This Amaretti Ice Cream Dessert Recipe is an easy and elegant recipe, which is made with crunchy amaretti cookies and amaretto liqueur. It’s a no-fuss take on a classic, ready in about 5 minutes.
Amaretti Ice Cream Dessert Recipe Ingredients
- 16 amaretti cookies, crumbled
- 4 shots amaretto or other almond liqueur
- 8 scoops French vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream, in canister
- 1/4 cup or 1 (2-ounce) package slivered almonds
How To Make Amaretti Ice Cream Dessert Recipe
- Layer the base: Divide the crumbled amaretti cookies evenly among four dessert cups.
- Add liqueur and ice cream: Douse the cookies in each cup with a shot of amaretto liqueur. Top with two scoops of French vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish and serve: Finish each dessert with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of slivered almonds. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips
- Can I make this non-alcoholic? Yes. For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the amaretto liqueur with a splash of almond syrup (like the kind used for coffee) or a few drops of almond extract mixed with a little water.
- What kind of ice cream is best? French vanilla is a classic and creamy choice, but this dessert is also fantastic with coffee, chocolate, or even a salted caramel ice cream for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make this ahead of time? This dessert is best assembled right before serving. Preparing it ahead of time will cause the crunchy amaretti cookies to become soft and the ice cream to melt.
- What are amaretti cookies? They are traditional Italian biscuits with a characteristic bittersweet almond flavor. They are light, airy, and very crunchy, making them perfect for this dessert.
What To Serve With Amaretti Ice Cream Dessert
This is a complete and elegant dessert that needs very little accompaniment. It’s perfectly paired with an after-dinner beverage.
- A hot cup of strong espresso or black coffee
- A small glass of amaretto liqueur served on the side
How To Store Amaretti Ice Cream Dessert
- Best Eaten Immediately: This dessert does not store well and is meant to be enjoyed right after it is assembled. Storing it will result in a melted, soggy mixture.
Amaretti Ice Cream Dessert Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 35g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What is the difference between amaretto and almond liqueur?
Amaretto is a specific type of Italian almond-flavored liqueur. Its name means “a little bitter.” While other almond liqueurs exist, amaretto is the most famous and traditional choice for this type of dessert.
Can I use a different type of cookie?
While amaretti are classic for their unique flavor and texture, you could substitute them with crushed shortbread cookies or biscotti for a different, but still delicious, result.
How can I make this for a crowd?
This recipe is very easy to scale up. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you have. You can set up an assembly line to make putting them together for a dinner party quick and easy.
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Amaretti Ice Cream Dessert Recipe
Description
A super-fast and elegant no-bake dessert with crunchy almond cookies, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a splash of amaretto liqueur.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Divide crumbled cookies among 4 dessert cups.
- Pour one shot of amaretto over the cookies in each cup.
- Top each with 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with a swirl of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle with slivered almonds and serve immediately.
Notes
- For the best texture, assemble this dessert just moments before serving to ensure the cookies stay crunchy.
- Toasting the slivered almonds briefly in a dry pan can enhance their nutty flavor.
- This recipe is incredibly simple to scale up or down depending on how many people you are serving.
- Ensure your ice cream is well-frozen so it doesn’t melt too quickly upon assembly.