Strawberry Charlotte Cake

Name: Strawberry Charlotte Cake
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: PT-483421H30S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 32 vegan ladyfingers; 300 g (⅔ batch) vegan strawberry curd; 400 g (2 ½ cups) fresh strawberries, plus extra for topping; 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vegan butter; 400 g (14.11 oz) vegan cream cheese; 400 ml (13.5 oz) chilled coconut whipping cream; 60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar

Recipe By:

Martha

Posted:

February 15, 2025

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Charlotte Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that steals the show, the Strawberry Charlotte Cake is your answer. Imagine biting into layers of creamy strawberry goodness, with the freshness of ripe strawberries dancing on your palate. It’s not just a treat; it’s a gorgeous centerpiece that raises the bar at any gathering. Best of all? This delightful cake is made using simple, plant-based ingredients, making it both easy and accessible. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a cozy family gathering, or just want a sweet pick-me-up, this cake wraps every occasion in deliciousness. Let’s explore why this cake deserves a spot on your table!

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What is a Strawberry Charlotte Cake?

The Strawberry Charlotte Cake is a classic dessert that’s as elegant as it is tasty. Traditionally, it has layers of ladyfingers surrounding a rich mousse filled with fresh fruit. You could say it embodies the perfect summer dessert! Its roots can be traced back to French cuisine, where it showcases the art of dessert making.

Essentially, the cake consists of three key components: ladyfingers, a luscious strawberry mousse, and, of course, fresh strawberries. The ladyfingers provide a delightful spongey edge, while the strawberry mousse is smooth and creamy. This scrumptious combination creates a treat that’s light yet satisfying!

Ingredients for Strawberry Charlotte Cake

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for creating a showstopper of a cake. Lucky for you, they’re all plant-based and easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

32 vegan ladyfingers
300 g (⅔ batch) vegan strawberry curd
400 g (2 ½ cups) fresh strawberries, plus extra for topping
50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vegan butter
400 g (14.11 oz) vegan cream cheese
400 ml (13.5 oz) chilled coconut whipping cream
60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar

Now that we have all our ingredients, we can start creating this beautiful dessert together!

Preparation for Strawberry Charlotte Cake

Getting everything ready is a crucial part of the fun! Here’s how to prepare each component for your Strawberry Charlotte Cake.

Make the Strawberry Curd

First, let’s whip up some vegan strawberry curd. You can do this up to two days ahead, which makes your baking day much smoother. Start by simmering fresh strawberries with sugar until the strawberries release their juices. Then, blend everything to a smooth consistency, cook it down a bit longer, and finish it off with a splash of lemon juice for that zesty balance. Let it cool completely before storing it away in the fridge.

Prepare the Vegan Ladyfingers

Next up are the ladyfingers. You’ll want to prepare these a day in advance if possible. Beat a mix of aquafaba (the water from canned chickpeas) with sugar until it forms stiff peaks, then gently fold in a mixture of flour and cornstarch. Pipe them onto a baking sheet and bake until golden. Allow them to cool completely before stacking them in an airtight container.

Macerate the Strawberries

Now, let’s talk strawberries! Wash them well, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle a bit of sugar over them and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process will release their juices, making them even more delicious when layered in the cake.

As you prepare each component, the excitement really begins to build!

Assembling the Strawberry Charlotte Cake

Let’s layer it all together and create a masterpiece!

Prepare the Cake Pan

To start, grease an 8″ or 7″ springform cake pan with vegan butter. Then, line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. This will ensure that the cake comes out smoothly, a vital step for the overall presentation.

Whip the Filling

Take your chilled coconut whipping cream and vegan cream cheese and whip them together until light and fluffy. This dreamy filling creates a lovely contrast to the crispy ladyfingers.

Layer the Filling

Next, mix in the vegan strawberry curd and powdered sugar. The resulting mixture will be a delightful, fruity cream that’s ready to layer.

Create the Base

Now it’s time to get your ladyfingers involved! Take half of your prepared ladyfingers and process them into fine crumbs. Press the crumbs into the bottom of your cake pan. This forms a solid base for your glorious layers.

Arrange Layers

Start layering! First, arrange the soaked ladyfingers around the edge of the cake pan. Then, spoon in a layer of that luscious filling and sprinkle in the macerated strawberries. Repeat these layers, making sure to finish with the creamy filling on top.

Final Touches

Chill the Cake

Pop your cake in the fridge and let it chill for at least six hours, or overnight if you can wait! This chilling time is essential because it helps the cake set up beautifully.

Decorate with Fresh Strawberries

Once the waiting game is over, take the cake out. Decorate the top with fresh strawberries, arranging them how you like. This will give your cake that extra wow factor!

Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to serve your masterpiece, consider adding a drizzle of strawberry syrup or a dollop of whipped cream alongside each slice. Pairing this with herbal tea or sparkling water makes for a refreshing experience. Your guests will surely enjoy this delightful combination!

Tips for Success

Here are some quick tips to ensure that your Strawberry Charlotte Cake turns out perfectly:

Make sure your coconut cream is very chilled for the best volume.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor.
Don’t rush the chilling time; letting the cake sit will make it easier to slice.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? You can play with flavors to suit your taste. Swap out strawberries for other fruits, like peaches or raspberries, for a fun twist. You can even add a splash of vanilla extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor!

Pairing Ideas

To complement your Strawberry Charlotte Cake wonderfully, consider serving it with a light rosé, fruity cocktails, or even a berry-infused lemonade. These beverages enhance the cake’s fruity flavors beautifully!

Storage Tips

To keep your cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days. Just remember, it tastes best when enjoyed fresh!

FAQs

1. How long does it take to prepare the Strawberry Charlotte Cake?
It typically requires about 1 hour of preparation time, plus chilling time of at least 6 hours.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are best for flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if that’s what you have on hand. Just ensure they’re thawed and drained before use.

3. Is there a nut-free version of this cake?
Yes, substituting any nut-based ingredients with alternatives like sunflower seed butter or ensuring that the vegan options are nut-free can make it suitable.

4. What if I don’t have access to vegan ladyfingers?
You can substitute with other types of cookies or sponge cake that fit your dietary needs.

5. Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure that you use gluten-free ladyfingers or an alternative gluten-free base.

With its charming layers and delightful flavors, the Strawberry Charlotte Cake is bound to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. This cake is visually stunning and offers a refreshing combination of textures, making it a beloved dessert choice for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, wedding, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, this cake will surely win hearts and taste buds alike. Enjoy making and sharing this delectable treat!

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