Chocolate Charlotte is a delightful dessert that traces its origins back to the 18th century. The dish is named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III of England, who was renowned for her love of chocolate. The original Charlotte was a cake made with sponge fingers or ladyfingers, layered with a chocolate mousse or custard filling, and then chilled to perfection. Over time, the recipe has evolved, and various versions of this luscious dessert have emerged.
The flavor profile of a Chocolate Charlotte is rich, decadent, and deeply chocolaty. The combination of soft sponge fingers or ladyfingers with the velvety chocolate mousse creates a harmonious balance between the airy texture and the intense cocoa taste. Depending on the recipe, some variations might include a hint of coffee or liqueur to enhance the chocolatey notes further. It’s a treat that appeals to chocolate enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike, offering a luxurious and indulgent experience.
Throughout the years, Chocolate Charlotte has garnered popularity worldwide as a classic dessert option for special occasions and celebrations. Its elegant presentation and sumptuous taste make it a favorite among those looking to impress guests with a delightful after-dinner treat. It has found its place in various culinary traditions, and each region may have its own unique twist on the classic recipe, incorporating local flavors and ingredients.
When served, Chocolate Charlotte is typically presented as a stunning layered cake or pudding-like dessert. The sponge fingers or ladyfingers form the outer layer, beautifully framing the creamy chocolate mousse or custard filling. Some recipes also call for a smooth chocolate ganache topping, adding an extra layer of richness and appeal. It can be garnished with grated chocolate, cocoa powder, or fresh berries, adding a touch of elegance to the final presentation. Whether served at a formal gathering or an intimate dinner, Chocolate Charlotte is sure to captivate everyone’s taste buds and leave them with sweet memories of this timeless delight.
Chocolate Charlotte
Ingredients
- 10 Oz ladyfingers sponge fingers
- 1 Cup heavy cream
- 10 Oz semi-sweet chocolate finely chopped
- ½ Cup granulated sugar
- ¼ Cup water
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 Cups whipped cream for filling
- ½ Cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tsp pure vanilla extract
- Chocolate curls or shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with ladyfingers, ensuring they cover the entire surface.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become pale. Gradually pour the sugar syrup into the egg yolks while whisking continuously to create a smooth mixture.
- Slowly add the egg yolk mixture to the melted chocolate, stirring constantly until well combined.
- Whip the 2 cups of cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until you have a smooth and creamy mousse.
- Pour the chocolate mousse into the prepared springform pan over the ladyfingers, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the Charlotte to set.
- Before serving, remove the springform pan’s sides and garnish the top of the Charlotte with chocolate curls or shavings.
