Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu (with Cherry Amaretto Jam)

Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu combines everything people love about classic tiramisu – espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, cocoa, and layers of homemade cherry amaretto jam. Rich, elegant, and full of coffee flavour, this cherry tiramisu is a delicious twist on the Italian favourite while staying true to its traditional character.

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Classic tiramisu is one of those desserts that’s difficult to improve, but every now and then a variation comes along that feels completely at home alongside the original. This cherry amaretto tiramisu keeps the familiar coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa flavours intact while adding layers of homemade cherry amaretto jam. The result is a rich, balanced dessert that feels both comforting and just a little unexpected.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

If you’re looking for an elegant make-ahead dessert that’s just a little different from the classic, this cherry tiramisu recipe is well worth trying.

• Classic flavours. Espresso, mascarpone, cocoa, and ladyfingers remain the foundation of the dessert.
• Homemade cherry amaretto jam. Adds concentrated cherry flavour and beautiful texture throughout every layer.
• Perfect flavour pairing. Cherry and amaretto naturally complement coffee, cocoa, and mascarpone.
• Make ahead. Like traditional tiramisu, it’s even better after several hours in the refrigerator.
• Easy to customize. Assemble it in one large dish for an elegant presentation or in individual glasses for a more relaxed dessert.
• Balanced sweetness. The homemade cherry amaretto jam is intentionally lower in sugar, so the dessert never becomes overly sweet.

How Is This Cherry Tiramisu Different?

There are countless fruit tiramisu recipes, but many move quite far away from the original by replacing the coffee with fruit juice or skipping the cocoa altogether. This version takes a different approach. Instead of reinventing tiramisu, it builds on the classic flavours that make the dessert so beloved.

A Balance Between Traditional Tiramisu And Fruit Desserts

One of the things I enjoy most about this cherry amaretto tiramisu is that it still tastes unmistakably like classic tiramisu.

Strong espresso, creamy mascarpone, cocoa powder, and ladyfingers remain the stars of the dessert. The cherries don’t replace the coffee—they complement it. The result is richer than many fruit-based tiramisus while still feeling bright enough for summer.

Cherry And Amaretto Are A Natural Pairing

Cherry and almond have been paired together in desserts for generations, and for good reason. The subtle almond notes in amaretto enhance the natural sweetness of cherries without overwhelming them.

Those same flavours also pair beautifully with espresso and cocoa. Instead of competing with one another, each layer contributes something different, creating a dessert that’s rich, balanced, and elegant.

Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam Makes All The Difference

Fresh cherries certainly work in desserts, but using homemade cherry amaretto jam creates a much deeper flavour and a more cohesive dessert.

The jam distributes evenly throughout the layers, giving every bite concentrated cherry flavour along with small pieces of fruit. Because it’s intentionally lower in sugar, it adds sweetness without overpowering the mascarpone cream or the coffee. It’s also a wonderful way to showcase homemade cherry amaretto jam beyond breakfast toast or scones.

A Richer, More Indulgent Style Of Tiramisu

Everyone has their own idea of the perfect tiramisu, but I personally prefer one that’s generously soaked.

Besides dipping the ladyfingers in the coffee and amaretto mixture, I like drizzling a little extra over each layer before adding the mascarpone cream. It creates a softer, more luxurious texture while keeping the coffee flavour front and centre – the way I enjoy tiramisu most.

Ingredients You’ll Need For This Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

One of the reasons this cherry tiramisu with amaretto works so well is that every ingredient has a clear purpose. The recipe stays close to the traditional Italian dessert while introducing just enough cherry flavour to create a memorable variation. If possible, use good-quality ingredients, especially the mascarpone, coffee, cocoa, and homemade cherry amaretto jam.

• Mascarpone. The heart of every good tiramisu recipe. Use full-fat mascarpone for the richest, smoothest cream.
• Egg yolks. They create a luxurious, velvety filling that’s closer to a traditional Italian tiramisu than whipped cream versions.
• Ladyfingers (savoiardi). Their light, dry texture absorbs the coffee mixture beautifully without falling apart. I used large ladyfingers and simply broke them into pieces because I assembled the dessert in individual glasses.
• Strong coffee or espresso. Coffee should remain one of the dominant flavours. Don’t use weak coffee, or the cherry flavour will overpower the dessert.
• Amaretto. Reinforces the classic cherry and almond combination while adding warmth and complexity to the coffee mixture.
• Homemade cherry amaretto jam. This is what sets this cherry tiramisu with cherry amaretto jam apart. The jam adds concentrated cherry flavour, lovely texture, and little pockets of fruit throughout the dessert. Cherry Amaretto Jam – A Lower Sugar Homemade Jam
• Unsweetened cocoa powder. A classic finishing touch that balances the sweetness while tying all the flavours together.

