Description
This Black Forest Tiramisu with Fresh Cherries is a decadent twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining rich mascarpone cream, layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, fresh cherries, and dark chocolate shavings. The addition of cherry brandy adds a fruity depth to the coffee base, while the fresh cherries bring a vibrant burst of flavor, making this no-bake dessert perfect for any special occasion or indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Coffee Mixture
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1/3 cup cherry brandy
Base Layer
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
Mascarpone Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
Fruit and Toppings
- 1 cup pitted fresh cherries
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare Coffee Mixture: Brew 1 cup of strong coffee and mix it with 1/3 cup of cherry brandy, combining the bold coffee flavor with a fruity kick.
- Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each of the 24 ladyfinger cookies one by one into the coffee and brandy mixture, ensuring they are moist but not soggy.
- Arrange Base Layer: Place the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to create the dessert’s base.
- Whip Cream Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, achieving a light and airy texture.
- Incorporate Mascarpone: Gently blend in 1 cup mascarpone cheese into the whipped cream mixture until smooth and homogenous, creating a creamy filling.
- Spread Cream Layer: Evenly spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfinger layer in the dish.
- Add Cherry Layer: Scatter half of the pitted fresh cherries evenly over the mascarpone mixture to add a fresh fruity contrast.
- Second Ladyfinger Layer: Repeat the dipping process and place another layer of dipped ladyfingers over the cherries, forming the dessert’s middle layer.
- Top with Remaining Cream: Spread the remaining mascarpone cream mixture over the second ladyfinger layer smoothly and evenly.
- Finish with Cherries: Add the remaining fresh pitted cherries on top as a colorful and flavorful garnish.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle 1/2 cup of dark chocolate shavings over the top for an elegant finishing touch and enjoy this luscious Black Forest inspired tiramisu.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed coffee for the best flavor infusion.
- Ensure ladyfingers are dipped briefly to avoid sogginess.
- Chill time is essential for setting the tiramisu and enhancing flavors.
- Fresh cherries can be substituted with frozen, but drain them well before use.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the cherry brandy and substitute with cherry juice.
