Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

Tiramisu is one of Italy's most cherished desserts, renowned for its rich flavors and creamy texture. This beloved coffee-flavored treat has delighted palates across the globe since its inception in the 1960s. The name "tiramisu" translates to "pick me up," alluding to the invigorating blend of coffee and cocoa that typically graces its layers. Traditionally, this dessert consists of layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and bitterness.

Discover a delicious twist on a classic dessert with Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu! This modern version blends traditional tiramisu layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone with the vibrant flavors of cherries and sweet Amaretto liqueur. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this exquisite treat that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dessert game.

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Ingredients

1 cup pitted fresh cherries (or frozen cherries, thawed)

1/2 cup Amaretto liqueur

3 large egg yolks

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 cup mascarpone cheese

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

24 ladyfinger cookies

Cocoa powder for dusting

Dark chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Cherry Compote:

- In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries with 1/4 cup of Amaretto. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the cherries release their juices. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cooled, blend through a food processor or mash with a fork to create a chunky consistency.

Make the Mascarpone Mixture:

- In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until pale and creamy, approximately 5 minutes.

- Add the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well combined.

Whip the Cream:

- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.

Assemble the Tiramisu:

- In a shallow dish, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of Amaretto with a tablespoon of water. Quickly dip each ladyfinger one at a time into the Amaretto mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not overly soggy.

- Lay half of the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of a rectangular dish (about 8x8 inches).

- Spoon half of the cherry compote over the ladyfingers, followed by half of the mascarpone mixture. Smooth it out evenly.

- Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, the rest of the cherry compote, and finally, the rest of the mascarpone mixture.

Chill and Serve:

- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set properly.

- Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 4 hours (chilling) | Serves 8