Ingredients
- Ladyfingers (savoiardi), enough for 2 layers
- 1 ½ cups fresh or jarred cherries, pitted
- 3–4 tbsp amaretto liqueur (divided)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 egg yolks (use pasteurized or cook yolk mixture to 160 °F for safety)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Optional garnish: toasted almond slivers, cherry halves
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine pitted cherries with 2 tbsp amaretto and let macerate while preparing the cream.
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick; for safety, gently cook over simmering water until mixture reaches 160 °F, then cool slightly.
- Fold mascarpone and vanilla into the yolk mixture until smooth.
- Whip heavy cream to soft peaks and gently fold into the mascarpone mixture for a light, airy texture.
- Quickly dip ladyfingers into remaining amaretto (brief dip only) and arrange a layer in a serving dish or individual glasses.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over ladyfingers, then scatter half of the macerated cherries.
- Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cherries, finishing with a final cream layer.
- Dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with toasted almond slivers or cherry halves.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours—overnight is best—for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use framboise or cherry juice instead of amaretto for an alcohol‑free version.
- Layer in chocolate shavings or cherry‑chocolate liqueur for added indulgence.
- Swap cherries for berries and macerate in raspberry liqueur or juice for a berry twist.
- Assemble in mini glasses or ramekins for individual servings.
- Use pasteurized eggs or lightly cook yolks to ensure safety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no baking)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No‑Bake
- Cuisine: Italian‑Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
