A charlotte is a moulded dessert made by lining a deep mould with sponge fingers, bread, or biscuits, filling it with fruit, cream, mousse, or custard, and chilling until set. The classic charlotte russe uses sponge fingers around a Bavarian cream, while apple charlotte bakes buttered bread around spiced apples. Unmoulded before serving, it presents an elegant, patterned exterior. The dessert relies on gelatin or the structure of its lining to hold shape, and must be kept chilled for food safety given its dairy and egg content. It is a showpiece of traditional European patisserie technique.