FOOD An Italian Classic Reinvented: Chocolate Cherry Tiramisu

(Chad A Elick)

I grew up in an American Italian household and trust me when I tell you I enjoyed amazing Italian dishes and desserts all my life, but it wasn’t until I moved out on my own that I actually tasted my first tiramisu.  Tiramisu is a classic layered Italian dessert that starts with ladyfingers dipped in rum and espresso and is layered with cream and shaved chocolate.  It is absolutely divine.

Since then I have taken every opportunity to enjoy that incredible creation again.  Last summer I put together a Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu which was truly a celebration of summer.   When I was creating my latest tiramisu, I knew it needed a little flair.  Country cherry pie filling takes this classic Italian dessert and gives it a little southern personality.

Ladyfingers are dipped in cherry pie filling combined with chocolate and coffee liqueurs.  They are topped with a rich cream and a mountain of shaved chocolate.  Finally a heaping scoop of country style cherry pie filling is topped with more cream and chocolate.  Packaged in adorable 4 ounce mason jars they are perfectly portioned desserts.

Chocolate cherry tiramisu comes together in just 15 minutes and is the perfect dessert for your holiday table this year.

With love from our Simple Kitchen to yours!

Chocolate Cherry Tiramisu

By DONNA ELICK

• SERVES

  4

• ACTIVE TIME

  15 min.

• TOTAL TIME

  15 min.

• SAVE RECIPE
• PRINT

INGREDIENTS

• 7 Tbsp granulated sugar, divided
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 oz crème de cacao chocolate liqueur (white)
• ¼ oz coffee liqueur
• 1 (21oz) can country style cherry pie filling, (or 2 1/2 cups homemade)
• 8 lady finger cookies
• 4 oz semi sweet chocolate

DIRECTIONS

1. In a tall bowl combine 6 Tbsp sugar, butter and cream cheese. Beat with an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Once completely smooth, add cream.
2. Whip with mixer until the cream becomes stiff. The cream is stiff when you place a spoon in the bowl and remove it and the cream stand up. Set aside.
3. Using a slotted spoon, remove cherries from can and add to a bowl. Pour cherry filling into a separate shallow bowl. Add chocolate liqueur, coffee liqueur and 1 Tbsp sugar. Stir to combine.
4. One at a time dip ladyfingers into cherry filling (dip each side for approximately 3 seconds) and crumble into bottom of 4 ounce jar or bowl. Crumble 2 ladyfingers into the bottom of each jar and press down to even crust out.
5. Add a heaping spoonful of cream on top of ladyfingers. Smooth cream out using the back of spoon. Using a vegetable peeler shave a layer of chocolate over cream. About ¾ ounce of chocolate in this layer.
6. Layer in a heaping scoop of cherries; then add a dollop of cream. Shave ¼ ounce chocolate over top.
7. Repeat until all dishes are assembled. Chill until ready to serve.
8. Enjoy.

COOK'S NOTE

To make this family friendly, simply omit the alcohol.

KITCHEN COUNTER

Serves 4.