Charlotte

A charlotte is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed either hot or cold, often referred to as an "icebox cake." This treat typically features a mold lined with bread, sponge cake, or cookies and filled with luscious layers of fruit purée, custard, or other delectable fillings. Traditionally, stale bread dipped in butter was used for the lining, but nowadays, sponge cake or ladyfingers are popular choices. Occasionally, a layer of gelatin is added to the filling for extra texture.

There are many types of charlottes, with fruit charlottes being especially popular during warmer months. These often combine fresh fruit with custard or whipped cream. Other variations might include custard, Bavarian cream, mousse, or citrus curd as the filling. One well-known version is the Russian Charlotte, or Charlotte russe, a cold dessert featuring Bavarian cream encased in a mold lined with ladyfingers. This particular version is named after Princess Charlotte and Tsar Alexander I.

Charlotte cakes come in a variety of flavors, such as strawberry, mango, and chocolate, making them versatile enough to suit any palate. The origin of the name "charlotte" is somewhat mysterious, with theories suggesting links to Old English, 15th-century meat dishes, Queen Charlotte, or Charlotte of Prussia.