When it comes to holiday desserts, few can rival the elegance and charm of a White Christmas Charlotte. With its layers of delicate savoiardi biscuits, creamy white chocolate filling, and vibrant raspberry topping, this dessert is a true centerpiece. Perfect for Christmas gatherings or any festive occasion, the White Christmas Charlotte is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Whether you’re looking to wow your guests or simply treat your family to something special, this no-bake dessert is a wonderful choice. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday menu.
Why White Christmas Charlotte Is Perfect for the Holidays
The holidays are a time for indulgence and celebration, and the White Christmas Charlotte captures that spirit perfectly. It’s light yet rich, combining the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of fresh raspberries. The fluffy cream layers and crunchy pistachio garnish add a delightful contrast in texture, while the savoiardi biscuits provide a sturdy base.
Not only does it taste incredible, but it also looks stunning on any table. Its snowy-white aesthetic, accented with pops of red from the raspberries, makes it ideal for festive occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or attending a potluck, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.
What Makes White Christmas Charlotte Unique?
- Elegant Presentation: The tall, layered structure creates a show-stopping centerpiece for your table.
- Contrasting Textures: The combination of creamy filling, soft biscuits, and crunchy pistachios offers a satisfying bite.
- Seasonal Appeal: With fresh raspberries and a snowy white theme, this dessert perfectly embodies the holiday season.
Ingredients for White Christmas Charlotte
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| For the Base and Layers | Savoiardi biscuits | 27 pieces |
| White chocolate, finely chopped | 360g (2 x 180g blocks) | |
| Thickened cream | 600ml + 300ml extra | |
| Eggs, separated | 2 | |
| Gelatine powder | 2 teaspoons | |
| Fresh raspberries | 2 x 125g punnets | |
| For the Decoration | Turkish delight, chopped | As desired |
| Mini white marshmallows | As desired | |
| Pistachio kernels, finely chopped | As desired |
Tools You’ll Need to Make White Christmas Charlotte
Gathering the right tools will make this dessert easy to assemble:
- A cake ring or springform pan (20cm diameter)
- Mixing bowls for whipping cream and eggs
- Electric mixer for achieving smooth textures
- Spatula for spreading and smoothing layers
- Saucepan for melting chocolate
Step-by-Step Instructions for White Christmas Charlotte
1. Prepare the Savoiardi Biscuit Base
- Arrange the savoiardi biscuits upright along the sides of the cake ring, ensuring they form a snug circle. Lay a layer of biscuits flat on the bottom to create the base.
- If needed, trim the biscuits slightly to ensure they fit perfectly.
2. Make the White Chocolate Cream
- Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the white chocolate over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Whip the Cream: Using an electric mixer, whip 600ml of thickened cream until soft peaks form. Refrigerate until needed.
- Prepare Gelatine: Dissolve 2 teaspoons of gelatine powder in 2 tablespoons of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Combine the Mixtures: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks, melted chocolate, and gelatine. Fold in the whipped cream gently to maintain a light, airy texture.
3. Assemble the Charlotte
- Spread a layer of the white chocolate cream over the biscuit base.
- Scatter a handful of fresh raspberries evenly over the cream.
- Repeat the layering process with more cream and raspberries until the cake ring is filled, finishing with a smooth cream layer on top.
4. Add Decorations
- Whip the additional 300ml of thickened cream and pipe decorative swirls around the edge of the charlotte.
- Top with chopped Turkish delight, mini white marshmallows, fresh raspberries, and pistachio kernels for a festive touch.
5. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the assembled charlotte for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Remove the cake ring gently, slice, and serve chilled.
Tips for Making the Perfect White Christmas Charlotte
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow ample time for the charlotte to set in the fridge. This ensures the layers stay intact when slicing.
- Balance Sweetness: If your white chocolate is very sweet, reduce the amount slightly or use less sugar in the cream.
- Even Layers: Use a spatula to spread the cream evenly for a polished look.
- Use Fresh Raspberries: Their natural tartness offsets the sweetness of the white chocolate beautifully.
