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If you are looking for a dessert that combines elegance, simplicity and an irresistible flavor, a Charlotte Cake is the ideal choice. This European classic, also known as Charlotte, is perfect for any special occasion, and its version with eggnog gives it a Christmas touch that everyone will love.
Today we show you how to prepare a 18 cm Charlotte Cake, with a perfect balance between texture, sweetness and creaminess. Plus, we'll give you some useful tips to make it perfect!
Ingredients
For a 18cm diameter ring you will need:
35 Ladyfingers (also called vanilla biscuits).
Liquid milk to moisten the ladyfingers (quantity needed).
500 ml Whipping cream (35% fat, equivalent to 2 cups).
100 g Icing sugar (3/4 cup).
120 ml Cream punch (1/2 cup, you can substitute with Baileys or leave it out if you prefer a non-alcoholic version).
450 g Cream cheese (approximately 2 cups, at room temperature).
Optional:
Yellow food coloring (for a more festive touch).
Chantilly cream.
Decorative bow.
Christmas decorations (such as small figures, candied fruit or chocolate).
VIDEO RECIPE:
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by slightly cutting one end of 19 ladyfingers. This will allow them to stand upright around the cake ring without wobbling. Place them upright in a ring on the inside edge of the cake ring. Then, cover the bottom of the cake ring with more ladyfingers until it is completely covered. Moisten with a little milk, making sure not to soak them too much so that they do not lose their shape.
2. Prepare the Cream
In a large bowl, combine the whipping cream and powdered sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture begins to form soft peaks.
Add the cream cheese and the eggnog. Continue beating until all the ingredients are well combined and the texture is homogeneous. If you wish, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to give it a more striking tone.
3. Assemble the Cake
Add a generous layer of cream over the ladyfingers. Briefly soak some ladyfingers in milk and place on top of the cream. Make sure to cover each layer well.
Repeat this layering process (ladyfingers and cream) until the cake ring is completely filled. The final layer should be cream.
4. Refrigerate
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, although overnight is ideal. This will allow the flavors to meld and the texture to become compact.
5. Decorate and Serve
Before serving, decorate the cake with a bow around it for an elegant touch. You can add whipped cream, Christmas decorations, candied fruit or grated chocolate to enhance its appearance.
Preparation: 30 minutes.
Refrigeration: Minimum 8 hours (or overnight).
Decoration: 20 minutes.
Useful Tips
Choose good ingredients: The quality of the whipping cream, cream cheese and ladyfingers will directly influence the result. Invest in good products to obtain an exceptional dessert.
Avoid over-soaking the ladyfingers: Soak them quickly in the milk to maintain their texture and structure.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter or less sweet dessert, you can adjust the amount of icing sugar to your taste.
Non-alcoholic alternative: If you don't want to use eggnog, substitute it with condensed milk or baileys or simply omit it. The cream will still be delicious.
Chilling time: Don't skip this step. The cake needs time for the flavours to blend and the structure to firm up.
Creative decorations: Add a personal touch with themed decorations. If it's for Christmas, use red and green; if it's for another occasion, adapt the details to your preference.
A Dessert That Everyone Loves
A Charlotte Cake is the perfect combination of ease and sophistication. Its creamy texture and delicate flavour make it an ideal choice for any celebration. Prepare it, share it with your loved ones and enjoy a sweet and unforgettable moment.
Don't forget to share this recipe and leave your comments on how it turned out! Happy holidays and bon appetit!
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