Oh, let me tell you about *Strawberry Charlotte Russe*! This delightful dessert is like a cloud of cream and fresh strawberries wrapped in the crisp embrace of ladyfinger cookies. It’s light, airy, and oh-so creamy—perfect for any occasion! I remember the first time I made it for a summer gathering with friends. The moment I unveiled it, everyone’s eyes lit up, and the compliments flowed like the sweet cream itself! It’s such a showstopper, yet it’s deceptively simple to whip up. Trust me, this dessert captures the essence of celebration, and each slice is a little piece of joy that connects us all. You’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients for Strawberry Charlotte Russe
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup of heavy cream, chilled
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 12 ladyfinger cookies, or more if you like a thicker layer
- 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup of cold water
Make sure your strawberries are ripe and sweet for the best flavor! You can adjust the sugar if you prefer it a little sweeter or less sweet. And if you can’t find ladyfingers, don’t worry! You can easily substitute them with sponge cake for that lovely texture. Just be sure to have everything ready and measured out before you start; it makes the process flow so much smoother!
How to Prepare Strawberry Charlotte Russe
Alright, let’s dive into the joy of making this Strawberry Charlotte Russe! It’s simpler than it looks, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro chef by the end. The key is to take it step by step, so let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, let’s prepare the gelatin. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it blooms. This is crucial, so don’t skip it!
- While that’s happening, grab your chilled heavy cream. In a separate large bowl, whip the cream along with the sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Wow, that creamy goodness is just heavenly!
- Now, gently fold the bloomed gelatin into the whipped cream mixture. Be careful here; you want to keep that airy texture, so use a spatula and do it slowly.
- Next, line a mold with your ladyfinger cookies. You can arrange them upright along the sides and bottom for a beautiful presentation. Feel free to break them if needed to fit your mold!
- Pour the luscious cream filling into the mold over the ladyfingers, smoothing the top gently.
- Now, here comes the best part: layer those lovely sliced strawberries on top of the cream! Don’t be shy; make it look pretty!
- Cover the mold with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours—this sets everything beautifully. You can even do it overnight for even better results!
- When you’re ready to serve, gently unmold it onto a plate. If it doesn’t come out easily, just give it a little shake or run a knife around the edges to help it along.
And voila! You’ve just made a stunning Strawberry Charlotte Russe that’s sure to impress. Slice it up and enjoy your creation with family and friends!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this delightful Strawberry Charlotte Russe is around 250 calories, making it a light yet indulgent treat! You’ll find about 18g of fat, including 10g of saturated fat, and 3g of protein per serving. It also contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates and 18g of sugar. Keep in mind these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of this dessert’s creamy, fruity goodness! Enjoy every bite without guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Visually stunning, with layers of cream and fresh strawberries that wow your guests.
- Light and refreshing, it’s the ideal dessert for warm days.
- A true crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to faces and joy to hearts.
- You can easily customize it with different fruits or flavors to suit your taste!
Tips for Success
To make your Strawberry Charlotte Russe absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, choose strawberries that are ripe and sweet—this will elevate the flavor of your dessert. Look for berries that are vibrant red and fragrant! When whipping the cream, make sure it’s chilled and your mixing bowl is also cold; this helps achieve those fluffy soft peaks. And don’t rush the gelatin—let it bloom in the cold water for at least 5 minutes; this step ensures it dissolves fully and blends seamlessly into the cream. Lastly, take your time when folding the gelatin into the whipped cream to keep that lovely light texture. Happy baking!
Variations of Strawberry Charlotte Russe
One of the best things about Strawberry Charlotte Russe is how easily it adapts to your taste! Want to switch things up? Try using other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a delightful twist. You can also play with the flavors of the cream—add a splash of almond extract for a nutty touch or fold in some cocoa powder for a chocolatey variation. Feeling adventurous? Mix in a bit of lemon or orange zest for a citrusy brightness! The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), simply cover your Strawberry Charlotte Russe with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but it’ll still taste lovely chilled! Now, if you want to freeze it, you can absolutely do that! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and it should last up to a month in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No reheating needed—just slice and serve straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using. Fresh strawberries are great, but frozen can work in a pinch.
What can I substitute for ladyfingers? If you can’t find ladyfingers, sponge cake works perfectly! Just cut it into strips and use them in the same way.
How long can I store the Charlotte Russe? It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, it might lose some of its freshness, but it’s still safe to eat!
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes! This dessert is perfect for making a day in advance, and it actually tastes better after chilling overnight.
Is there a non-dairy option? You can use coconut cream as a substitute for heavy cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free version. Just make sure it’s chilled for the best results!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of strawberries, you can visit Healthline.
To learn more about the history of Charlotte Russe, check out The Spruce Eats.
Print
Strawberry Charlotte Russe: 7 Steps to Delightful Bliss
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Charlotte Russe is a light dessert made with a creamy filling and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 12 ladyfinger cookies
- 1 tablespoon of gelatin
- 1/4 cup of water
Instructions
- Prepare the gelatin by dissolving it in water.
- Whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Fold in the dissolved gelatin.
- Line a mold with ladyfinger cookies.
- Pour the cream mixture into the mold.
- Add sliced strawberries on top of the cream.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Unmold and serve with additional strawberries.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for better flavor.
- Adjust sugar according to your taste.
- You can substitute ladyfingers with sponge cake if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: strawberry charlotte russe, dessert, strawberries, cream, ladyfingers
