If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite, this Strawberry Charlotte Recipe will become your new go-to. Imagine layers of tender lady finger cookies hugging a dreamy, fluffy cheesecake filling, bursting with vibrant fresh strawberries and just a touch of sweet strawberry jam. It’s a stunning, fresh, and luscious treat that’s perfect for springtime gatherings, afternoon teas, or simply spoiling yourself. This recipe blends textures and flavors so beautifully you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and one small white square dish arranged on a white marbled surface. The bowls contain different ingredients: white powder that looks like sugar or cornstarch, a smooth white cream, white soft cheese grouped in chunks, and red strawberry jam with visible fruit pieces. The square dish holds fresh strawberries with green leaves. There is also a small, dark bottle with a blue cap, and a clear glass bowl filled with light yellow ladyfinger biscuits standing on their side. The overall arrangement is neat, and the colors contrast well with the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Strawberry Charlotte Recipe relies on simple but crucial ingredients that come together to create a wonderfully refreshing and creamy dessert. Each item is chosen for its role in building the perfect balance between lightness, sweetness, and that irresistible fruity pop of fresh strawberries.

Lady finger cookies (2 boxes, 7oz each): These act as the delicate, spongy shell that encases the dessert and provide the classic Charlotte structure.
Fresh strawberries (1 pound plus extra for topping): The star of the dish, adding juicy, natural sweetness and a bright red color that makes this dessert irresistible.
Cool Whip (16-ounce tub): Adds airy fluff and lightness to the cream filling, giving the Charlotte its smooth texture.
Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 ounces each, softened): Provides rich, tangy depth and creaminess to the filling.
Heavy whipping cream (⅓ cup): Helps achieve a silky, fluffy consistency in the cream mixture.
Cheesecake flavor pudding (3-ounce package): Enhances the cheesecake flavor while thickening the filling nicely.
Icing sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture subtly without overpowering the fresh fruit.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and complexity to the creamy filling.
Strawberry jam or preserves (¼ cup): Used to glaze the strawberries and add concentrated fruit sweetness that ties all the layers together.

How to Make Strawberry Charlotte Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Lady Fingers

Start by lining the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper. Next, stand the lady finger cookies upright around the inside edge of the pan to form a sturdy wall. This classic presentation not only looks stunning but also keeps the filling neatly contained. Then, crumble or chop about six lady fingers and scatter those crumbs across the bottom to create a solid base layer that supports the standing cookies. This foundation is essential for the Charlotte’s signature look and texture.

Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a stand mixer bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy whipping cream, and cheesecake pudding mix. Whisk these together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully blended. Then fold in the Cool Whip to bring a smooth, airy consistency. This luscious cream cheese filling is the heart of the Strawberry Charlotte Recipe, balancing tanginess and sweetness perfectly.

Step 3: Layer the First Cream Cheese Mixture and Freeze

Divide the cream cheese mixture into two equal parts. Spread half of it over the cookie crumb bottom inside the pan. Because of the crumbly base, using a piping bag for this step makes spreading the mixture easier and cleaner, helping you achieve an even layer. After that, pop the pan in the freezer to let this layer set firmly while you chill the remaining cream cheese mixture in the fridge for later use.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Layer

Wash your strawberries well in cold water, then hull and slice about half of them. Toss these sliced berries into a bowl with the strawberry jam, stirring gently until the jam coats the fruit. This glossy, jam-kissed strawberry layer ensures the fruit stays moist and flavorful, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Step 5: Build the Middle Layers

Take the pan out of the freezer and spread half of the jam-coated sliced strawberries evenly over the frozen cream cheese layer. Next, add a layer of more lady finger crumbs on top of the berries—this adds texture and helps support the next layer of cream cheese. Spread the second half of the cream cheese mixture over the crumbs, making sure to create a smooth, even layer.

Step 6: Top with Fresh Strawberries and Chill

Arrange the remaining fresh strawberries on top of the final cream cheese layer. It’s best not to freeze this top berry layer; instead, add them fresh right before serving to keep them juicy and pretty. Place the entire Charlotte back into the freezer for one hour to help everything set nicely. When ready to serve, move the pan to the refrigerator and let it chill until you’re ready to slice and enjoy.

How to Serve Strawberry Charlotte Recipe

The image shows a white plate with a layered dessert. The outer layer is made of tall, light beige ladyfinger cookies standing side by side in a circle, creating a border. Inside, there is a thick layer of fresh red strawberries, some whole with green leaves and some cut in halves, filling the center and rising slightly above the cookie border. The strawberries have a shiny, juicy texture and vibrant red color. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the beauty and flavor of your Strawberry Charlotte Recipe, consider garnishing with a few fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. Adding a few whole strawberries on the plate or a drizzle of extra strawberry jam gives a fresh, appetizing finish that welcomes everyone to dive in.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a light cup of tea or a crisp sparkling wine to balance the richness of the cream cheese filling. Fresh fruit salads or a simple bowl of mixed berries complement the Charlotte without overshadowing its delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try removing the springform ring before serving to show off the perfect circle of lady fingers. You can also pipe additional whipped cream rosettes around the edges or add a drizzle of melted white chocolate to make the presentation pop even more. Serving slices on individual glass dessert plates lets the layers shine through beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Strawberry Charlotte Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the dessert at your leisure without losing any of its creamy charm.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully assembled Charlotte for up to one month by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To preserve the best texture, add the fresh strawberries on top only after thawing to prevent them from becoming mushy. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating. Simply allow frozen slices to thaw in the refrigerator so the flavors marry perfectly and the texture remains light and fluffy as originally intended.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if fresh are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid making the dessert soggy.

What can I substitute for Cool Whip?

If you prefer a homemade touch, you can substitute Cool Whip with fresh whipped cream folded into the cream cheese mixture for a natural flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the lady fingers from getting soggy?

Standing the lady fingers upright and layering them with a crumb base helps maintain structure. Keeping the Charlotte chilled and serving it within a few days also helps preserve the cookies’ texture.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free lady finger cookies or substitute with gluten-free sponge cake strips to keep things delicious while accommodating dietary needs.

Is it necessary to use a springform pan?

A springform pan makes assembly and removal easy and keeps the delicate layers intact. You can try another pan, but it may be trickier to release the Charlotte without damaging its shape.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Strawberry Charlotte Recipe that makes it stand out from the crowd. It’s elegant yet approachable, bursting with fresh strawberry goodness and creamy cheesecake flavor wrapped in a pretty cookie crust. I can’t wait for you to try it and find yourself reaching for seconds because every bite truly feels like a little moment of joy. Trust me, once you make it, it will be a dessert you cherish and share over and over with loved ones!