Name: 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved; 1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur; 1 tablespoon sugar; 16 ladyfingers; 8 oz mascarpone cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup brewed espresso, cooled; Cocoa powder, for dusting; Shaved dark chocolate (optional)

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If you adore desserts that balance freshness, creaminess, and a gentle boozy kick, this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is your new go-to treat! Made with 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved, the luscious layers of tender cherries, velvety mascarpone, and espresso-soaked ladyfingers come together in a spectacular Italian-inspired indulgence. Every mouthful is a party of flavors: juicy fruit, a hint of almond from Amaretto, and the dreamy notes of cocoa and coffee. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself with a special twist on the classic tiramisu.

1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen because it plays a crucial role: from the juiciness of the cherries to the creaminess of mascarpone, each ingredient shines. The best part? You only need a handful of simple items to make a show-stopping, vibrant dessert.

1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved: These juicy gems offer bursts of freshness and gorgeous color in every bite.
1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur: Brings that signature almond aroma and a hint of sophistication to the fruit.
1 tablespoon sugar: Just enough to sweeten and macerate the cherries, keeping them the star.
16 ladyfingers: The classic base for tiramisu, these soak up coffee and Amaretto flavors beautifully.
8 oz mascarpone cheese: Silky, rich mascarpone forms the backbone of the dreamy filling.
1 cup heavy cream: Whipped into soft peaks, this adds lightness and decadence to the mascarpone layer.
1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the creamy filling without graininess.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a warm, aromatic depth that ties everything together.
1/2 cup brewed espresso, cooled: Infuses the ladyfingers with robust coffee notes.
Cocoa powder, for dusting: Adds a classic, bittersweet finish on top.
Shaved dark chocolate (optional): For a luxurious touch and beautiful presentation, if you desire.

How to Make 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved

Step 1: Marinate the Cherries

Start by combining 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved, with the Amaretto liqueur and sugar in a small bowl. Give them a good toss, then let this lush mixture mingle for about 30 minutes, stirring every so often. This brief marinade transforms the cherries into sweet, aromatic jewels that set the dessert’s flavor tone.

Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, silky mixture. The mascarpone serves as the creamy heart of the dessert—make sure there are no lumps!

Step 3: Whip the Cream and Fold

Grab a separate bowl and whisk the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, but be careful not to over-whip. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, turning it into a cloud-like, airy filling that’s the stuff tiramisu dreams are made of.

Step 4: Layer the Ladyfingers

Set up a shallow bowl with the cooled espresso. Quickly dip each ladyfinger—don’t soak them too long, or they’ll get soggy!—and arrange a layer in the base of your serving dish. The espresso brings the layer alive with robust flavor, acting as the perfect foundation for what’s to come.

Step 5: Assemble and Repeat

Spread half of your mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers in an even layer. Then, scatter half of the marinated 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved, across the top, their juices infusing everything beneath. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, the rest of the mascarpone, and a final tumble of those gloriously boozy cherries.

Step 6: Finish and Chill

For the finishing flourish, dust the top with cocoa powder and, if you’re feeling extra luxurious, sprinkle over some shaved dark chocolate. Now comes the hardest part—cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, letting all those flavors get to know each other and reach perfect harmony.

How to Serve 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved

Garnishes

Take your presentation to the next level by adding a few extra touches: a handful of halved cherries on top, a generous dusting of cocoa powder, or fine shavings of dark chocolate. Not only do these accents look stunning, they promise an extra burst of flavor with every spoonful.

Side Dishes

Although this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu can easily stand alone, pairing it with a small scoop of vanilla bean gelato or a crisp almond biscotti on the side highlights the delightful interplay of textures and flavors. Even a demitasse of espresso or a glass of chilled dessert wine makes the end result feel like an occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

To give each guest their own special treat, layer the 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved, with mascarpone and ladyfingers in individual glasses or jars. Portable, adorable, and absolutely irresistible—these mini tiramisus double as showstopping edible gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store your tiramisu (covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container) in the refrigerator. Thanks to the juicy 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved, the tiramisu keeps moist and lush for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Believe it or not, this tiramisu freezes beautifully! Just slice it, wrap each portion well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let the dessert thaw in the refrigerator overnight—those cherries will still taste like summer sunshine.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat tiramisu! In fact, it’s at its very best served cold straight from the fridge. The chill makes the layers distinct and satisfying, and keeps the flavor of the 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved, at its most vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Fresh is always best for this recipe, but if you’re making tiramisu off-season, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, and continue to use 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved, as your guideline for quantity.

Is there an alcohol-free substitute for Amaretto?

Absolutely! Swap in a few drops of almond extract mixed with a splash of cherry juice or apple juice to mimic Amaretto’s flavor without the booze. The rich taste and aroma will still shine through beautifully in your 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved, mixture.

How do I pit cherries quickly?

If you don’t have a cherry pitter, simply use a sturdy straw or even a chopstick to push the pit out from one end of each cherry. It’s a little messy but totally worth the effort for those plump, pitted, and halved cherries!

Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time?

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. In fact, letting it chill for several hours—or overnight—gives the flavors time to blend, and the 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved, stay juicy but don’t get mushy. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What if I can’t find mascarpone cheese?

If mascarpone is unavailable, try blending equal parts cream cheese and heavy cream to approximate its texture and richness. The final dessert will still be luscious, and will play up the freshness of the cherries beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sharing a Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu made with 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved. Every spoonful is proof that simple, thoughtful ingredients can deliver jaw-dropping results—so invite your favorite people, whip up a batch, and let this cherry-studded delight steal the show at your next gathering!

1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and halved Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu, a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. This recipe features layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and a boozy cherry compote, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and shaved dark chocolate.

Instructions

Prepare the Cherry Compote: In a small bowl, combine cherries, Amaretto, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the Mascarpone Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture.
Assemble the Tiramisu: Dip each ladyfinger in the espresso and arrange a layer at the bottom of a dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Add half of the cherries on top. Repeat with another layer of ladyfingers, mascarpone, and cherries.
Finish and Serve: Dust the top with cocoa powder and shaved dark chocolate, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: Italian