Carlota de Limón Recipe
Carlota de Limón is a classic Mexican no-bake dessert featuring layers of Maria cookies soaked in a luscious mixture of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, fresh key lime juice, and vanilla. Chilled until set, this creamy, tangy treat is topped with lime zest and crushed cookies for a refreshing and crunchy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Filling
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- ⅓ cup key lime juice (about 10–12 key limes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Base and Garnish
- 48 Maria cookies (about 1 ½ (4.9-oz) packages, plus more for garnish)
- Lime zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the lime mixture: Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, key lime juice, and vanilla extract to a blender and blend until smooth. Set this smooth lime mixture aside.
- Arrange the cookies: Line a 7×7-inch baking pan with an even layer of Maria cookies, using about 12 cookies per layer—9 placed side by side and 3 cookies cut in half to fill empty spaces evenly.
- Layer the dessert: Pour a thin layer of the lime mixture (approximately one-quarter of the total) over the cookie layer and spread it out evenly. Repeat by alternating layers of cookies and lime mixture until all ingredients are used, creating four layers total, ending with the lime mixture on top.
- Chill the dessert: Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the dessert to firm up and the cookies to soften into the creamy layers.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle lime zest and a few crushed Maria cookies on top to add a pop of freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Using key limes is traditional for the authentic tart flavor, but regular limes can be substituted if unavailable.
- For best results, refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld fully and the dessert to set properly.
- The Maria cookies soak up the lime mixture, creating a luscious, cake-like texture without baking.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead, making it great for entertaining.
- Ensure the baking dish is approximately 7×7 inches to create ideal layering proportions.
Find it online: https://bitezly.com/carlota-de-limon-recipe/
