How to Make Classic Charlotte aux Poires (French Pear Charlotte)

Simple Summary

Charlotte aux Poires is an elegant French dessert featuring delicate ladyfingers encasing a luscious pear mousse, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 24-30 ladyfingers
• 4 ripe pears, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 2 envelopes (14g) unflavored gelatin
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp pear brandy (optional)
• 1 pear, thinly sliced for decoration

Instructions

1. Line a 7-inch springform pan with plastic wrap, allowing excess to hang over the edges.

2. Stand ladyfingers upright around the inside of the pan, sugar side facing out. Set aside.

3. In a saucepan, combine diced pears, 1/4 cup water, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until pears are soft.

4. Puree the cooked pear mixture in a blender until smooth. Set aside to cool.

5. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water. Let stand for 5 minutes to bloom.

6. Heat the bloomed gelatin in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until melted. Stir into the cooled pear puree.

7. In a large bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

8. Gently fold the pear puree into the whipped cream. If using, stir in the pear brandy.

9. Pour the mousse into the ladyfinger-lined pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

10. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

11. Before serving, remove from springform pan and carefully peel off the plastic wrap.

12. Decorate the top with thinly sliced pear arranged in a circular pattern.

13. Slice and serve chilled.

Chef's Notes

• For best results, choose ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou.
• If ladyfingers are too tall for your pan, trim them slightly to fit.
• To ensure a firm set, make sure the gelatin is completely dissolved before adding to the pear puree.
• For a non-alcoholic version, omit the pear brandy or replace with 1 tsp of pear extract.
• This dessert can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: Approximately 320 calories, 18g fat, 36g carbohydrates, 4g protein. This dessert is a good source of vitamin C from the pears and calcium from the cream. While indulgent, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Charlotte aux Poires chilled as the grand finale to a French-inspired meal. Pair with a glass of sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or a crisp pear cider. For a beautiful presentation, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar just before serving and garnish each plate with a small dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf. This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions like anniversaries, holiday gatherings, or sophisticated dinner parties.