With its gorgeous layers of moist cake soaked in cherry-infused coffee, a billowy mascarpone cream, and clouds of chocolate and cherries, the Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake is a truly show-stopping dessert. Lush, decadent, and a little bit playful, this recipe takes the Italian classic and turns the dial up on both elegance and flavor—perfect for gatherings or a swoon-worthy treat at home. If you love tiramisu and crave the sweet-tart zing of cherries paired with rich chocolate, you’re in for a seriously dreamy bite with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cake is how it transforms just a handful of everyday ingredients into something worthy of celebrations. Each component brings its own bit of magic to the Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake, building layers of flavor, moisture, and those signature pops of color.
- Eggs: Fresh, room temperature eggs are your secret to a wonderfully fluffy cake, forming the base that soaks up all that lovely syrup.
- Sugar: Regular white sugar sweetens the sponge without overpowering the natural flavors of the cherries and chocolate.
- All-purpose flour: Reliable and light, all-purpose flour keeps the cake tender while letting the fillings shine.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent gives the cake a gentle lift, ensuring every layer is soft—not dense.
- Vanilla extract: Just a hint adds warmth and depth to both cake and cream.
- Heavy cream: Fresh, chilled heavy cream whips into luscious peaks for the creamy tiramisu filling.
- Mascarpone cheese: Softened mascarpone brings the classic tiramisu texture—creamy, slightly tangy, and wonderfully rich.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for sweetening the cream filling without any grittiness.
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee: The soul of any tiramisu, coffee moistens and flavors your cake to perfection.
- Cherry liqueur (optional): A splash deepens the cherry note—use it for a grown-up twist!
- Dark chocolate: Shaved or grated, for an irresistible layer of chocolatey intensity.
- Chocolate syrup: Drizzled generously for decadence and beautiful presentation.
- Fresh cherries: The crowning jewels—choose vibrant, plump cherries with stems for a natural, elegant finishing touch.
- Fresh mint leaves: These brighten the look and add a light herbal note alongside the sweet-tart cherries.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake
Step 1: Bake the Sponge Cake (or Prepare Ladyfingers)
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lining a baking pan with parchment paper. Beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and airy, which gives your sponge its signature lightness—think of it as building the foundation for all the soaking syrup and cream to come. Sift together the flour and baking powder, gently folding them into the egg mixture so as not to lose any of that precious fluff. Add a splash of vanilla, pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake for about 20–25 minutes until golden. Let it cool completely before slicing it into layers. If you’re looking to save time (no judgment here!), feel free to use store-bought ladyfingers instead of baking the sponge from scratch.
Step 2: Make the Cream Filling
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it stands in stiff peaks—this is what makes each bite of the Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake melt-in-your-mouth. In a separate bowl, beat softened mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula (not a mixer!) to keep that filling cloud-light and luxurious.
Step 3: Layer the Cake
It’s time for the fun part. Place your first sponge layer (or arrange ladyfingers) on your serving plate or in a trifle dish. Mix together the cooled brewed espresso and cherry liqueur if using, then brush the mixture evenly over the cake layer. This ensures every bite is deliciously moist and rich with cherry-coffee flavor. Spread a generous layer of the mascarpone cream over the cake, smoothing it out before repeating with another layer of cake, another brushing of syrup, and another blanket of cream. Finish with a final swoop of cream on top, smoothing the surface to prepare for all your gorgeous toppings.
Step 4: Garnish
Amp up the wow-factor by drizzling chocolate syrup freely over the top layer of cream, then shower it with generous curls or shavings of dark chocolate. Carefully place fresh whole cherries across the surface—stems on, for extra drama! Tuck vibrant mint leaves between the cherries to add a refreshing color pop and a whisper of freshness. Your Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake will now look as incredible as it tastes.
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake
Garnishes
To make your Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake extra eye-catching, pile on shiny whole fresh cherries (with stems attached for maximum effect), scatter a handful of chocolate shavings, and tuck a few mint sprigs among the fruit. The contrast of deep red, lush green, and glossy chocolate makes each slice utterly irresistible—is there anything more inviting?
Side Dishes
Pair your slices with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream if you’re going all out! A handful of fresh berries or a crisp biscotti on the side complement the creamy, chocolate-cherry decadence without stealing the show. Of course, a tiny espresso or robust black coffee is the classic tiramisu partner.
Creative Ways to Present
For individual servings, layer the components into pretty glass cups or jars for a dessert that’s both elegant and easy to serve. You can also cut the cake into neat cubes and serve as sweet bites on a dessert platter, skewered with cherries and mint. For something extra special, use the Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake as the centerpiece of a dessert board, surrounded by chocolate truffles, berries, and extra cherries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake covered in the refrigerator, ideally in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic. The cake will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, and some argue it tastes even better on day two as the layers soak and meld beautifully.
Freezing
This cake holds up surprisingly well in the freezer. Slice it into portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop them in a freezer-safe container. For best flavor and texture, enjoy your frozen Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake within one month—just remember to let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Tiramisu is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no need for reheating. If you’ve frozen your cake, allow the portions to defrost in the fridge until chilled but soft. Serve straight from the fridge for the best velvety texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cherry liqueur with something non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! If you want to skip the alcohol, just use extra cherry juice, or even a cherry syrup, in place of the liqueur. You’ll still get that lovely burst of cherry flavor in your Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free sponge cake recipe or gluten-free ladyfingers. Everything else in the Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your chocolate and mascarpone labels to be sure!
Is it possible to prepare the cake ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, letting your Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake chill for several hours or overnight will intensify the flavors and make slicing easier, so it’s especially party-friendly.
What’s the best way to create chocolate shavings?
Grab a bar of dark chocolate and use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife—just run it along the edge to make beautiful curls or shavings. Chill the chocolate beforehand for easier handling and less melting.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Frozen cherries can be used if fresh aren’t available—just thaw and drain them well first. For the garnish, though, fresh cherries with their stems offer a festive touch that really brings out the personality of this cake.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a luscious dessert that’s as beautiful as it is irresistible, you simply have to try the Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu Cake. Every creamy, chocolatey, cherry-studded bite is pure joy—make it once, and you’ll want to share this new favorite treat with everyone you know!