Pear charlotte with grilled almonds
After the classic strawberry charlotte, it's time for the pear charlotte! A change of fruit for a result that is just as indulgent. A dream dessert where the soft ladyfingers, creamy filling, and fresh pears offer an exquisite tasting experience. Our personal touch that makes all the difference? Flaked and toasted almonds! Step by step, follow the making of this pastry with our written explanations, photos, and video.
Ingredients
For the charlotte:
To decorate:
Materials
- 1 springform pan (20 cm)
- 1 electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- 1 frying pan
Preparation
Cover the bottom of a springform pan with a layer of plastic wrap and close the mold.
Take a ladyfinger biscuit and gently soak the flat side in the water. Carefully, place the ladyfingers vertically, all around and against the sides of the pan, soaked side facing inward. Arrange them all around the pan. Put one layer of the ladyfinger biscuit at the bottom of the pan as well. The flat side should be facing up.
Place the whisk, the cream, and the mixing bowl in the freezer for 15 minutes. Then, put the cream, icing sugar, and mascarpone in the bowl, and whip them until foamy and firm peaks form, until the whisk leaves trails in the cream.
Spread the almonds in an ungreased pan and stir them from time to time until golden brown.
Peel, core, and chop the pears into pieces.
Ladle half of the mousse inside the ladyfinger mold; then place the chopped pears on top of the mousse, and then add a layer of almonds. Now, place another layer of ladyfingers.
Repeat the process, cover the top with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Set aside the pear for decoration. Peel and cut the small pears vertically into thin slices.
Arrange the pear slices side by side around the edge of the charlotte. Place toasted flaked almonds in the center and put a small whole pear in the middle for decoration.
There you are, your pear charlotte is ready!
Observations
Ladyfingers: You can use other types of ladyfingers. If your pears are juicy, you can soak your ladyfingers in diluted juice.
Vanilla: You can make this recipe without vanilla, or replace the vanilla bean with a teaspoon of vanilla extract. It will enhance the flavors of the pear.
Toasted almonds: They add crunch to the charlotte and are perfect for decoration but are not mandatory.
