There’s something incredibly charming about a Fruit Charlotte. Its elegant appearance and delightful layers of flavor make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. I remember the first time I made this dessert for a family gathering; everyone was mesmerized by its beauty and couldn’t wait to dig in. The combination of light cake and creamy filling is simply irresistible. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 package of ladyfinger cookies (about 24 cookies)
  • 2 cups of mixed fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and kiwi work wonderfully)
  • 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup of mascarpone cheese
  • 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup of fruit preserves (apricot or raspberry) for glazing
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Instructions

Start by preparing your fruit. Wash and chop the mixed fruits into bite-sized pieces. If using strawberries, slice them thinly. Toss the fruits with lemon juice to keep them fresh and vibrant.

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip; you want it fluffy, not grainy.

In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined. This creamy blend will be the heart of your charlotte.

Now it’s time to assemble the charlotte! Take a round springform pan (or a mold of your choice) and line the sides with the ladyfinger cookies, standing them upright and closely packed. You can trim them slightly if needed to fit perfectly.

Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture into the bottom of the ladyfinger-lined pan, smoothing it out evenly. Layer half of the mixed fruits on top of the cream.

Repeat the process by adding another layer of mascarpone mixture followed by the remaining fruits. Finish with a final layer of the mascarpone cream, smoothing it out to create a beautiful top.

Cover the charlotte with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if time allows. This helps the flavors meld together and allows the ladyfingers to soften slightly.

Once chilled, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Warm the fruit preserves slightly to make them easier to spread, then brush or spoon them over the top of the charlotte for a glossy finish.

Slice into wedges and serve your stunning Fruit Charlotte, garnished with extra fresh fruits or a sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors with your loved ones!

This dessert is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of fresh ingredients. Each bite is a reminder of sweet moments shared with family and friends. Happy baking!