Description
This elegant Lemon Charlotte Cake features a light and refreshing lemon filling encased in delicate ladyfingers. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful afternoon treat, itβs a stunning dessert that will impress your guests!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4β5 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ΒΎ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Β½ cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
For the Charlotte Cake:
- 1 package ladyfingers (about 24)
- Β½ cup lemon syrup or juice (to lightly soak the ladyfingers)
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh flowers (daisies or edible flowers)
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Lemon Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth.
- Transfer the lemon filling to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.
- Once cooled, fold in the whipped cream to create a light, mousse-like filling.
Prepare the Charlotte Cake:
- Lightly dip the ladyfingers in lemon syrup or lemon juice to soften them slightly.
- Line the sides of a 6-inch springform pan (or any round mold) with the ladyfingers, standing them upright with the sugared side facing out.
- Line the bottom of the pan with more ladyfingers, trimming as needed to fit.
Assemble the Charlotte Cake:
- Spoon the lemon filling into the center of the ladyfinger-lined pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once set, carefully remove the cake from the springform pan.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices and edible flowers for a beautiful finish.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, for an extra touch of elegance.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Ensure the lemon filling cools completely before folding in the whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilled dessert
- Cuisine: french
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg