Charlotte with raspberry and chocolate

Raspberry and Chocolate Charlotte

If you're looking for a dessert that impresses with its elegant appearance but is also easy to make, then raspberry and chocolate charlotte is the perfect choice. This recipe combines the sweetness of the fruit with the richness of chocolate, resulting in a refined dessert ideal for any occasion. Whether you want to delight guests at a dinner or treat your family, the charlotte will surely be a success!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: at least 4 hours (ideally overnight)
Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 600 ml milk (for a smooth cream, use whole milk)
- 6 egg yolks (preferably fresh, for a more intense flavor)
- 175 g sugar (for the perfect sweetness, use fine sugar)
- 1 vanilla extract (a choice that will add flavor)
- 200 g dark chocolate (choose chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content)
- 10 g gelatin (gelatin will help the charlotte have a firm texture)
- 250 g raspberries (fresh or frozen, but fresh is recommended)
- 200 ml whipped cream (for a light topping)
- 25 ladyfingers (quality ones, for a delicious base)
- 2 tablespoons raspberry liqueur (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 1/2 packet chocolate pudding powder (optional, for a creamier consistency)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the raspberries: Start by carefully washing the raspberries, being careful not to crush them. Drain the raspberries on a kitchen towel or in a sieve. This will help remove excess water so that it does not dilute the cream.

2. Creating the cream base: In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks with 150 g of sugar until the mixture becomes homogeneous and light in color. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.

3. Thickening the cream: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cream begins to thicken. If you want to add extra texture, you can incorporate half of the packet of chocolate pudding powder at this point.

4. Hydrating the gelatin: In a small bowl, soak the gelatin in cold water (about 100 ml) for 5-10 minutes. It will become soft and easy to incorporate into the warm cream.

5. Flavoring the cream: Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the vanilla extract, broken dark chocolate pieces, and the hydrated gelatin. Gently stir until the chocolate melts completely and the ingredients are well combined.

6. Adding the raspberries: Let the cream cool slightly, then add 3/4 of the raspberries and gently mix to avoid crushing the fruit.

7. Preparing the mold: Use a charlotte mold or another similarly sized container. Line the inside with ladyfingers, which you can quickly soak in a syrup made from 100 ml of milk and 25 g of sugar, adding the raspberry liqueur for extra flavor.

8. Assembling the charlotte: Pour the raspberry and chocolate cream over the ladyfingers, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Cover with plastic wrap and place the charlotte in the refrigerator to set, ideally overnight.

9. Decorating: When serving, whip the cream until stiff and use it to decorate the charlotte. Add the remaining raspberries, a few fresh mint leaves, and grated chocolate for an elegant appearance.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to reduce sugar, you can use a natural sweetener, but make sure it behaves similarly to sugar in the recipe.
- Replace raspberries with other berries or tropical fruits like mango or peaches to vary the recipe.
- If you don't have gelatin, you can use agar-agar or pectin powder, but check the usage instructions as they may require adjustments.
- This charlotte can be served with warm chocolate sauce or fruit coulis for a wonderful contrast.

Nutritional benefits:
Raspberry and chocolate charlotte is not only a delicious dessert but also a source of nutrients. Raspberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, while dark chocolate contains flavonoids that are beneficial for health. Egg yolks add proteins and healthy fats, while whipped cream provides a creamy touch.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Yes, but note that the dessert will have a sweeter taste and a different texture.
- What is the best way to store the charlotte? Keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
- Can I make the charlotte without alcohol? Absolutely! You can omit the raspberry liqueur and use raspberry syrup or flavored water to soak the ladyfingers.

I hope you try this raspberry and chocolate charlotte recipe, and each bite will delight your senses! This elegant and easy-to-make dessert will bring a touch of sweetness to your life and transform any meal into a special occasion. Enjoy!