Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu (Printable Version)

Indulgent Italian-inspired dessert with fresh cherries, amaretto, and mascarpone cream layered between soaked ladyfingers.

# Ingredients:

→ Fruit

01 - 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted (plus extra for garnish)
02 - 2 tbsp cherry juice or cherry syrup (from canned cherries or fresh)

→ Base

03 - 1 package (7 oz) ladyfinger cookies
04 - 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur

→ Cream Layer

05 - 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
06 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Garnish

09 - 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
10 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

# Steps:

01 - In a small bowl, combine pitted cherries with cherry juice (or syrup) and amaretto. Stir gently and let sit to allow the cherries to absorb the flavors.
02 - In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a mixer until stiff peaks form. For additional sweetness, add powdered sugar while whisking.
03 - Add mascarpone cheese to the whipped cream. Gently fold together until smooth and creamy, being careful to maintain the airy texture.
04 - Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cherry-amaretto mixture and arrange in a single layer at the bottom of your serving dish.
05 - Spread a portion of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Spoon macerated cherries over the cream layer. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with mascarpone on top.
06 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
07 - Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with fresh cherries. Cut into portions and serve chilled.

# Notes:

01 - The tiramisu can be made up to 24 hours in advance for best flavor development.
02 - For an alcohol-free version, substitute the amaretto with cherry juice or almond extract mixed with a bit of water.