Strawberry shortcake with whipped cream

Strawberry charlotte with whipped cream – an elegant, refreshing dessert full of flavors, perfect for any occasion. This recipe will take you on a culinary journey, bringing you joy and satisfaction every time you prepare it. Whether you choose to serve it at a festive dinner or simply want to treat your family, strawberry charlotte is the ideal choice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 5-6 hours (ideally overnight)
Total time: 6-7 hours
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- 400 g fresh strawberries
- 400 ml liquid cream
- 5-6 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- 4 sheets of gelatin
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 5 tablespoons water
- 200 ml water for syrup
- 1 shot of red vermouth (or red Martini)
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar for syrup
- Ladyfingers (enough to cover the bottom and sides of a 20-22 cm mold)
- For decoration: whipped cream and additional strawberries

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the syrup
Start by preparing the syrup. In a small saucepan, add 200 ml of water, the red vermouth, and 3-4 tablespoons of sugar. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Once the syrup has boiled, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the gelatin
While the syrup cools, take the 4 sheets of gelatin and soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes. Make sure they are completely covered with water to hydrate well.

Step 3: Preparing the strawberries
Wash the strawberries under a stream of cold water, then cut them in halves or quarters, depending on their size. Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor, add half of the sugar, and blend until you obtain a smooth puree.

Step 4: Whipping the cream
In a large bowl, whip the liquid cream with the remaining sugar until it becomes firm. It is important not to whip it too much, or it will turn into butter. Once the cream has reached the desired consistency, set it aside.

Step 5: Melting the gelatin
Remove the gelatin from the water, drain it well, and place it in a small saucepan along with the lemon juice and the 5 tablespoons of water. Set the saucepan over low heat and stir until the gelatin completely dissolves. It is essential not to boil it, as this will affect its gelling ability.

Step 6: Mixing the ingredients
Once the gelatin has melted, add it to the strawberry puree and mix well. Then, carefully fold the strawberry puree into the whipped cream, stirring with a spatula to maintain the airiness.

Step 7: Assembling the charlotte
Take a taller dish or a mold with a diameter of 20-22 cm and line it with plastic wrap. This will make it easier to remove the delicacy at the end. Dip each ladyfinger into the previously prepared syrup and arrange them on the walls and bottom of the mold, ensuring they are well covered.

Step 8: Assembling the charlotte
After covering the inside of the mold with ladyfingers, pour half of the strawberry and cream mixture. Then, add a layer of fresh strawberries (if desired, you can slice them for a nicer arrangement). Pour the remaining strawberry cream on top.

Step 9: Chilling
Cover the charlotte with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5-6 hours, but ideally, let it chill overnight. This will allow the gelatin to set and provide the perfect texture.

Step 10: Serving
When you are ready to serve, remove the charlotte from the refrigerator, peel off the plastic wrap, and carefully invert the dessert onto a flat plate. You can decorate with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, creating an attractive and appetizing appearance.

Helpful tips:
- Pay attention to the gelatin: This is essential for achieving the desired consistency. Make sure to dissolve it completely and do not boil it.
- Strawberries: Alternatively, you can use other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, to add a personal touch to your recipe.
- Variations: For a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the cream or strawberry mixture.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This strawberry charlotte is a relatively light dessert, having approximately 250 calories per serving, rich in vitamin C due to the strawberries. It is an excellent choice for a healthy snack, having a low-fat content thanks to the use of liquid cream.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use vegetarian gelatin? Yes, if you prefer a vegetarian option, you can opt for agar-agar instead of animal gelatin.
2. How can I adapt the recipe to make it sugar-free? You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.
3. Is it suitable for vegetarians? Yes, with the mention that you must use vegetarian gelatin to make it completely vegetarian.

Delicious combinations:
Strawberry charlotte pairs wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine or fresh lemonade, offering a perfect contrast between the sweetness of the dessert and the acidity of the drink. It can also be served alongside vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

In conclusion, strawberry charlotte with whipped cream is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will delight your senses. Each step is an opportunity to create and enjoy the moments spent in the kitchen. So, put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking!

 Ingredients: 400 g strawberries, 400 ml liquid cream, 5-6 tablespoons of sugar, 4 sheets of gelatin, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 5 tablespoons of water, ladyfingers, for syrup (200 ml water, 1 shot of red martini, 3-4 tablespoons of sugar), for decoration (cream, strawberries)

 Tags:  sarlota strawberries whipped cream