This stunning Strawberry Charlotte Royale Cake is made with jelly roll slices filled with strawberry jam and a light, creamy Bavarian filling. A beautiful French dessert that’s easier than it looks.
Strawberry Charlotte Royale Cake
Oh baby, I hope you’re hungry because this Strawberry Charlotte Royale Cake is seriously out of this world. Imagine a jelly roll with strawberry preserves, sliced and then filled with creamy strawberry Bavarian cream.
It’s light, elegant, and the kind of dessert that looks like it came from a French pastry shop, but it is much easier to make than it seems.
Why You’ll Love This Charlotte Royale Dessert
- Elegant presentation without complicated tools
- Light and airy texture, not overly sweet
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
- Ideal for holidays, dinner parties, and special occasions
What Is a Charlotte Royale Dessert?
A Charlotte Royale is a classic French dessert made by lining a bowl with slices of sponge cake or jelly roll, then filling it with mousse or cream. Once chilled and unmolded, it creates the beautiful dome shape that makes this dessert so memorable.
This dessert is part of a long tradition of elegant creations in French cuisine, where presentation and texture are just as important as flavor.
How to Make a Charlotte Royale Dessert
Do not let the fancy look fool you. This dessert is surprisingly manageable when broken into simple steps.
Make the Jelly Roll
Start with a classic sponge cake, spread it with strawberry jam, and roll it into a log. If you want extra guidance, you can see the sponge roll method in this Dulce de Leche Roll.
Slice and Arrange the Cake
Cut the jelly roll into even slices and tightly line a regular mixing bowl to create the dome.
Fill with Bavarian Cream
Pour in the strawberry Bavarian cream and smooth the top. Bavarian cream is commonly used in European desserts for its light texture.
Chill Until Set
Cover and refrigerate the cake until fully set, then invert onto a serving plate.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Charlotte Royale
- Line the bowl with plastic wrap for easier unmolding
- Slice the jelly roll evenly for a cleaner pattern
- Chill thoroughly before flipping
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes. This cake is ideal for making a day ahead since it needs time to chill and set properly.
What can I use instead of Bavarian cream?
You can use mousse, whipped cream, or pastry cream, depending on the texture you want.
Do I need a special mold?
No. A regular mixing bowl works perfectly to create the dome shape.
How long does this cake last?
Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
I hope you can try this delicious charlotte royale dessert at home. If you do, please upload a pic on Instagram and tag me @Livingsweetmoments or use the hashtag #LivingSweet.
Strawberry Charlotte Royale Cake
Ingredients
For Jelly Roll Cake
- 6 Eggs separated
- 6 Tablespoons Flour
- 3 Tablespoons Sugar
- 3/4 Cup Strawberry Preserves
- 1 drop red food coloring optional
For Strawberry Bavarian Cream
- 1 1/4 ts unflavored gelatin 1/2 Envelope
- 1/3 cup Water
- 3 Egg Yolks
- 1/4 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 4 oz Strawberries
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
For Jelly Roll Cake
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone mats
- In a bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale, thick, and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes
- In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form
- Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture in 3 additions, being careful not to deflate
- Fold in the flour one tablespoon at a time until just combined
- Spread 3/4 of the batter evenly onto one sheet pan (this will be the jelly roll)
- Spread the remaining batter onto the second sheet pan, shaping it roughly to the size of the cake base
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until set, do not overbake
- Remove from oven and cover with a clean kitchen towel while cooling (this helps keep it flexible)
- Once cooled, spread strawberry preserves over the large sheet
- Carefully roll it into a tight log
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours for easier slicing
For Strawberry Bavarian Cream
- Sprinkle gelatin over water in a small bowl and let it bloom
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thickened
- Warm the milk until hot but not boiling
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the yolk mixture while whisking
- Cook the mixture over a double boiler, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes
- Remove from heat and stir in the gelatin until fully dissolved
- Blend strawberries until smooth and strain if desired
- Stir strawberry puree into the custard
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for 10–15 minutes, just until slightly thickened but not set
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture in 2–3 additions
Assembly
- Line a medium bowl with plastic wrap, leaving overhang
- Slice the chilled jelly roll into even slices
- Arrange slices tightly inside the bowl, covering the entire surface with no gaps
- Pour in the Bavarian cream and smooth the top
- Cut the second sponge layer to fit and place on top
- Cover with plastic wrap
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours or until fully set
- Invert onto a serving plate and remove plastic wrap
- Optional: Brush with melted apricot jam for shine
- Slice and serve
Notes
- Use about 1 1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin for the perfect soft, sliceable texture
- Do not overbake the sponge; it should stay soft and flexible for rolling
- Chill the jelly roll before slicing to get clean, even rounds
- Line the bowl well with plastic wrap to make unmolding easier
- Make sure the Bavarian cream is slightly thickened (not runny) before folding in whipped cream
- Let the cake chill at least 4 hours, and overnight is even better for clean slices
- For extra shine, brush the finished cake with a thin layer of warm apricot jam
- Keep refrigerated and serve chilled for best texture
Nutrition
More Strawberry Desserts You’ll Love
Strawberry Bavarian Cream
Crazy Good Strawberry Macarons
Strawberry Flan Jello Cake Recipe
Oh wow, I’ve never heard of a Charlotte Royal Cake (seems perfect for the new princess!) — we’re definitely going to have to try this soon!
Thanks Jennifer! Yes, in honor of the new princess!
Thank you for contributing! https://parade.com/848298/nettiemoore/easy-strawberry-cake-recipes/
can I put a top layer of cake over the Bavarian cream?
Of course!
All fell apart once I took it out of the bowl. . My family was truly “wowed”.
Oh no! you didn’t check if it was set before turning it out?