This deconstructed Charlotte Russe offers all the classic elegance of the traditional molded dessert with half the effort. Silky smooth vanilla custard, thickened with cornstarch and enriched with a touch of margarine, is folded with light whipped topping for a airy, indulgent texture. Layers of crisp ladyfingers provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cream. A drizzle of melted cherry preserves adds a burst of fruity tartness and vibrant color. Perfect for individual servings in glass compotes or glasses, this parfait is ideal for brunches, tea parties, or as a sophisticated yet simple ending to a dinner party. It’s light enough to feel refined but rich enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Charlotte Russe Parfaits
Description
This deconstructed Charlotte Russe offers all the classic elegance of the traditional molded dessert with half the effort. Silky smooth vanilla custard, thickened with cornstarch and enriched with a touch of margarine, is folded with light whipped topping for a airy, indulgent texture. Layers of crisp ladyfingers provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cream. A drizzle of melted cherry preserves adds a burst of fruity tartness and vibrant color. Perfect for individual servings in glass compotes or glasses, this parfait is ideal for brunches, tea parties, or as a sophisticated yet simple ending to a dinner party. It&# 226;ÂÂs light enough to feel refined but rich enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.Ingredients
Directions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
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Heat nonfat milk in a medium heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 180ðF or tiny bubbles form around the edges. Do not let it boil.
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Remove milk from heat. Gradually pour the hot milk into the sugar mixture while stirring constantly with a whisk to prevent lumps.
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Return the combined mixture to the saucepan. Add margarine and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
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Reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking.
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour the custard into a clean bowl.
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Cover the surface of the custard directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool completely to room temperature.
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Once cooled, gently fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping until just combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill thoroughly.
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While custard chills, split ladyfingers in half lengthwise.
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Line the inside of 8 dessert glasses or compotes with ladyfinger halves, standing them upright around the edges.
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Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the chilled custard mixture into the center of each glass.
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Melt cherry preserves in a microwave or small saucepan and drizzle over the custard in each glass.
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Top each serving with a tablespoon of the remaining whipped topping.
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Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 305.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8.1g13%
- Saturated Fat 3.1g16%
- Cholesterol 49.6mg17%
- Sodium 153.2mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 51.5g18%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 37.7g
- Protein 6.8g14%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
