter half of the halved cherries over the cream layer.
  9. Repeat the layers: dipped ladyfingers, remaining cream mixture, and remaining cherries.
  10. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  11. Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder.

Notes

  • Use good quality amaretto for the best flavor.
  • If using frozen cherries, make sure they are completely thawed and drained before using.
  • Prep Time: 25 min
  • Cook Time: 0 min
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30
  • Sodium: 120
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 6
  • Cholesterol: 55

Keywords: cherry, amaretto, tiramisu, no bake, coffee, dessert, Italian

Recipe rating