Tiramisu adapted from the original recipe

Cherry Tiramisu – A refreshing dessert for hot summer days

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 4-5 hours (ideally overnight)
Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Are you tired of heavy summer desserts? Dreaming of something fresh and refreshing to delight your senses? I propose a delicious reinterpretation of the classic tiramisu, with a fruity twist, perfect for warm summer days: Cherry Tiramisu. This dessert not only looks wonderful but is also easy to prepare, bringing an intense flavor and creamy texture that will delight any meal.

A bit of history
Tiramisu is a recipe with deep roots, and its name translates to "pick me up" or "cheer me up." It was first created in Italy, based on the perfect combination of coffee, mascarpone, and savoiardi biscuits. The version we present today harmoniously blends mascarpone cream with juicy cherries, offering a pleasant contrast between sweetness and acidity.

Necessary ingredients
- 1 pack of ladyfingers (400 g)
- 1 kg of cherries (pitted and drained)
- 500 ml of cherry juice
- 4 eggs
- 8-10 tablespoons of powdered sugar (depending on your preferences)
- 500 g of mascarpone

Ingredient details
- Ladyfingers: These are the base of the dessert. Choose quality ladyfingers, as their texture will influence the final result. You can opt for savoiardi, which are fluffier.
- Cherries: Choose fresh, ripe, and aromatic fruits. You can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw them and drain the juice well to avoid diluting the cream.
- Powdered sugar: If you like a sweeter dessert, add more sugar. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup, but the taste will be different.
- Mascarpone: It is essential to be at room temperature for easier incorporation into the egg cream.

Preparation technique
1. Preparing the mascarpone cream: Start by separating the eggs. Place the yolks in a large bowl and add 5 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Mix well until the mixture becomes light in color and has a creamy texture. Then, add the mascarpone and gently mix until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream.

2. Whip the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining 5 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form and are glossy. This step is crucial for achieving an airy texture in the cream. Carefully fold the egg whites into the mascarpone cream, gently mixing from the bottom up to avoid losing air.

3. Assembling the cake: Place a cake ring on a platter. Dip the ladyfingers in the cherry juice, being careful not to soak them too much. Arrange the ladyfingers around the edges of the ring, cutting some to fit perfectly. Place a layer of ladyfingers on the bottom of the ring, followed by half of the mascarpone cream. Add a generous layer of drained cherries, then repeat the process with another layer of ladyfingers, the remaining cream, and finish with fresh cherries on top.

4. Chilling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to blend and the texture to stabilize.

5. Serving: The next day, carefully remove the ring and decorate the cake as desired. You can use grated chocolate, chocolate cream, or even a few mint leaves for a fresh look.

Serving suggestions
This Cherry Tiramisu pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a serving of whipped cream. Additionally, a coffee or iced tea will splendidly complement the dessert, providing a pleasant contrast.

Tips and variations
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, to create delicious variations of the recipe.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry juice to enrich the aroma.
- If you are vegetarian or vegan, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of tofu and almond milk to achieve a similar cream.

Nutritional benefits
This dessert is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, while mascarpone provides a good source of calcium. Therefore, this tiramisu is not just a treat but also a healthier choice for dessert.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes, you can try cottage cheese or ricotta for a lighter version, but the taste will be different.

2. How long does this tiramisu last?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best when consumed fresh.

3. Can I make this dessert without sugar?
Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners or reduce the amount of sugar according to your preferences.

I hope this Cherry Tiramisu recipe inspires you to try making it at home! It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends on hot summer days. Enjoy!