In the heart of the countryside, as the leaves turn from vibrant greens to warm shades of amber and gold, the air fills with a crispness that beckons for cozy gatherings. It’s during this magical season that my grandmother would bring out her cherished dessert recipe — the elegant charlotte. With its delicate layers and comforting flavors, this dessert always felt like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Today, I’ve given her classic recipe a gourmet twist by incorporating ripe pears and fragrant almond essence, making it a perfect centerpiece for your autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (24) ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Begin by preparing the pear filling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sliced pears, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and almond extract. Stir gently and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pears are tender but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
While the pear mixture cools, prepare the cream. In a large mixing bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as you want the cream to be light and airy.
Once the pears have cooled, it’s time to assemble the charlotte. Choose a round cake pan or a springform pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal. Take a ladyfinger and dip it briefly in the syrup left from the pear mixture, then line the bottom of the pan with the soaked cookies. You can also stand the cookies upright around the edges of the pan for a classic charlotte shape.
Spread half of the whipped cream over the layer of ladyfingers, smoothing it out gently with a spatula. Then, layer half of the pear filling over the cream. Repeat this process with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, the remaining whipped cream, and the rest of the pear filling. Finish with a final layer of ladyfingers on top, dipping each in the syrup before placing them.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set beautifully.
When ready to serve, carefully remove the charlotte from the pan and peel away the parchment paper. Transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with toasted almonds and fresh mint leaves for a touch of elegance.
As you slice into this delightful charlotte, the layers of creamy almond-scented whipped cream and tender spiced pears will reveal themselves, creating a symphony of flavors that speaks to the essence of autumn. Each bite is a reminder of cherished moments spent with family, laughter echoing around the table, and the warmth that only a lovingly prepared dessert can bring.
Enjoy your Autumn Pear and Almond Charlotte, and may it become a beloved addition to your seasonal gatherings!