Cherry Mascarpone Yogurt Cups (without coffee)
This recipe creates an elegant, no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy mascarpone yogurt, sweet macerated cherries, and a buttery crumb base. It provides a luxurious texture similar to tiramisu but uses bright cherry flavor instead of coffee, making it suitable for all ages.
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Hand Mixer or Whisk
- Small Bowl
- Serving glasses or cups
Ingredients
For the Cherry Topping
- 2 cups fresh cherries pitted and halved (or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Mascarpone Yogurt Mixture
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese softened at room temperature
- 1 cup Greek yogurt full-fat or 2%
- 3 tablespoons honey plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
For the Crumb Base
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs or vanilla wafer crumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For Garnish (Optional)
- 1 as needed Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- 1 as needed Sliced almonds for topping
Instructions
- Combine the pitted and halved cherries with granulated sugar and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes until the cherries release their juices.
- While the cherries sit, prepare the mascarpone mixture. Combine the mascarpone cheese and Greek yogurt in a large bowl. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the honey, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mascarpone mixture. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture appears light and fluffy, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Begin assembling the cups. Place a layer of the buttered crumb mixture at the bottom of each serving glass or cup, using about 2 tablespoons per cup.
- Add a layer of the mascarpone yogurt mixture on top of the crumbs, using about 1/4 cup per cup.
- Spoon the macerated cherries, including their juices, over the mascarpone layer.
- Repeat the layers one more time: crumbs, mascarpone mixture, and cherries, finishing the top layer with cherries.
- Drizzle with extra honey if you want more sweetness. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and sliced almonds, if using.
- Refrigerate the cups for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to combine and the crumbs to soften slightly. You can prepare these cups up to 4 hours ahead of time.
Notes
I developed this recipe because my sister enjoys the rich texture of tiramisu but does not drink coffee. This dessert captures that luxurious mascarpone feel but pairs it with bright, fresh cherries. It became a quick favorite at our family brunch and is now my standard choice when I need a dessert that feels special without requiring baking stress.