There’s something undeniably special about tiramisu. It’s a dessert that feels elegant yet comforting, sophisticated yet simple to make at home. While the classic version, with its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, is already a masterpiece, adding cherries takes it to a whole new level.
This Cherry Tiramisu combines the rich, creamy layers of traditional tiramisu with the bright, fruity notes of cherries, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or just because you deserve a treat, this version of tiramisu is sure to impress.
The best part? It’s a no-bake dessert, which means you can whip it up without turning on the oven. Perfect for summer when cherries are in season, but just as delicious year-round with frozen or jarred cherries.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – No baking required, just simple layering and chilling.
- Rich and Creamy – The mascarpone filling is smooth, luscious, and melts in your mouth.
- Cherry Twist – A burst of juicy cherries adds a fresh and slightly tart contrast to the creamy layers.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Tiramisu gets better as it sits, making it perfect for preparing in advance.
- Impressive Yet Simple – Looks stunning but doesn’t require complicated techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry juice
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package ladyfingers
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cherry Tiramisu
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Mixture
In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, cherry juice, and sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract. Let the mixture cool completely before using.
Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Cream
In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined. This creates the light, airy texture that makes tiramisu so irresistible.
Step 3: Soak the Ladyfingers
One by one, dip each ladyfinger into the cooled cherry mixture, ensuring they are coated but not overly soggy. Lay them in a single layer at the bottom of a serving dish or baking pan.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the soaked ladyfingers. Then, add a layer of the cooked cherries, distributing them evenly. Repeat the process with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften into a cake-like texture. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for a beautiful finishing touch.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries – Fresh cherries work best in summer, but frozen cherries (thawed and drained) are a great substitute.
- Don’t Over-Soak the Ladyfingers – A quick dip is enough; otherwise, they’ll become too mushy.
- Chill for Best Flavor – The longer the tiramisu sits, the better it tastes. Overnight chilling is ideal.
- Almond Extract Enhances the Cherry Flavor – It brings out the natural sweetness of the cherries, but if you don’t have it, vanilla extract works too.
- Garnish Creatively – Try sliced almonds, chocolate curls, or even extra cherries on top for a gorgeous presentation.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, you can reduce the cherry juice slightly to concentrate the taste.
- This tiramisu keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 20g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s best when made a day ahead so the flavors can fully develop.
Can I use canned cherries?
Yes, but drain them well before using. Fresh or frozen cherries provide the best flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?
You can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and a little heavy cream, though the texture will be slightly different.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the tiramisu covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as it can change the texture.
Related Recipes
If you love this Cherry Tiramisu, you might also enjoy:
Conclusion
Cherry Tiramisu is the perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and chocolatey flavors. It’s a delightful twist on a beloved classic, bringing a burst of cherry goodness into every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just treating yourself, this dessert is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
Print
Cherry Tiramisu – A Delightful Twist on a Classic
Description
There’s something undeniably special about tiramisu. It’s a dessert that feels elegant yet comforting, sophisticated yet simple to make at home. While the classic version, with its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, is already a masterpiece, adding cherries takes it to a whole new level.
This Cherry Tiramisu combines the rich, creamy layers of traditional tiramisu with the bright, fruity notes of cherries, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or just because you deserve a treat, this version of tiramisu is sure to impress.
The best part? It’s a no-bake dessert, which means you can whip it up without turning on the oven. Perfect for summer when cherries are in season, but just as delicious year-round with frozen or jarred cherries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry juice
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package ladyfingers
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Mixture
In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, cherry juice, and sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract. Let the mixture cool completely before using.
Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Cream
In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined. This creates the light, airy texture that makes tiramisu so irresistible.
Step 3: Soak the Ladyfingers
One by one, dip each ladyfinger into the cooled cherry mixture, ensuring they are coated but not overly soggy. Lay them in a single layer at the bottom of a serving dish or baking pan.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the soaked ladyfingers. Then, add a layer of the cooked cherries, distributing them evenly. Repeat the process with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften into a cake-like texture. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for a beautiful finishing touch.
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, you can reduce the cherry juice slightly to concentrate the taste.
- This tiramisu keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.