Charlotte Aux Fraises Recipe Strawberry Cake with Creamy Layers

Name: Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake
Prep time: 17 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 17 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: – 6 large eggs (50-60 grams each, separated); – 150 grams granulated sugar; – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; – 240 grams all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); – 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; – Additional granulated sugar for topping; – 240 milliliters whole milk; – 4 large egg yolks (room temperature); – 100 grams granulated sugar; – 28 grams salted butter (room temperature); – 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste; – 9 grams unflavored gelatin dissolved in 30 milliliters cold water; – 40 grams powdered sugar (spooned and leveled); – 360 milliliters heavy whipping cream (cold); – 1.5 pounds fresh strawberries (diced); – 25 grams granulated sugar; – 45-60 milliliters elderflower liqueur (or lemon juice); – 30 grams powdered sugar; – Tiny pinch of salt; – 240 milliliters heavy whipping cream (cold); – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste; – Whole strawberries for topping

By:

Thyme Louise

Published:

August 17, 2025

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake

Imagine sinking your fork into a light, airy dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with creamy layers, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. This Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake is impressively easy to put together, with simple steps that won’t overwhelm busy bakers like you. You’ll appreciate how the fresh ingredients shine through, creating a delightful balance of flavors that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Beyond its taste, this cake offers health benefits from the star ingredient: fresh strawberries, which are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that support your daily wellness. It’s versatile too, adapting to different dietary needs while keeping things fun and approachable in the kitchen. Whether you’re a home cook experimenting with new recipes or a baking enthusiast hosting a gathering, this dessert will quickly become a favorite for its light texture and vibrant appeal.

One of the best parts is how straightforward the preparation is, fitting perfectly into your routine without requiring fancy tools or hours of effort. This means more time enjoying the cake with family and friends. Plus, with options to tweak it for various preferences, it’s a recipe that grows with you as you gain confidence in baking.

Key Reasons to Try It

Ease of preparation: Whip up this Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake in steps that are quick and simple, ideal for busy parents or working professionals looking for a hassle-free dessert.
Health benefits: Loaded with fresh strawberries, it provides essential vitamins and a light creaminess that makes it a smarter choice for diet-conscious individuals.
Versatility: Easily adapt it for vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie versions, so everyone from students to seniors can enjoy this delightful treat.
Distinctive flavor: The fresh strawberry and cream combination sets it apart, offering a unique taste that appeals to food enthusiasts and party hosts alike.

This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings people together, turning ordinary moments into special ones with its elegant yet simple presentation.

Essential Ingredients for Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake

Creating a Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake starts with gathering the right ingredients, ensuring everything comes together perfectly for that creamy, fruity bliss. Let’s break down the essentials based on the key components of this recipe. Using precise measurements is crucial for the best results, as it helps maintain the cake’s airy texture and balanced flavors.

Lady Fingers Ingredients

6 large eggs (50-60 grams each, separated)
150 grams granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
240 grams all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Additional granulated sugar for topping

Bavarian Cream Ingredients

240 milliliters whole milk
4 large egg yolks (room temperature)
100 grams granulated sugar
28 grams salted butter (room temperature)
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
9 grams unflavored gelatin dissolved in 30 milliliters cold water
40 grams powdered sugar (spooned and leveled)
360 milliliters heavy whipping cream (cold)

Strawberry Filling Ingredients

1.5 pounds fresh strawberries (diced)
25 grams granulated sugar
45-60 milliliters elderflower liqueur (or lemon juice)

Whipped Cream Ingredients

30 grams powdered sugar
Tiny pinch of salt
240 milliliters heavy whipping cream (cold)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
Whole strawberries for topping

These ingredients form the foundation of your Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake, with each one playing a specific role in texture and taste. For special dietary options, you can swap heavy cream for coconut cream in vegan versions or use gluten-free flour in the lady fingers to meet various needs.

Ingredient Category	Key Items	Special Notes
Lady Fingers	Eggs, sugar, flour	Sift flour for best texture
Bavarian Cream	Milk, egg yolks, cream	Chill for smoothness
Strawberry Filling	Strawberries, sugar, liqueur	Fresh is best for flavor
Whipped Cream	Cream, powdered sugar	Whip to soft peaks

This structured list ensures you have everything measured out clearly, making your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

How to Prepare the Perfect Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with your Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake is all about following a clear, step-by-step process that builds confidence in the kitchen. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your pans, which sets the stage for baking the lady fingers and cake layer just right. Separate the egg whites and yolks from the 6 large eggs, as this helps create that light, airy texture everyone loves.

Preparing the Lady Fingers and Cake Base

Beat the egg whites with 150 grams of granulated sugar until they form stiff peaks, then gently fold in the egg yolks and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Sift 240 grams of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt into the mixture, combining carefully to keep the batter fluffy. Pipe the batter into an 8-inch pan for the cake layer and onto a cookie sheet for the lady fingers, sprinkle with additional granulated sugar, and bake the lady fingers for 10-12 minutes while the cake layer bakes for about 18 minutes.

