Description
Strawberry Charlotte is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of lady finger cookies, a creamy cheesecake-flavored filling, and fresh strawberries. Chilled to perfection, this elegant treat combines smooth cream cheese mixture with the natural sweetness of strawberries and a hint of strawberry jam, making it perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 boxes lady finger cookies (7 oz box each)
- About 6 lady fingers, crumbled (from the boxes)
Filling
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup icing or powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (3-ounce) package cheesecake flavor pudding mix
- 1 (16-ounce) tub Cool Whip
Fruit and Topping
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, plus more for topping
- ¼ cup strawberry jam or preserves
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper. Stand lady finger cookies upright around the inside edge of the pan to form a border. Crumble or chop about 6 lady fingers and sprinkle the crumbles evenly across the bottom of the pan to support the cookie border.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy whipping cream, and cheesecake pudding mix. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the Cool Whip and continue mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Layer the First Cream Cheese Mixture: Divide the cream cheese filling in half. Spread half of the mixture evenly over the lady finger crumbs at the bottom of the prepared pan. It’s recommended to use a piping bag for even spreading, because the crumbles can make spreading tricky with a knife or spatula. Place the pan in the freezer at this stage, and refrigerate the remaining cream cheese mixture.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly with cold water. Remove the stems from half of the berries and slice them. Place these sliced berries in a bowl and stir in the strawberry jam until well coated.
- Add Strawberry Layer: Remove the pan from the freezer and evenly spread half of the sliced berry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Add Cookie Crumble Layer: Sprinkle a layer of crumbled lady finger cookies over the strawberry layer to add texture and separation.
- Layer Remaining Cream Cheese Mixture and Strawberries: Spread the remaining half of the cream cheese filling evenly over the cookie crumbles. Top with the remaining sliced strawberries (reserve these topping berries to add fresh just before serving).
- Chill the Dessert: Return the assembled pan to the freezer for 1 hour to firm up. It is advised not to freeze the top strawberry layer for long as they do not thaw well; add the final fresh berries right before serving instead.
- Serve: After chilling, transfer the dessert to the refrigerator until ready to slice and serve. For an extra touch, serve with sliced strawberries blended with some strawberry jam on top or on the side. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, fruity delight!
Notes
- Using a piping bag to spread the cream cheese mixture helps avoid issues with crumbly bottom layers.
- Do not freeze the top strawberry layer for extended periods; add fresh berries just before serving for best texture and flavor.
- This dessert requires refrigeration and some freezer time for setting, but it is a no-bake recipe.
- Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Strawberry jam can be substituted with preserves if preferred for a chunkier texture.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