Creative Variations for White Christmas Charlotte
- Dark Chocolate Twist: Substitute white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the cream for a zesty kick.
- Nut-Free Version: Replace pistachios with coconut flakes or omit nuts entirely for a simpler presentation.
Serving Suggestions for White Christmas Charlotte
Pair this dessert with beverages that complement its flavors:
- Hot Drinks: Serve with a steaming cup of peppermint hot chocolate or spiced chai tea.
- Chilled Options: A glass of sparkling wine or a festive cranberry mocktail enhances the holiday theme.
Nutritional Breakdown of White Christmas Charlotte
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (12 servings):
- Calories: ~340
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~6g
- Fat: ~20g
Frequently Asked Questions About White Christmas Charlotte
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the charlotte up to two days in advance. Store it in the fridge, covered, to keep it fresh.
What can I use instead of pistachios?
If you prefer, you can use chopped almonds, walnuts, or even candied pecans as a substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
What if I don’t have gelatine powder?
Agar-agar is a suitable substitute for gelatine. Follow the package instructions for the correct amount.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! Using dark chocolate will create a different flavor profile, but it will still taste delicious.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert
The White Christmas Charlotte is everything you need in a holiday dessert—elegant, delicious, and unforgettable. Its light and creamy layers, paired with the sweetness of white chocolate and tartness of raspberries, make it the perfect treat for festive occasions.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or attending a potluck, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. Ready to try your hand at making this show-stopping charlotte? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of a homemade masterpiece.
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White Christmas Charlotte: A Festive Dessert for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Bring holiday magic to your table with this White Christmas Charlotte! A stunning combination of savoiardi biscuits, creamy white chocolate layers, and vibrant raspberries, this no-bake dessert is as festive as it is delicious. Decorated with Turkish delight, marshmallows, and pistachios, it’s the perfect show-stopping centerpiece for any celebration.
Ingredients
For the Base and Layers:
- 27 savoiardi biscuits
- 360g white chocolate (2 x 180g blocks), finely chopped
- 600ml thickened cream (plus 300ml extra for decoration)
- 2 eggs, separated
- 2 teaspoons gelatine powder
- 2 x 125g punnets fresh raspberries
For the Decoration:
- Chopped Turkish delight
- Mini white marshmallows
- Finely chopped pistachio kernels
- Additional fresh raspberries
Instructions
1. Prepare the Savoiardi Biscuit Base:
- Line a 20cm cake ring or springform pan with parchment paper.
- Arrange savoiardi biscuits upright along the sides of the pan to form a neat circle.
- Lay a layer of biscuits flat on the bottom to create a base. If necessary, trim the biscuits to fit snugly.
2. Make the White Chocolate Cream:
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the white chocolate over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Whip the Cream: Using an electric mixer, whip 600ml of thickened cream until soft peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare Gelatine: Dissolve the gelatine powder in 2 tablespoons of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Combine Mixtures: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cooled white chocolate, and dissolved gelatine. Gently fold in the whipped cream to create a light, airy filling.
3. Assemble the Charlotte:
- Spread a layer of white chocolate cream over the savoiardi biscuit base.
- Scatter a handful of fresh raspberries evenly over the cream.
- Repeat the layering process with more cream and raspberries, finishing with a smooth layer of cream on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the charlotte to set fully.
4. Add Decorations:
- Whip the remaining 300ml of cream and pipe decorative swirls around the edges of the charlotte.
- Top with chopped Turkish delight, mini marshmallows, pistachio kernels, and additional raspberries for a festive touch.
5. Serve:
- Carefully remove the cake ring or springform pan, ensuring the upright biscuits stay in place. Slice the charlotte and serve chilled.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The White Christmas Charlotte can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated and add the decorations right before serving.
- Ingredient Substitutes: Use agar-agar instead of gelatine for a vegetarian-friendly option. Replace pistachios with almonds or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Adjust Sweetness: If using sweetened white chocolate, reduce the sugar in the cream for balance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: European-inspired