Express Strawberry Charlotte Recipe: A Quick and Elegant Dessert

This Express Strawberry Shortcake is a delicious and elegant dessert that combines the lightness of ladyfingers with the freshness of strawberries. This no-bake recipe is perfect for quick preparation and features a beautiful arrangement of strawberries and cream, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why you'll love this: The combination of creamy mascarpone and the natural sweetness of strawberries, enhanced with a touch of vanilla, creates a refreshing, not-too-sweet dessert. The ladyfingers absorb the juices of the fruit and melt into the creamy filling, providing a wonderful texture that is soft but firm enough to slice.

Perfect opportunity: Perfect 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, birthdays or as a special treat after a family dinner.

Preparation tips :

• Make sure the cream is very cold before whipping it so that it holds its shape better once mixed with the mascarpone.
• For an extra shiny finish, brushing the strawberries with strawberry jam not only adds shine but also intensifies the flavor of the fruit.

• Ingredients:
  • 300 g sponge fingers or similar
  • About 500g strawberries (or a mix of strawberries and raspberries)
  • 200 ml of thick cream (30% fat)
  • 150 g mascarpone
  • 50 g caster sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • A glass of milk to dip the biscuits in
  • Optional: red fruit coulis or strawberry jam for brushing

• Method:
  1. Prepare the mold:
     • If using a springform or charlotte pan, line it with baking parchment to make it easier to remove. Cut one side of the ladyfingers to allow them to stand up on the sides of a 18cm diameter pan. Use the cut pieces to fill any gaps at the base.
  2. Overlay the base:
     • Briefly dip the ladyfingers in cold milk and arrange them to form the first layer at the bottom of the mold.
  3. Prepare the filling:
     • In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, mix the mascarpone with the icing sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
     • Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to keep the filling light and airy.
  4. Assemble the Charlotte:
     • Start with a layer of cream on the bottom layer of ladyfingers.
     • Add a layer of sliced ​​strawberries.
     • Continue layering the soaked ladyfingers, cream and strawberries until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of cream.
  5. Coldness:
     • Refrigerate the charlotte for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to blend and the structure to firm up.
  6. The final touch:
     • Just before serving, decorate the top with halved or sliced ​​strawberries.
     • Optionally, brush with strawberry jam for a shiny, attractive finish.

Serve this Express Strawberry Shortcake as a stunning centerpiece that not only tastes delicious, but also brightens up the table with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors.