Mascarpone Charlotte

Mascarpone Charlotte – An elegant treat for special moments

If you are looking for a dessert recipe that will impress and delight the taste buds, Mascarpone Charlotte is the perfect choice. This elegant cake, with layers of chocolate and mascarpone cream, combines fine textures and refined flavors, bringing a touch of magic to every slice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Total: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

*For the cake base*:
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 1 cup flour (approximately 130 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted (approximately 120 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for simple syrup)
- 2 tablespoons water (for simple syrup)

*For the filling*:
- 100 g white chocolate, chopped
- 100 g milk chocolate, chopped
- 3 egg yolks
- 2/3 cup sugar (approximately 130 g)
- 1/2 cup cognac (approximately 120 ml)
- 3 tablespoons white wine (approximately 45 ml)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (approximately 250 g)
- 1 cup nuts, ground or sliced almonds, lightly toasted

Tips for ingredients:
- Choose fresh eggs for a light and fluffy cake base.
- Use quality chocolate for the filling, as it will influence the final flavor of the cake.
- The mascarpone cheese should be at room temperature for easier incorporation into the mixture.

A bit of history:
Charlotte is a dessert with a rich tradition, named after Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. Its origins can be traced back to France, where it was created to utilize bread in sweet preparations. In our version, we blend tradition with modern ingredients, creating a true culinary masterpiece.

Preparing the cake base:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place a baking sheet in a 23 cm round pan. It is essential not to grease the bottom or sides to allow the cake to release easily after baking.
2. Place the eggs in their shells in a bowl of hot water. This step helps achieve a texture that is easy to beat.
3. Beat the eggs with a mixer on high speed, gradually adding the sugar. Continue mixing for about 15 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and nearly triples in volume.
4. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl. At low speed, incorporate the flour mixture into the eggs, mixing for 30 seconds.
5. In another bowl, mix the melted butter with the vanilla extract and add it to the egg mixture, gently stirring.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes, checking if the cake springs back when touched. Let it cool completely.
7. Once cooled, slice the cake horizontally in half, keeping the top part for later use (it can be frozen for another recipe).

Preparing the filling:
1. Start by melting the white chocolate and milk chocolate in separate bowls. Choose a heat-resistant container and you can heat them in a double boiler to avoid burning the chocolate.
2. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar, cognac, and white wine. Place the bowl over a pot of hot water and stir until the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Divide the yolk mixture between the two bowls of chocolate. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.
4. Add the mascarpone cheese to both bowls, stirring gently. If the mixture does not become soft and glossy, you can place it back over the double boiler and continue mixing.
5. Spoon dollops of the white chocolate filling onto the cake base, then repeat with the milk chocolate, filling all the empty spaces. Using a metal stick, gently swirl the two colors to achieve a marbled effect.
6. Cover the cake and let it cool for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator.

Assembling the cake:
1. After the cake has cooled, remove the pan and baking sheet. Arrange the nuts or toasted almonds around the edges of the cake, adding a crunchy note.
2. Keep the cake in the refrigerator, lightly wrapped in plastic wrap, until serving.

Serving suggestions:
For an extra touch of elegance, serve Mascarpone Charlotte with a berry sauce or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. This dessert pairs perfectly with a sweet white wine or an espresso, turning each portion into a true culinary experience.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of chocolate? Absolutely! You can experiment with dark chocolate or caramel-flavored chocolate for a personalized version.
- How can I adapt the recipe to be gluten-free? Substitute wheat flour with gluten-free flour, ensuring all ingredients are properly labeled.

Nutritional benefits:
Mascarpone Charlotte is a calorie-rich dessert, but it also offers nutritional benefits, thanks to the mascarpone cheese which contains healthy fats and proteins. Consumed in moderation, this dessert can enhance mood and be a perfect delicacy for special occasions.

In conclusion, Mascarpone Charlotte is more than just a dessert – it is an experience! With delicate textures and refined flavors, it is perfect for serving at celebrations or gatherings with loved ones. I wish you much success in preparing this delight and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!