Ingredients
Cherry Compote
- 1½ cups pitted sweet cherries, roughly chopped (250g)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
Amaretto Mixture
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup Amaretto (60mL)
Main Ingredients
- 15 lady fingers
- 8 oz mascarpone, cold (227g)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 2 egg yolks, cold
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (30g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
Whipped Cream Topping (Optional)
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (179g)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (15g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Garnish (Optional)
- Freeze dried cherries or cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Compote: Pit and roughly chop the cherries. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and soften slightly, keeping some texture intact.
- Thicken the Cherry Mixture: Mix the cornstarch and 2 teaspoons water until smooth and add it to the saucepan with the cherries. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until the mixture thickens. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate, stirring occasionally to cool evenly.
- Make the Amaretto Soak: In a small pan over medium heat, dissolve 2 tablespoons sugar into 2 tablespoons water. Allow to cool slightly, then transfer to a bowl, add ¼ cup Amaretto, and stir to combine. Set aside for lady finger dipping.
- Prepare the Mascarpone Layer: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat together the cold mascarpone, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light, smooth, and fluffy.
- Assemble the Tiramisu – First Layer: Dip and roll 6-7 lady fingers quickly in the Amaretto mixture ensuring they’re moist but not soggy. Line the bottom of a standard loaf pan evenly with the soaked lady fingers. Spread half of the chilled cherry compote over the lady fingers.
- Assemble the Tiramisu – Second Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone cream completely over the cherry layer, smoothing the edges to the sides of the pan.
- Repeat the Layers: Repeat the soaking and layering process with the remaining lady fingers, cherry compote, and mascarpone mixture. Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let flavors develop and the dessert to set.
- Prepare Optional Whipped Cream Topping: Chill the bowl and whisk of a stand mixer in the freezer for 15 minutes. Add ¾ cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to the cold bowl. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form and the cream is airy and fluffy.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally spread the whipped cream over the tiramisu. Dust the top with pulverized freeze dried cherries or cocoa powder for garnish. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the mascarpone and egg yolks are cold to achieve a smooth and fluffy mascarpone layer.
- Do not over-soak the lady fingers in the Amaretto mixture to avoid sogginess.
- The dessert requires refrigeration overnight for optimal flavor melding and texture.
- If preferred, substitute freeze dried cherries with cocoa powder for garnish, or omit altogether.
- This recipe contains raw egg yolks; use pasteurized eggs if safety is a concern.
- The whipped cream topping is optional but adds a light, airy contrast to the rich layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian