Raspberry Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe

There is something truly magical about the Raspberry Amaretto Tiramisu, a dessert that beautifully combines the classic Italian tiramisu with the bright, tart burst of fresh raspberries and the subtle warmth of Amaretto liqueur. This dish is a luscious, layered treat where creamy mascarpone meets the delicate crunch of ladyfingers soaked in Amaretto, all draped in a homemade raspberry sauce that’s both vibrant and comforting. It’s a showstopper for any occasion, yet surprisingly simple to make, bringing a delightful balance of sweetness, richness, and a hint of almond flavor that will have you coming back for seconds – and thirds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Raspberry Amaretto Tiramisu are straightforward but crucial, each playing a vital role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the creamy mascarpone to the fresh raspberries, every component is selected to enhance the dessert’s richness and freshness.

• Mascarpone cheese: The silky, creamy base that gives the tiramisu its classic richness and smooth texture.
• Heavy cream: Adds lightness and fluffiness when whipped, balancing the dense mascarpone.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream mixture gently without any graininess.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic layer to mellow the tang of raspberries.
• Amaretto: This almond-flavored liqueur is the secret ingredient that ties the whole dessert together with a subtle kick.
• Ladyfinger biscuits: The classic tiramisu sponge that soaks up Amaretto, creating a tender yet structured base.
• Fresh raspberries: Their natural tartness brightens every bite and adds beautiful color to the layers.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the berries when cooked down into a luscious sauce.

How to Make Raspberry Amaretto Tiramisu

Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Sauce

Start by combining fresh or frozen raspberries, granulated sugar, and Amaretto in a small saucepan. Cook this trio over medium-low heat until the raspberries break down and the sauce thickens, about 7 to 10 minutes. This sauce will infuse the tiramisu with a vibrant, fruity sweetness that perfectly balances the creamy layers. For a smoother texture and to keep the focus on smoothness, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds, but leaving them in is fine if you prefer a rustic touch. Let it cool completely before layering.

Step 2: Whip the Cream and Mascarpone

In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form — this will give your tiramisu fluffy lightness. Next, fold in the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the mixture is smooth, spreadable, and has gentle medium peaks. This creamy filling is the heart of the Raspberry Amaretto Tiramisu, delivering a luscious, airy texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Dip Ladyfingers in Amaretto

Pour Amaretto into a shallow dish and quickly dip each ladyfinger, one at a time, making sure they soak up just enough liqueur to be flavorful but not soggy. Speed here is key to preserve their shape and to keep the layers structured. The Amaretto-soaked ladyfingers add a lovely almond flavor while softening enough to absorb the berry sauce and mascarpone cream smoothly.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers evenly at the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish. Spread half of the cooled raspberry sauce over them, then layer half of the mascarpone cream and smooth it out neatly. Scatter half of the fresh raspberries on top for bursts of juicy freshness. Repeat this layering process with the remaining ladyfingers, sauce, and mascarpone. For a pretty finishing touch, you can spread the top layer with a spatula or pipe the cream using a star nozzle for elegant swirls. Add the rest of the raspberries on top to make it as beautiful as it is delicious.

Step 5: Chill to Perfection

Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, ideally overnight. This chilling time lets the layers meld beautifully and the flavors deepen, creating a dessert that is refreshingly cool, creamy, and bursting with raspberry and almond notes.

Step 6: Final Touch Before Serving

Right before serving your Raspberry Amaretto Tiramisu, dust the top with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar. This adds a delicate sweetness and a snowy finish that looks like a work of art and invites your guests to dig in.

How to Serve Raspberry Amaretto Tiramisu

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, fresh raspberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar can be added on top just before serving. A few whole almonds or a sprig of mint can add an extra hint of elegance. These garnishes not only look stunning but also add subtle texture contrasts and fresh flavor accentuations to the dessert.

Side Dishes

Pairing the Raspberry Amaretto Tiramisu with light accompaniments like a crisp fruit salad or a tangy lemon sorbet can refresh the palate between bites. A small cup of espresso or a glass of sparkling wine also beautifully complements the rich, creamy, and fruity notes of the tiramisu.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this tiramisu in individual glass jars or elegant parfait glasses to showcase the vivid layers of raspberry, cream, and soaked ladyfingers. This not only makes the dessert visually stunning but also perfect for serving guests at parties or intimate dinners. For a romantic twist, use heart-shaped molds or glasses to really wow your loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Raspberry Amaretto Tiramisu keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is well-covered to prevent the dessert from absorbing other fridge odors and to maintain its moisture. Each day the flavors deepen, so leftovers are often even more flavorful than when freshly made.

Freezing

While it is possible to freeze this tiramisu, the texture may change slightly due to the fresh berries and cream. If you do freeze it, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, but for best texture and taste, enjoy it fresh.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. If you like a slightly softer tiramisu, let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving, but resist the urge to warm it in the microwave or oven to maintain the delicate cream and berry freshness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries for the sauce?

Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work wonderfully for the sauce and may even help thicken it up nicely as they release their juices while cooking. Just make sure to thaw them before starting so they cook evenly.

What if I don’t have Amaretto? Can I substitute it?

If you don’t have Amaretto on hand, almond extract combined with a splash of simple syrup or another nut-flavored liqueur can work as a substitute. However, the flavor won’t be quite as rich or authentic, so Amaretto is the best choice for the classic taste.

How long should I soak the ladyfingers in Amaretto?

Quickly dip each ladyfinger for just a second or two to prevent them from becoming too soggy. You want them moist enough to absorb the flavor but still sturdy enough to hold the layers together.

Can I make Raspberry Amaretto Tiramisu in smaller portions?

Definitely! This recipe scales well for smaller dishes or individual servings in glasses or ramekins. Simply adjust the quantity of ingredients accordingly, and the dessert will still deliver the same delightful flavor.

Is it possible to make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?

While the traditional Raspberry Amaretto Tiramisu relies on mascarpone and heavy cream, you can experiment with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese. Keep in mind that the texture and taste will be different, but it can still be a delicious treat.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like indulging in a Raspberry Amaretto Tiramisu that brings together the best of Italian tradition with the fresh, fruity twist of raspberries and the elegant touch of Amaretto. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or simply to treat yourself, this dessert promises to delight both your eyes and your taste buds. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — it’s a wonderful way to share a little sweetness and joy with the people you love.

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