Mascarpone Cream: With Eggs Or Whipped Cream?

One question comes up in almost every tiramisu recipe: should you make the mascarpone filling with egg yolks or whipped cream? Both methods produce delicious desserts, but they create noticeably different textures.

The Traditional Egg Yolk Version

Traditional tiramisu relies on egg yolks to create a rich, silky mascarpone cream. The yolks give the filling a custard-like texture that’s dense enough to support the layers while still feeling light on the palate.

Since this amaretto tiramisu with cherry jam keeps the classic coffee and cocoa flavours front and centre, I think the richer egg-based cream is the better choice. It complements the homemade cherry amaretto jam without making the dessert feel overly fruity.

The Whipped Cream Version

Many modern tiramisu recipes replace the egg yolks with whipped cream or use a combination of both. This produces a lighter, mousse-like filling that’s slightly easier to prepare and appeals to those who prefer not to use eggs.

It’s a perfectly good option and works especially well in lighter fruit desserts. However, for this cherry amaretto tiramisu recipe, I wanted a dessert that stayed closer to the traditional Italian classic. The richer mascarpone cream provides a better contrast to the bright cherry flavour and the espresso-soaked ladyfingers.

How To Make And Assemble Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu

Although this cherry tiramisu recipe looks impressive, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble. Most of the work simply involves preparing the mascarpone cream and layering everything together. The real secret is taking your time with each layer and allowing the dessert to chill before serving.

Prepare the Mascarpone Cream

Whisk the egg yolks until they become lighter in colour and slightly thickened. Add the mascarpone and mix just until smooth and fully incorporated.

Avoid overmixing the mascarpone, as it can become loose if beaten excessively. A smooth, creamy filling is all you’re after.

Prepare the Coffee and Amaretto Mixture

For this amaretto cherry tiramisu, I used approximately two-thirds of a cup of strong coffee mixed with one-quarter cup of amaretto. The coffee should remain the dominant flavour, while the amaretto provides subtle almond notes that pair beautifully with both the espresso and the homemade cherry amaretto jam.

If you prefer a slightly stronger almond flavour, simply add a little more amaretto to taste.

Soak The Ladyfingers

Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the coffee mixture. They should absorb enough liquid to soften without becoming soggy or falling apart.

I used large savoiardi and assembled my cherry amaretto tiramisu in individual glasses, so I simply broke the cookies into smaller pieces. Don’t worry about making every piece identical – once layered, everything comes together beautifully.

One tip I almost always follow when making tiramisu with cherry jam is to drizzle a little additional coffee or amaretto over each layer of ladyfingers after arranging them. I prefer an extra-moist texture, and this small step produces a softer, richer dessert without making it watery.

Assemble The Layers

Spread a layer of mascarpone cream over the soaked ladyfingers, then spoon dollops of homemade cherry amaretto jam over the cream. Repeat the process until you’ve used all the ingredients, finishing with a generous layer of mascarpone.

For this amaretto tiramisu with cherries, I chose individual dessert glasses instead of one large baking dish. They’re wonderfully forgiving – perfect if the layers aren’t perfectly even – and every serving contains a little of everything. They also have a relaxed, trifle-like appearance that works especially well for casual entertaining or summer gatherings.

If you prefer a more traditional presentation, simply assemble the dessert in one large dish and slice it after chilling.

Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, although overnight is even better. As it rests, the ladyfingers soften, the mascarpone cream firms slightly, and the flavours become much more harmonious.

Just before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. That final layer of cocoa completes this cherry tiramisu recipe and keeps it unmistakably rooted in the classic Italian dessert.

More Elegant Desserts To Try

If you enjoyed this cherry tiramisu with amaretto, you might also like these elegant desserts:

• Violet Tiramisu with Crème de Violette and Lemon
• Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Trifle with Brownies and Mascarpone
• Rose Affogato with Amaretto – Easy Floral Espresso Dessert
• Strawberry Rose Trifle (With Rose Jam)
• Passion Fruit Dulce de Leche Trifle with Mascarpone

I’d love for you to try this amaretto tiramisu with cherry jam. If you give it a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers!