Looking for the perfect summer treat? Carlota de Limón, a traditional Mexican dessert, is sweet, tangy, and creamy, making it an irresistible choice. This delightful dessert only takes 15 minutes to prep, making it a great activity to involve the kids. Simply pop it into the freezer to set, and you’ll have a refreshing lemon dessert ready to serve after dinner!
Carlota de Limón, a dessert to make with your kids
In my family, it is customary to start teaching all of the kids how to cook and bake at a young age. I personally have always loved cooking with my son. I even have pictures of him trying to make flour tortillas when he was just two years old! It was such a simple recipe and yet, he was having so much fun. Now, he's older, makes his own flour tortillas, and guess what? We still cook together and we love it!
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The Carlota de Limón is a simple, traditional recipe that requires only five ingredients. For the best flavor, chill it for a few hours or overnight in your refrigerator. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for summer and is a fun recipe to make with your kids. Everyone will be asking for an extra slice!
Carlota de Limón Recipe
With summer right around the corner, I always plan to make this special Mexican dessert at least a few times because of how refreshing and delightful it is. To make this delicious recipe for Carlota, here is the list of ingredients you will need to make this dessert.
- Evaporated milk
- Sweetened Condensed milk
- Freshly-Squeezed Lime juice
- Cream cheese
- Galletas Marías (Maria brand cookies)
- Extra galletas Marias for decoration
- Lime slices or lime zest for decoration
Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post!
How To Make Carlota de Limón: Step By Step Tutorial
To make things easier for you, I am going to break down the directions for this recipe into sections.
The process is the same for any type of dish you use; however, the number of layers will depend on the size of the dish and the quantities involve.
Make The Creamy Lemon Base:
- First, squeeze the fresh limes with the help of a hand lime squeezer or citrus juicer.
- Place the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and lime juice in your blender. Blend the mixture lightly for a moment to ensure it is fully incorporated.
- Stir with a spatula, and then add the cream cheese in pieces. Process everything in your blender for a few seconds until it has a smooth and thick texture that coats the back of a spoon. Set to the side.
Tip: If you don't have a blender, add your ingredients to a mixing bowl and blend the lime mixture with an electric hand mixer.
Start Building The Carlota:
- As soon as the creamy base is made and ready to go, start arranging the dessert glasses, an 8-inch square pan, or a 9-inch springform pan).
- First, add a few tablespoons of the lime mixture to the bottom of the baking dish, then a layer of galletas Marias. You may have to cut some cookies in half to fill the container.
- Now, add a couple of tablespoons of the creamy lime mix, covering the cookies. Use a small spatula or a spoon to even out the mix.
- Then you are going to repeat the whole process, again! Add another layer of cookies and then the creamy mix until you have a few layers of cookies and the creamy lime base. The amount of layers will depend on the dish you decide to use.
Note: Leave some leftover galletas Marias, which will be used for decoration when it is time to serve.
Set and Serve!
- After you have finished preparing the carlotas de limón, place the baking dish or container on a tray and cover it with plastic wrap.
- Place in your fridge for about 3 hours before serving.
- To serve, crush some of the leftover cookies and slices of fresh limes.
- Sprinkle some lime zest on top and serve.
Enjoy!
Note, Tips, and Substitutes for this no Bake Dessert.
- For the best flavor, try using freshly squeezed lemon/lime juice instead of the one on a bottle.
- If you can't find Galletas Marias, you can swap them for other cookies, like Shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or Cheerios.
- This dessert is very creamy, but some people prefer a solid texture and freeze it for a couple of hours. This step makes the cake easier to cut and provides a better presentation.
- You can make this dessert in an 8-inch square glass dish or small glasses; I decided to use a 9-inch circular baking pan for this recipe.
- If you are making the 9-in springform baking pan, layer it with paper wax before you start to prepare your Carlota.
- La Lechera is usually found at Mexican or Latin grocery stores, but any sweetened condensed milk works well for this recipe.
- Adding a bit of lime zest to the top can enhance the lime flavor, plus it makes a great presentation.
- For a smoother texture, let the Carlota sit in the refrigerator for a full day before serving. This allows the cookies to fully absorb the lime mixture.
- You can experiment with whisking other citrus fruits, such as lemon or orange, with the cream mixture for different flavors. Adjust the amount of juice and sweetness accordingly.
- Enjoy making and eating your Carlota de limón!
More Authentic Mexican Recipes To Enjoy
If you enjoyed this Mexican Lime Icebox Cake, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:
- Authentic Sopaipillas
- Churros Mexicanos
- Buñuelos De Viento
- Mango Mousse Recipe
- Mexican Bread Pudding (Budin de Pan)
- Authentic Tres Leches Cake
I hope you make this recipe for Mexican carlota de limón! If it was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!
¡Buen provecho!
Frequently Asked Questions About Carlota de Limón
That's what I love about this easy dessert recipe for Carlota de limón. It's super simple to make, and you probably already have the ingredients in your pantry. It's the perfect dessert to let your kids start trying out recipes for themselves and keep them entertained.
So, invite your kids to the kitchen and prepare easy recipes where they can help out and enjoy the process. Let them use familiar ingredients and have fun. And don’t forget to take those pictures!
What Is Carlota De Limón?
Carlota de limón is a Mexican home-style dessert. It’s made with layers of cookies (Marias cookies) and a creamy base made from canned milk and lime juice. It is typically served cold, and the flavor is like a key lime pay.
Can I use a different type of cookie?
Yes, while Maria cookies are traditional, you can use Graham crackers or similar cookies. In the past, I have made them with Honey Nut Cheerios, as they add extra flavor and a fun touch for the little ones in the family. Maria cookies are also known as Mariebon and Marietta in other countries.
If you want to make the Carlota de Limón fun for your kids, substitute the galletas Marias for their favorite cereal. I know your kids would love it!
How long does Carlota de Limón need to chill?
It should chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for allowing the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften completely. For a better presentation, freeze it for a couple of hours before serving. Freezing it will make it easier to cut.
Can I make Carlota de Limón in advance?
Yes, Carlota de Limón is a great make-ahead dessert. It can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I freeze Carlota de Limón?
I recommend freezing it but only for a few hours, as freezing it for too long can alter the texture of the dessert, making the cookies too soggy once thawed.
What size dish should I use?
Technically, you can use any dish you want, but the amount of layers would have to be adjusted depending on the size.
How do I store leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, or in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
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📖 Recipe
Carlota de Limón Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
For 8 x 8 dish
- 1 can evaporate milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 8oz cream cheese package
- 1 pkg Galletas Marias
For 9-in Spring Form Baking Dish (12 servings)
- 1.5 can evaporate milk
- 1.5 can sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1.5 pkg 8 oz cream cheese
- 2.5 pkg Galletas Marias
- Extra Limes for garnishing
Instructions
- Place the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and lime juice in your blender. Blend the mixture lightly for a moment to ensure it is fully incorporated.
- Stir with a spatula, and then add the cream cheese in pieces. Process everything in your blender for a few seconds until it has a smooth and thick texture that coats the back of a spoon. Set to the side.
- Tip: If you don't have a blender, add your ingredients to a mixing bowl and blend the lime mixture with an electric hand mixer.
- As soon as the creamy base is made and ready to go, start arranging the dessert glasses (baking dish or springform pan).
- First, add a few tablespoons of the lime mixture to the bottom of the baking dish, then a layer of galletas Marias. You may have to cut some cookies in half to fill the container.
- Now, add a couple of tablespoons of the creamy lime mix, covering the cookies. Use a small spatula or a spoon to even out the mix.
- Then, repeat the whole process! Add another layer of cookies and then the creamy mix until you have a few layers of cookies and the creamy lime base. The number of layers will depend on the dish you decide to use.
- After you have finished preparing the carlotas de limón, place the baking dish or container on a tray and cover it with plastic wrap.
- Place in your fridge for about 3 hours before serving.
- To serve, crush some of the leftover cookies and slices of fresh limes.
- Sprinkle some lime zest on top and serve.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- For the best flavor, try using freshly squeezed lemon/lime juice instead of the one on a bottle.
- If you can't find Galletas Marias, you can swap them for other cookies, like Shortbread or Cheerios.
- This dessert is very creamy, but some people prefer a solid texture and freeze it for a couple of hours. This step makes the cake easier to cut and provides a better presentation.
- You can make this dessert in an 8-inch square glass dish or small glasses; I decided to use a 9-inch circular baking pan for this recipe.
- If you are making the 9-in springform baking pan, layer it with paper wax before layering your Carlota.
- La lechera is usually found at Mexican or Latin grocery stores, but any sweetened condensed milk works well for this recipe.
- Adding a bit of lime zest to the top can enhance the lime flavor, plus it makes a great presentation.
- For a smoother texture, let the Carlota sit in the refrigerator for a full day before serving. This allows the cookies to fully absorb the lime mixture.
- You can experiment with whisking other citrus fruits, such as lemon or orange, with the cream mixture for different flavors. Adjust the amount of juice and sweetness accordingly.
- Enjoy making and eating your Carlota de limón!
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Taina
Me voy a lanzar a la tienda por la leche condensada y hoy mismo los preparo.
Prieta
That looks yummy, Mely!
loves2spin
That sounds and looks fun and delicious, Mely!