Once baked, let them cool so they hold their shape perfectly.

Making the Bavarian Cream

Heat 240 milliliters of whole milk until it’s simmering, then whisk 4 large egg yolks with 100 grams of granulated sugar. Temper the egg mixture with the hot milk, cook until it thickens slightly, and remove from heat before stirring in the dissolved gelatin and 28 grams of salted butter. Chill this custard, then fold in the whipped 360 milliliters of heavy whipping cream for a silky finish.

This step is key to achieving that creamy layer you’ll adore. For more on the benefits of ingredients like heavy cream, check out this guide on heavy cream nutrition.

Assembling the Cake

Prepare the strawberry filling by dicing 1.5 pounds of fresh strawberries and mixing them with 25 grams of granulated sugar and 45-60 milliliters of elderflower liqueur or lemon juice. In a 9-inch pan, place the baked cake layer, drizzle with strawberry juice, arrange the lady fingers around the edge, and layer with strawberries and Bavarian cream. Add another layer of lady fingers, strawberries, and cream, then chill for at least 8 hours to set.

Before serving, top with whipped cream made from 240 milliliters of heavy whipping cream, 30 grams of powdered sugar, a tiny pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or paste, garnished with whole strawberries. The total time includes 1 hour prep, 25 minutes cook, and 16 hours chilling, yielding 12 slices. For similar recipes, you might enjoy our easy dessert recipes on the blog.

This guide adapts easily for dietary preferences, like using plant-based substitutes as mentioned earlier.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake

One of the joys of this Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake is how customizable it is, allowing you to tweak it for different needs without losing that delicious charm. For instance, replace heavy cream with coconut or almond-based creams to make it vegan or suitable for those with lactose intolerance. If gluten is a concern, swap the all-purpose flour in lady fingers with a gluten-free alternative to keep the structure intact.

You can also introduce fresh herbs like mint or basil for a burst of aroma, or switch strawberry syrup with raspberry sauce for a new twist. Adjusting sweetness with natural options like agave helps cater to low-calorie diets, making this recipe flexible for everyone from busy parents to health-focused travelers.

Protein alternatives: Use plant-based creams for a dairy-free option.
Seasoning modifications: Add herbs like basil for extra freshness.
Sweetener swaps: Opt for stevia to reduce calories.

Mastering Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake to the next level involves some pro techniques, like using tempered gelatin for a smooth cream layer and chilling molds before assembly. You can experiment with flavors by adding lemon zest to the cream or including crushed pistachios for added texture. Presentation is key, so try serving with decorative strawberry slices and mint sprigs for an eye-catching look.

If you’re planning ahead, assemble the cake a day in advance to let the flavors meld. Other fruits like mango or raspberry can substitute in the filling for variety. Always handle the batter gently to preserve its airiness, and remember that fresh lady fingers work best, though store-bought ones can be dipped in syrup if needed.

How to Store Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake: Best Practices

Keeping your Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake fresh is simple with the right storage methods. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve its creamy texture. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to one month, thawing overnight in the fridge before serving.

Refrigeration tips: Always cover to avoid drying out.
Freezing advice: Use plastic wrap for extra protection.
Meal prep ideas: Portion into containers for easy access.

Nutritional info per slice includes 468 calories, 53g carbs, and more, making it a balanced choice.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake

How do I know when ladyfingers are perfectly baked for a Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake?

Ladyfingers are done when they turn a light golden color and no longer appear wet on the surface. To check, gently press your finger on a ladyfinger; it should feel firm but not hard. If your fingerprint stays indented, bake for a few more minutes. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent collapse. This ensures the ladyfingers have the right texture to soak up cream without becoming soggy.

Can I make a plant-based version of Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe to be plant-based by using dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and coconut or soy-based heavy cream alternatives. Ladyfingers typically contain eggs, so you can try a vegan ladyfinger recipe that uses aquafaba (chickpea water) as an egg substitute. This approach helps maintain structure and flavor while keeping the cake plant-based.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

You can make the cake gluten-free by substituting regular flour in ladyfingers with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. While this substitution often works, results may vary depending on the brand and blend used. For best outcomes, choose a gluten-free flour that contains xanthan gum or added binding agents to maintain the ladyfingers’ delicate texture.

Can I use a different pan size to assemble the Strawberries Cream Charlotte Cake?

Yes, the cake is flexible in terms of assembly. While a 9-inch springform pan is common, you can use an 8-inch pan for a slightly smaller cake or a trifle dish for individual servings. For pans larger than 9 inches, such as 10-inch or 9×13 inch pans, consider increasing the recipe by 1.5 times to have enough ladyfingers, cream, and strawberries.

What can I do with leftover egg whites from making ladyfingers?

Leftover egg whites can be whipped into meringue and used as a delicious topping for your cake. Alternatively, you can make pavlova or macarons, or freeze egg whites in ice cube trays for up to several months. This way, you avoid waste and have ready egg whites for future baking projects.

Charlotte Aux Fraises Recipe Strawberry Cake with Creamy Layers