Strawberry Charlotte Cake Recipe: A Fresh and Elegant Dessert
Strawberry Charlotte Cake is a classic French dessert that’s both light and refreshing. This no-bake treat features fresh strawberries, delicate ladyfingers, and a creamy mascarpone filling, making it perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or summer gatherings.
It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create your own homemade Strawberry Charlotte Cake!
Prep & Chill Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 pound (16 oz) fresh strawberries
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 7 oz ladyfingers (about 20 pieces)
- ½ cup strawberry syrup or grenadine, diluted with water
How to Make Strawberry Charlotte Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
- Wash and hull the strawberries.
- Set aside a dozen whole strawberries for decoration.
- Slice the remaining strawberries and toss them with lemon juice and 1 tbsp sugar to enhance their natural sweetness. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined and airy.
Step 3: Prep the Ladyfingers
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the diluted strawberry syrup. Be careful not to soak them too much—you want them moist but firm.
- Arrange the ladyfingers vertically around the sides of a 7-inch springform pan and cover the bottom with a layer of dipped ladyfingers.
Step 4: Assemble the Charlotte Cake
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top.
- Repeat with another layer of ladyfingers, cream, and strawberries.
- Finish with a final layer of mascarpone cream on top.
- Gently press everything down and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
Step 5: Unmold and Decorate
- Carefully remove the cake from the pan by sliding a knife around the edges.
- Decorate with whole strawberries on top and optionally dust with powdered sugar or add fresh mint leaves for a touch of elegance.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 Slice)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 18g
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Strawberries – High in vitamin C and antioxidants, great for immune support and glowing skin.
- Mascarpone Cheese – Provides calcium and healthy fats, creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Ladyfingers – A light and airy biscuit, adding delicate sweetness without being too heavy.
- Heavy Cream – Contributes creaminess and a silky texture while adding a satisfying richness.
Zoé’s Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Charlotte Cake
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Don’t over-soak the ladyfingers! A quick dip is enough to keep them firm and prevent sogginess.
- Want extra fruitiness? Add a thin layer of strawberry purée between the layers.
- For easy unmolding, use a springform pan or a cake ring.
- Chill overnight for the best texture and flavor infusion.
Best Pairings for Strawberry Charlotte Cake
- Homemade Strawberry Coulis – Drizzle extra strawberry sauce on each slice.
- Vanilla Ice Cream or Lemon Sorbet – Adds a refreshing contrast.
- Iced Mint Tea or Homemade Lemonade – A light, citrusy drink that complements the fruity flavors.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- 🍒 Mixed Berry Charlotte Cake – Swap strawberries for a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
- 🍫 Chocolate Charlotte Cake – Add chocolate shavings between layers for a chocolate-strawberry twist.
- 🥥 Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut cream instead of mascarpone and heavy cream.
- 🍑 Peach Charlotte Cake – Substitute strawberries with fresh peaches for a summery take.
Strawberry Charlotte Cake
Ingredients
- 1 pound 16 oz fresh strawberries
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream cold
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 7 oz ladyfingers about 20 pieces
- ½ cup strawberry syrup or grenadine diluted with water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
- Wash and hull the strawberries.
- Set aside a dozen whole strawberries for decoration.
- Slice the remaining strawberries and toss them with lemon juice and 1 tbsp sugar to enhance their natural sweetness. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined and airy.
Step 3: Prep the Ladyfingers
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the diluted strawberry syrup. Be careful not to soak them too much—you want them moist but firm.
- Arrange the ladyfingers vertically around the sides of a 7-inch springform pan and cover the bottom with a layer of dipped ladyfingers.
Step 4: Assemble the Charlotte Cake
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top.
- Repeat with another layer of ladyfingers, cream, and strawberries.
- Finish with a final layer of mascarpone cream on top.
- Gently press everything down and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
Step 5: Unmold and Decorate
- Carefully remove the cake from the pan by sliding a knife around the edges.
- Decorate with whole strawberries on top and optionally dust with powdered sugar or add fresh mint leaves for a touch of elegance.
This homemade Strawberry Charlotte Cake is as delicious as it is stunning. With its fresh berries, light cream, and delicate ladyfingers, it’s a perfect dessert for spring and summer celebrations, or simply to treat yourself.
Try this easy no-bake dessert and let me know what you think! 🍓✨
