Cherries Jubilee Tiramisu

The Cherries Jubilee Tiramisu is an enchanting twist on two iconic desserts, merging the warmth of boozy cherries with the richness of Italian tiramisu. It’s a fusion that balances tart fruit, velvety mascarpone, and the soft bite of soaked ladyfingers, creating an irresistible no-bake dessert.

Perfect for entertaining or a luxurious weekend treat, this dessert delivers layers of flavor and texture that impress without requiring an oven. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a romantic dessert, Cherries Jubilee Tiramisu brings festive elegance and gourmet charm to your table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh or frozen cherries, pitted

• 1/2 cup cherry liqueur or dark rum

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 16 oz mascarpone cheese

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 pack (7 oz) ladyfinger biscuits

• Cocoa powder for dusting

• Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Directions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, cherry liqueur, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the cherries soften and the sauce slightly thickens. Let cool completely.

2. In a large bowl, mix mascarpone and powdered sugar until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated.

4. Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the cooled cherry mixture, then layer in the bottom of a dish.

5. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Add a layer of cherries. Repeat with remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone, and cherries.

6. Dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings, if desired.

7. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes + chilling
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6–8 servings

The Decadent Fusion of Tradition and Indulgence: Cherries Jubilee Tiramisu

Few desserts encapsulate the essence of celebration and elegance quite like Cherries Jubilee Tiramisu. This luxurious treat is a modern-day twist on two timeless classics, the fiery fruit spectacle of Cherries Jubilee and the creamy, coffee-kissed layers of Italian tiramisu. The result? A luscious, no-bake dessert that harmoniously blends the bold sweetness of cherries, the depth of cherry liqueur, and the silken richness of mascarpone cream.

This version doesn’t just borrow flavors from the originals; it reinvents them into a dish that is sophisticated, festive, and effortless to prepare. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party, elevate your weekend dessert game, or celebrate cherry season with style, this dessert brings both flavor and flair to the table.

Where Heritage Meets Modern Creativity

The roots of this dessert lie in two culinary traditions that have enchanted dessert lovers for decades.

Cherries Jubilee was created in the late 19th century and is often credited to Auguste Escoffier, one of the most legendary chefs of French cuisine. Originally prepared in honor of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the dish involved fresh cherries flambéed with kirsch or brandy, typically served over vanilla ice cream. Its flamboyant preparation made it a visual spectacle and an iconic tableside experience.

On the other hand, Tiramisu, hailing from Italy, is a newer but no less beloved creation. Traditionally made with espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered between whipped mascarpone and cocoa, tiramisu translates to “pick me up”, a reference to the energizing coffee within. It’s a dessert of simplicity, elegance, and balance.

By merging these two, the Cherries Jubilee Tiramisu honors the artistry of both French and Italian dessert-making while offering a refreshing, seasonal alternative to coffee-heavy versions.

A Celebration of Ingredients

The brilliance of this recipe lies in how its carefully chosen ingredients complement each other:

• Cherries – Whether fresh or frozen, cherries are the star of the show. They bring natural tartness, deep color, and bright flavor. When simmered in maple syrup and cherry liqueur, their sweetness is amplified and turned into a luxurious, syrupy compote.

• Cherry Liqueur or Dark Rum – This is the soulful touch of the dish. Cherry liqueur intensifies the fruitiness and adds that signature Jubilee flair, while dark rum offers a deeper, more warming note. Both options pair excellently with the cream layers.

• Maple Syrup – Rather than using refined sugar, maple syrup brings a natural sweetness and slight caramel undertone. It enhances the cherries without overpowering them.

• Mascarpone Cheese – No tiramisu is complete without mascarpone. Its creamy, mild flavor allows the fruit and liqueur to shine, while its rich texture creates the dreamy, cloud-like layers the dessert is known for.

• Whipping Cream – When whipped to stiff peaks and folded into mascarpone, it lightens the mixture beautifully, creating a texture that’s indulgent without being heavy.

• Ladyfingers (Savoiardi) – The ultimate sponge. These dry, porous biscuits soak up the cherry liqueur reduction like a dream, transforming into cake-like layers that hold the dessert together.

• Cocoa Powder & Dark Chocolate – Used as finishing touches, they add depth, bitterness, and visual contrast to the sweet, creamy interior.

Texture, Flavor & Balance

This dessert plays with multiple textures: the juicy softness of stewed cherries, the creamy weightlessness of mascarpone whip, and the slight chewiness of soaked ladyfingers. Each bite is a delicate dance between sweet, tart, creamy, and bold.

Unlike traditional tiramisu, which leans heavily into coffee and cocoa, this version replaces bitterness with fruit-forward brightness. It’s more playful, seasonally vibrant, and can even appeal to those who don’t enjoy coffee-flavored desserts.

The Occasion-Worthy Dessert

Cherries Jubilee Tiramisu is the ideal centerpiece for various celebrations. It’s glamorous enough for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or New Year’s Eve, but approachable enough for summer barbecues, birthdays, or intimate dinner parties.

Its no-bake nature also makes it incredibly practical, you can make it ahead of time and let it chill overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. In fact, this dish tastes even better the next day.

For those who love planning ahead, it freezes well too. Simply portion it into airtight containers and freeze. To serve, thaw in the fridge for a few hours until soft.

Perfect Pairings

To elevate the experience further, consider pairing this dessert with the following:

• After-Dinner Drinks: A chilled glass of port, cherry liqueur, or amaretto pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try hibiscus tea or cherry rooibos.

• Coffee or Espresso: A classic shot of espresso cuts through the richness of the mascarpone, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the cocoa notes.

• Sparkling Wine: A crisp rosé or demi-sec Champagne adds a light, fizzy contrast to the creamy texture and fruit intensity.

Creative Variations to Try

If you’re feeling adventurous or want to adapt the dessert to fit various diets and palates, here are a few fun variations:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ladyfingers, which are now widely available. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute with plant-based mascarpone and coconut whipped cream for a vegan-friendly version.

• Booze-Free: Simply omit the liqueur and simmer the cherries in a bit of cherry juice or pomegranate juice instead.

• Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Add a layer of shaved chocolate between mascarpone and cherries, or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top before chilling.

• Layered Individual Servings: Build the dessert in small jars or ramekins for beautiful, mess-free presentation during events or picnics.

Serving & Presentation Tips

Presentation is key with a dessert as beautiful as this. Dust with cocoa powder right before serving to avoid melting into the surface. Add fresh cherry halves or mint leaves on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Use a clear glass trifle bowl or individual glasses to showcase the gorgeous cherry-maroon layers, they’re as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate.

When cutting and serving, use a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water to maintain clean edges and highlight the distinct layers.

A Modern Classic in the Making

Cherries Jubilee Tiramisu is not just a dessert, it’s an experience. It combines nostalgia, elegance, and bold flavors into a no-fuss, make-ahead dish that looks as stunning as it tastes.

By merging two of the most celebrated dessert traditions from Europe into one contemporary dish, this recipe offers the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this dessert will never disappoint.

Conclusion

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s rich yet refreshing, classic yet creative, and easy yet impressive, this is the one. Cherries Jubilee Tiramisu offers everything you love in a tiramisu with a cherry-kissed twist that turns it into something truly unforgettable.

So go ahead, pour the liqueur, simmer those cherries, and build a masterpiece that will leave your guests raving and your tastebuds dancing. You deserve dessert like this.