Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Charlotte Cake is a showstopper, both in appearance and taste. The combination of light, fluffy ladyfingers or sponge cake with a creamy filling and fresh strawberries creates a delightful dessert that is as refreshing as it is decadent. The sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the smooth filling, while the ladyfingers provide a delicate crunch around the cake. It’s an impressive yet simple dessert to make that will surely impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 package ladyfingers (about 24-30 pieces)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for brushing the ladyfingers)

For the Filling:

1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)

For the Strawberry Layer:

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar (for macerating the strawberries)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

For Garnish:

Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Additional fresh strawberries for decoration

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Ladyfingers:
- Lightly brush the ladyfingers with melted butter on one side. Arrange the ladyfingers around the sides of a 9-inch springform pan or a 9-inch round cake pan, with the buttered side facing out. Make sure to fit them snugly so they form a ring around the pan.
Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar and lemon juice (if using). Stir gently and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to release their juices and become slightly macerated.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Add the mascarpone cheese to the whipped cream and fold gently until fully combined. Add the lemon juice (if using) and mix gently.
Assemble the Charlotte Cake:
- Spread a thin layer of the mascarpone cream filling at the bottom of the pan (on top of the ladyfingers).
- Layer half of the macerated strawberries evenly over the cream.
- Add half of the remaining mascarpone cream filling on top of the strawberries.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining strawberries and the rest of the mascarpone cream filling.
Chill the Cake:
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to firm up.
Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
- Garnish the top of the cake with additional fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy this elegant and delicious strawberry dessert!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 8 servings. Preparation time is approximately 30-40 minutes, plus 4 hours of chilling time for the cake to set. Total time including chilling is about 4.5 hours.

Variations

Berry Mix: Add other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful twist on this classic dessert.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cake or between the layers for an indulgent, chocolatey version of this dessert.
Lemon Mascarpone Filling: Add lemon zest to the mascarpone filling for a citrusy kick that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
Non-Dairy Version: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free mascarpone alternative to make this cake dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Strawberry Charlotte Cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. This cake is best served chilled. It is not recommended to freeze the cake, as the texture of the filling and strawberries may change once thawed.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake actually improves after chilling for a few hours or overnight. It’s the perfect dessert to make ahead of time for a party or special event.

Can I use a different type of fruit?

Yes, you can substitute the strawberries for other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or even mangoes, depending on the season and your preferences.

Can I use whipped cream instead of mascarpone cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mascarpone with whipped cream cheese or even regular whipped cream if you prefer a lighter filling. However, mascarpone adds a rich, creamy texture that is characteristic of the traditional Charlotte cake.

Can I use a different type of pan?

Yes, if you don’t have a springform pan, you can use any round cake pan. Just make sure to line the inside with parchment paper to help with removal, or use a glass bowl to form a more dome-shaped cake.

How do I prevent the ladyfingers from becoming too soggy?

If you’re worried about the ladyfingers getting too soggy, you can lightly brush them with a bit of fruit juice (such as orange or strawberry juice) instead of using a lot of syrup, which will help them stay firm.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using gluten-free ladyfingers or sponge cake. Many stores offer gluten-free versions of ladyfingers that would work perfectly for this cake.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are ideal for this cake, but if you need to use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove any excess moisture.

Can I add a layer of jelly or jam?

Yes, you can add a thin layer of strawberry jam or fruit jelly between the layers for extra fruit flavor. Make sure the jelly is spread thinly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

Can I make this cake with other creams?

You can replace mascarpone with whipped cream or cream cheese if desired, though it will change the texture and flavor slightly. Mascarpone offers a rich, tangy note that pairs perfectly with the strawberries.

Can I decorate this cake with chocolate?

Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cake or decorate the sides with chocolate curls for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Strawberry Charlotte Cake is a beautiful and delicious dessert that is as light and refreshing as it is elegant. With its layers of fluffy ladyfingers, rich mascarpone filling, and fresh strawberries, this cake makes for a show-stopping treat for any special occasion. Whether served at a birthday party, holiday dinner, or just as a sweet indulgence, this cake will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.