Description
Carlota de Limón is a classic Mexican lime-flavored icebox cake that combines a creamy lime filling with layers of crisp Maria cookies. This no-bake dessert is easy to assemble and offers a refreshing, tangy flavor perfect for warm days or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 3/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (half a block)
- 12 ounce can evaporated milk, full fat
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, full fat
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Layers and Garnish
- 2 sleeves of Maria cookies (can substitute vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or digestive cookies)
- Lime zest and slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Add lime juice, cream cheese, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, use a bowl and hand mixer to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Layer the dessert: Spread a thin layer of the creamy filling at the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish or container. Lay down a layer of Maria cookies on top of the filling. Continue alternating layers of the cream filling and cookies until you have four layers of cookies total. Pour the remaining cream filling evenly over the top.
- Chill: Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap, taking care not to press it against the filling, and refrigerate for at least four hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cookies to soften and flavors to meld.
- Garnish and slice: Remove the plastic wrap and garnish the top of the cake with lime zest. Pre-slice into nine even portions and decorate each slice with a lime slice for presentation.
- Serve: Serve immediately after garnishing to enjoy the fresh flavors and creamy texture.
- Store: Keep any leftovers refrigerated. This dessert stays fresh for several days but is best enjoyed within a few days.
- Freezing recommendation: Avoid freezing, as this dessert is best served fresh and easy to prepare quickly.
Notes
- For substitutions, vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or digestive cookies can replace Maria cookies.
- Use full-fat dairy products for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Do not press the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the filling to prevent sticking and textural issues.
- Allow refrigerating time of at least 4 hours to let the flavors develop and cookies soften properly.
- This dessert is best served chilled and does not freeze well due to its creamy texture.
