Kinder Charlotte
Kinder Charlotte is a easy French recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Once Upon a Time Pastry on YouTube.
Prep: 8 hrs 53 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 9 hrs 8 min
Cost: $10.00 total, $0.83 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 bars Kinder Bueno bars (8 bars for the ganache, 4 bars for assembly and decoration)
- 400 ml Whole liquid cream (minimum 30% fat) (Divided: 300 ml for the hot ganache, 100 ml cold to incorporate)
- 2 feuilles Sheet gelatin (Soak in 2 tbsp cold water)
- 200 g Ladyfingers (About 20 biscuits, to dip quickly in the cocoa‑milk mixture)
- 100 ml Whole milk (Slightly warm before mixing with the ganache and cocoa)
- 2 c.à.s Unsweetened cocoa powder (For the mixture that soaks the biscuits)
Instructions
Soak the gelatin
Place the 2 gelatin sheets in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes to soften them.
Time: PT5M
Melt the Kinder Bueno with the hot cream
Cut 8 Kinder Bueno bars into pieces, place them in a saucepan with 300 ml whole liquid cream. Heat over low heat while stirring until a smooth texture is achieved.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 90°C
Incorporate the gelatin and the cold cream
Squeeze the gelatin, add it to the saucepan off the heat and stir until fully dissolved. Then add the 100 ml cold cream and mix again.
Time: PT5M
Cool the ganache
Pour the ganache into a large bowl, cover with cling film in direct contact and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until it thickens.
Time: PT4H
Prepare the mold
Arrange the remaining 4 Kinder Bueno bars around the bottom and sides of the charlotte mold, pressing them lightly so they adhere.
Time: PT5M
Whisk the ganache
Remove the ganache from the refrigerator and whisk on medium speed until a firm and airy consistency is achieved.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the cocoa‑milk mixture
In a small bowl, mix the slightly warm milk, cocoa powder and a tablespoon of ganache to obtain a smooth paste.
Time: PT3M
Dip the ladyfingers
Dip each ladyfinger into the cocoa‑milk mixture for 1‑2 seconds, then place them on the ganache in the mold to form the first layer.
Time: PT10M
Assemble alternating layers
Alternate a thick layer of ganache, then a layer of dipped biscuits, until the mold is completely filled. Finish with a layer of ganache.
Time: PT10M
Freeze the assembly (optional)
Place the mold in the freezer for 4 hours or overnight to facilitate unmolding.
Time: PT4H
Unmold and let rest
Remove the cake from the freezer, let it thaw in the refrigerator for about 7 hours, then unmold gently.
Time: PT7H
Decorate and serve
Decorate the surface with the small chocolate beads from the center of the Kinder Bueno, then serve chilled.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: vegetarian, contains dairy, contains nuts, contains gluten, low-calorie
Allergens: milk, gluten, hazelnut, soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Kinder Bueno bars: Hazelnut chocolate bars
- Instead of Whole liquid cream (minimum 30% fat): Heavy cream
- Instead of Sheet gelatin: Powdered gelatin (1 tsp)
- Instead of Ladyfingers: Savoiardi
- Instead of Whole milk: Semi‑skimmed milk
- Instead of Unsweetened cocoa powder: Raw cocoa powder
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Bowl for gelatin
- Electric or manual whisk
- Silicone spatula
- Charlotte mold (ring)
- Cling film
- Refrigerator
- Freezer (optional) (optional)
- Kitchen scale
- Teaspoon and tablespoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melt the Kinder Bueno with the cream without burning
- Cool the ganache until it thickens
- Assemble the layers without letting the biscuits become soggy
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a silicone spatula to smooth the surface without damaging the mold
- For an even more indulgent effect, add toasted hazelnut pieces between the layers.
Troubleshooting
The ganache remains liquid after resting
Return the ganache to the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes or add an extra ½ sheet of gelatin.
The biscuits fall apart during soaking
Dip the biscuits for only 1 second and work quickly.
The cake sticks to the mold when unmolding
Run a thin knife around the mold and let the cake come to room temperature for 10 minutes before turning it out.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator, well covered, for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for 1 month, well wrapped in cling film then in a freezer bag.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the ganache the day before
- Assemble the cake the day before and freeze for easy unmolding on the day.
Last updated: August 21, 2026






