Charlotte Russe: A Delicious Cherry Delight
Preparation Time: 10 hours
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 7
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: Gelatin-based Puddings
Description:
Charlotte Russe is a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds—smooth, creamy custard wrapped in a crisp biscuit layer, topped with a stunning jelly decoration. This dessert, perfect for any occasion, is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. It has a soft, silky interior filled with a combination of whipped cream, custard, and crunchy walnuts, contrasted by a flavorful, fruity cherry jelly topping. As the recipe’s name suggests, this treat is fit for royalty and will surely impress any guest at your next gathering.
This pudding recipe is based on an adaptation from Jyoti Nikunj Parekh’s cookbook. It’s easy to prepare, though it requires some time in the fridge to set perfectly. The vibrant cherry jelly layer on top adds a fresh and colorful touch, while the soft cream filling ensures the pudding melts in your mouth. Plus, it’s toddler-friendly and kid-approved, making it a versatile choice for family gatherings or special celebrations.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 85 ml |
| Sponge cake fingers (ladyfingers) | 16 pieces |
| Gelatin | 12 g |
| Milk | 2 cups (500 ml) |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla essence | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Walnuts, chopped | 3 tablespoons |
| Powdered sugar | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 261 kcal |
| Total Fat | 17.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 118.3 mg |
| Sodium | 80.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 7.9 g |
| Protein | 7.4 g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Jelly Layer
- Begin by dissolving the gelatin in 85 ml of water, following the packet instructions. Stir until fully dissolved and set aside to cool slightly.
- Once cooled, pour the jelly into a 6-inch round deep tin, creating a 1/2 inch layer. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until set.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Design
- Arrange cherries or cherry halves on top of the partially set jelly, creating a decorative pattern of your choice. Be creative and artistic!
- Pour a small amount of remaining jelly over the cherries to set them in place. Allow this layer to set in the fridge for another 30 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Base
- Trim the sponge cake fingers (ladyfingers) to fit snugly around the sides of the tin. Place them around the edge of the tin, ensuring they adhere to the jelly layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Custard Filling
- In a saucepan, dissolve gelatin in warm water and heat gently to dissolve. Once dissolved, remove from heat and set aside.
- In another saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and custard powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a smooth custard. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- Once the custard has cooled, add the dissolved gelatin, vanilla essence, and chopped walnuts. Mix thoroughly to combine.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Mixture
- In a separate bowl, whip the cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard mixture until fully combined, creating a smooth, airy cream filling.
Step 6: Assemble the Charlotte Russe
- Pour the custard and cream mixture into the prepared tin, directly over the jelly layer and sponge fingers. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Refrigerate the assembled Charlotte Russe for 3-4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to fully set.
Step 7: Serve the Charlotte Russe
- Once set, remove the Charlotte Russe from the fridge. To unmold, dip the bottom of the tin into warm water for a few seconds to loosen it.
- Carefully invert the tin onto a serving plate. The jelly and cherry pattern will now be visible on top, while the sponge fingers surround the creamy filling.
- Chop any remaining set jelly into small cubes and scatter them around the dessert for a finishing touch.
- Serve with your biggest smile, and enjoy this delicious, kid-friendly dessert!
Tips for Success:
- Gelatin Setting: Ensure that the jelly layers are completely set before proceeding with the next steps. This will help in achieving clear, well-defined layers.
- Whipping Cream: For the best texture, ensure that your cream is well-chilled before whipping. This will help it reach stiff peaks more easily.
- Chilled Ingredients: Work with chilled ingredients wherever possible (such as the custard) to keep the pudding layers stable.
- Decorative Touch: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a more personalized decoration, but cherries remain the traditional choice for this dessert.
Final Thoughts:
Charlotte Russe is a beautiful and delicious dessert that combines a variety of textures and flavors into one stunning dish. The contrast of the crisp sponge fingers, the rich creamy custard, and the bright, fruity jelly makes it a perfect treat for any special occasion or holiday. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or serving it for a more formal event, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and become a family favorite.
Enjoy making this elegant dessert at home, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones for an unforgettable culinary experience.
