Charlotte with raspberry and chocolate

Raspberry and Chocolate Charlotte: a refined and flavorful dessert

If you are looking for a quick, elegant, and delicious dessert that will impress anyone, you have come to the right place. Raspberry and chocolate charlotte is a perfect choice for any occasion, from a romantic dinner to a party with friends. This dessert combines the creamy texture of the cream with the fresh taste of raspberries and the intensity of chocolate, creating a true symphony of flavors.

Moreover, the charlotte is a dessert with a rich history, appreciated over time for its elegant appearance and versatility. This recipe we will explore together is simple but has a remarkable visual and taste impact, making each serving a true culinary work of art.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: minimum 4 hours (ideally overnight)
Total time: approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

- 600 ml milk (I recommend using whole milk for a richer cream)
- 1 vanilla bean or vanilla extract
- 6 egg yolks (make sure the eggs are fresh)
- 175 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 200 g dark chocolate (choose a quality chocolate for an intense flavor)
- 10 g gelatin (or 1 sheet of gelatin, if you prefer)
- 250 g raspberries (fresh if in season or frozen at other times)
- 200 ml whipped cream (to achieve very fluffy whipped cream, use cream at room temperature)
- 25 ladyfingers (you can also use cocoa biscuits for an extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons raspberry or currant liqueur (optional, but recommended for an authentic taste)
- ½ packet of dark chocolate pudding powder (optional, to add an extra note of chocolate)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the raspberries: Start by carefully washing the raspberries under a stream of cold water, then let them drain. If you are using frozen raspberries, make sure to thaw them before use.

2. Vanilla cream: In a large bowl, mix the 6 egg yolks with 150 g sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale yellow. Gradually add 500 ml of milk, stirring continuously to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

3. Thickening the cream: Pour the mixture into a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes). If you chose to use pudding powder, add it now and continue stirring.

4. Hydrating the gelatin: Start by hydrating the gelatin in 100 ml of cold water, according to the instructions on the package. After a few minutes, it will become soft and ready to use.

5. Finalizing the cream: Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat. Add the vanilla bean (which you previously split and scraped the seeds from) or vanilla extract, the chocolate broken into small pieces (keeping some for decoration), and the hydrated gelatin. Mix well until everything is completely integrated and the chocolate has melted.

6. Incorporating the raspberries: After the cream has cooled slightly, add ¾ of the raspberries and gently mix to avoid crushing the fruit.

7. Preparing the mold: In a cake pan, line the bottom with ladyfingers. You can quickly dip them in a syrup made from 100 ml milk, 25 g sugar, and the raspberry or currant liqueur to soften them a bit.

8. Assembling the charlotte: Pour the chocolate and raspberry cream over the ladyfingers. Make sure it is evenly distributed. Cover the mold with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally, you should leave it overnight to set well.

9. Decorating: When you are ready to serve the charlotte, remove it from the fridge and decorate it with whipped cream, fresh raspberries, grated chocolate, and a few mint leaves. These details will add a truly festive touch.

Useful tips:

- If you want to achieve an even more aromatic charlotte, you can add lemon or orange zest to the chocolate cream.
- For a more intense flavor, you can replace the raspberry liqueur with chocolate liqueur or rum.
- Instead of raspberries, you can experiment with other berries, such as blackberries or strawberries, to diversify the recipe.

Nutritional benefits:

This raspberry and chocolate charlotte is not only delicious but also has nutritional benefits. Raspberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and fiber, making them an excellent ingredient for a healthy dessert. Dark chocolate, on the other hand, contains flavonoids that can contribute to heart health. However, considering the caloric content, it is best to enjoy this dessert in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can replace raspberries with other berries or even peaches or strawberries, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make this dessert without gelatin?
If you prefer a gelatin-free version, you can omit this ingredient, but the charlotte will not have the same consistency. An alternative would be to use agar-agar.

3. Can I prepare the charlotte a day before serving?
Yes, the charlotte keeps very well in the fridge, so it is ideal to be prepared a day before serving.

I hope you enjoy this raspberry and chocolate charlotte recipe as much as I enjoy making it! It is a dessert that will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and turn any meal into a special occasion. Bon appétit!