This Express Strawberry Charlotte offers a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the lightness of ladyfingers with the freshness of strawberries. This no-bake recipe is perfect for quick preparation and showcases a beautiful arrangement of strawberries and cream, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Why You'll Love This: The combination of smooth mascarpone cream with the natural sweetness of strawberries, enhanced by a touch of vanilla, creates a refreshing dessert that's not overly sweet. The ladyfingers soak up the fruit juices and meld with the creamy filling, offering a wonderful texture that's soft yet firm enough to slice.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or any occasion that calls for a light and fruity dessert. This charlotte is also perfect for celebrations like Mother's Day, anniversaries, or as a special treat following a family dinner.
Preparation Tips:
- Ensure the cream is very cold before whipping to help it hold its shape better when mixed with the mascarpone.
- For an extra glossy finish, brushing the strawberries with strawberry jam not only adds shine but also intensifies the fruit flavor.
- Ingredients:
- 300g ladyfingers or similar biscuits
- Approx. 500g strawberries (or a mix of strawberries and raspberries)
- 200ml heavy cream (30% fat)
- 150g mascarpone cheese
- 50g powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- A glass of milk for dipping biscuits
- Optional: red fruit coulis or strawberry jam for brushing
- Method:
- Prepare the Mold:
- If using a springform or charlotte mold, line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Trim one side of the ladyfingers to enable them to stand upright along the sides of an 18cm diameter mold. Use trimmed pieces to fill in any gaps at the base.
- Layer the Base:
- Dip ladyfingers briefly in cold milk and lay them out to form the first layer at the bottom of the mold.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. In another bowl, blend the mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to keep the filling light and airy.
- Assemble the Charlotte:
- Start with a layer of cream on the bottom layer of ladyfingers.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries.
- Continue layering soaked ladyfingers, cream, and strawberries until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of cream.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the charlotte for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the structure to firm up.
- Finishing Touches:
- Just before serving, decorate the top with halved or sliced strawberries.
- Optionally, brush with strawberry jam for a shiny, appealing finish.
- Prepare the Mold:
Serve this Express Strawberry Charlotte as a stunning centerpiece that not only tastes delightful but also brightens the table with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors.