This Strawberry Charlotte Cake, also known as Charlotte aux Fraises, is a showstopping French dessert layered with strawberry-dipped ladyfingers, fluffy strawberry Bavarian cream, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries.
As a trained pastry chef, I love bringing this no-bake classic to life—it’s equal parts delicate, nostalgic, and impressive. With its dreamy mousse-like texture and charming presentation, this recipe is perfect for spring gatherings, birthdays, or whenever you’re craving something a little fancy and a lot delicious.
My first introduction to Charlotte aux Fraises was during pastry school, where I was immediately drawn to its vintage elegance. There’s something so classic and romantic about a cake that doesn’t require baking yet still feels refined and celebratory. I remember carefully lining a springform pan with soaked ladyfingers, filling it with airy mousse, and patiently waiting for it to set overnight—it felt like pastry magic!
Over the years, I’ve returned to this dessert whenever strawberries are at their peak. It’s one of those recipes that looks far more complicated than it is, especially with a few shortcuts like store-bought ladyfingers and prepped components made ahead of time. This version is one of my favorites: strawberry-forward, not overly sweet, and light enough to enjoy even after a big meal.
Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress or simply want to celebrate strawberry season in style, this Strawberry Charlotte (Charlotte Fraise) is a total joy to make and share. Plus, once you’ve got the key components—like my go-to strawberry syrup, Bavarian cream, and whipped cream—on hand, assembly is a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Elegance – Perfect for warmer months when turning on the oven is a no-go.
- Strawberry-Forward Flavor – Layers of fresh berries, strawberry puree, syrup, and Bavarian cream make each bite taste like peak strawberry season.
- Gorgeous Presentation – That upright ladyfinger border and mousse interior make this a total showstopper.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Assembles beautifully the day before, giving you more time to relax or prep other dishes.
Strawberry Charlotte Cake Recipe (Charlotte aux Fraises)
Prepare Your Pan: Line the inside of a springform pan with an acetate collar to prevent sticking and ensure clean edges after unmolding.
Dip & Arrange the Ladyfingers: Quickly dip one side of each cut ladyfinger into the strawberry simple syrup, then stand them vertically, sugar-side facing out, around the inside edge of the pan. Use additional dipped ladyfingers to create a base layer.
Layer the Strawberry Bavarian Cream: Sprinkle with diced strawberries, then add a layer of strawberry Bavarian cream. Repeat with more ladyfingers, diced strawberries, and a final layer of Bavarian cream.
Smooth & Chill: Use a spatula to level the top. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the cake to set fully.
Decorate & Serve: Just before serving, remove the springform ring and peel away the acetate. Garnish with piped whipped cream, small strawberries and edible flowers for a beautiful finish!
Tips for Success
- Use Cold, Firm Ladyfingers – Softer or homemade ladyfingers may collapse or soak up too much syrup. Store-bought, crisp varieties hold their structure best.
- Quick Dip Only – Dip just one side of each ladyfinger into the simple syrup for no more than 1–2 seconds to avoid sogginess.
- Use Acetate for Clean Edges – Lining your springform with acetate creates a smooth, bakery-style finish and makes unmolding a breeze.
- Chill Overnight – This cake needs time to fully set—don’t rush it! Overnight chilling helps the Bavarian cream firm up and flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish Right Before Serving – For the freshest look, decorate with strawberries and edible flowers just before bringing it to the table.
How to Serve & Store
Serve this Strawberry Charlotte chilled, straight from the fridge, for the best texture and flavor. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices for picture-perfect cuts. It’s the ideal dessert for spring and summer celebrations—think Mother’s Day, garden parties, bridal showers, or a relaxed Sunday brunch.
To store, keep the cake covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because it’s made with whipped cream and Bavarian cream, it’s best enjoyed within that window for freshness and structure. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the mousse-like filling can become watery when thawed.
More Strawberry Recipes
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How to Make a Classic Strawberry Charlotte Cake (Charlotte aux Fraises)
Equipment
- Piping Tip & Bag
- 9 inch springform pan
- Parchment Paper or Acetate
Ingredients
Strawberry Bavarian Cream
- 1 Tablespoon (11 g) Gelatin
- ⅓ Cup (75 g) Cold Water
- 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 4 Egg Yolks
- ¼ Cup + 1 Tablespoon (65 g) Granulated Sugar
- 1 Cup (250) Whole Milk
- ⅔ Cup (230 g) Strawberry Puree
- 1 Cup (250 g) Heavy Whipping Cream
Strawberry Charlotte Cake
- 30 Lady Fingers, trimmed by ¼ inch on one side so the stand straight in the cake pan
- ½ cup Strawberry Simple Syrup , or regular simple syrup
- 2 cups Diced Strawberries
- Strawberry Bavarian Cream
- ½ cup Whipping Cream , whipped to soft peaks
- Strawberries & Edible Flowers, for garnish
Instructions
Strawberry Bavarian Cream
- Add gelatin, cold water, and vanilla extract together - allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes while you start the creme anglaise.1 Tablespoon Gelatin, ⅓ Cup Cold Water, 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- Add the granulated sugar and egg yolks into a bowl and whisk until you reach a pale yellow color.4 Egg Yolks, ¼ Cup + 1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar
- Add warmed milk to egg mixture and heat ingredients gently over a bain-marie until you’ve reached no more than 180°F - take off the heat and add strawberry jam and gelatin mixture, whisking until completely combined before passing through a mesh strainer.1 Cup Whole Milk, ⅔ Cup Strawberry Puree
- Allow the mixture to cool in an ice bath in the fridge for about 45 minutes until the strawberry base has thickened, but is not fully set.
- Whip heavy cream to medium peaks then fold the whipped cream into the strawberry base until the cream is smooth. If it looks a bit lumpy, that's completely fine - just continue whisking by hand or an electric mixture until it is smooth. Place the cream in the fridge where it will continue to thicken. Before using the bavarian cream, whisk vigorously again to ensure that you have an extra smooth texture!1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
Strawberry Charlotte Cake - Assembling
- Begin by lining your 9-inch springform pan set on a serving plate with a piece of parchment or acetate. Then take your store-bought or homemade ladyfingers, placing them upright lining around the edges. If using storebought ladyfingers, I like dipping one side of the lady fingers in a strawberry or regular simple syrup to slightly soften them Trim the bottoms if needed so they stand tall and even, I cut about ¼ of an inch off mine! Then, add a layer of ladyfingers to the bottom of the pan, gently pressing to create a snug base. Trim the ladyfingers as needed to create a full sturdy base.30 Lady Fingers, ½ cup Strawberry Simple Syrup
- Sprinkle a generous layer of diced strawberries over the base layer of ladyfingers. Next, carefully spoon or pipe in half of your Strawberry Bavarian cream, smoothing it out with an offset spatula to create an even layer.2 cups Diced Strawberries, Strawberry Bavarian Cream
- Repeat this process - place another layer of simple syrup dipper ladyfingers directly on top of the Bavarian cream, arranging them flat (not upright) to form a soft middle “cake” layer. Scatter another layer of diced strawberries on top of the second ladyfinger layer.
- Pipe or spoon on your final layer of strawberry cream over the top. Smooth the surface gently with an offset spatula and give the pan a gentle tap to release any air bubbles. Cover the entire cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight so the layers firm up and meld together beautifully.
- Once chilled and firm, remove the springform pan and unmold carefully. Tie a ribbon around the ladyfingers if you'd like a classic, polished look and top with whipped cream, fresh strawberries and edible flowers before cutting into slices with a serrated knife!½ cup Whipping Cream , Strawberries & Edible Flowers
Emily Quinn
This looks delicious. I would like to try making it. Can you recommend a brand of lady fingers that would be appropriate. Thank you.
Emily Laurae
Of course! I've used the Savioardi Mt. Blanc ladyfingers, and the Vicenzovo ladyfingers both of which you can find online. Otherwise, going to a local Italian market tends to do the trick - they have great options as well!
Paris
This cake is absolute perfection!! I can’t wait to try it!!