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Side view of carlota de limón in a baking dish with some slices missing to show the layers.
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Carlota de Limón (Mexican Lime Icebox Cake)

This easy Mexican lime no-bake dessert takes 15 minutes to prepare and consists of layers of Maria cookies soaked in a silky cream made with lime juice, condensed milk, evaporated milk and vanilla.
Course Dessert, Sweet treats
Cuisine Latin American, Mexican
Keyword Carlota, Easy dessert, Lime, Maria cookies, No bake
Prep Time 15 minutes
Refrigeration time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8 to 12

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice 80 ml
  • 1 can 340 grams or 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 1 can 397 grams or 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 packages of Maria cookies (2 sleeves)

To garnish and decorate

  • Lime zest
  • Lime slices
  • Whipped cream
  • Additional Maria cookies cut into quarters or halves

Instructions

  • In a blender, combine the lime juice, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla.
    Lime juice, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla in a blender
  • Blend until smooth and silky.
    Lime juice, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla in a blender after blending
  • In an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) square pan, place a layer of cookies on the bottom. You can break them into smaller pieces to fill any gaps.
    A layer of cookies on the bottom of a square baking mold
  • Pour about 1/4 of the lime cream mixture over the cookies. Add another layer of cookies, then more lime cream, and repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of lime cream.
    Cookies and lime cream layered in a baking mold
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set. It can also be refrigerated overnight.
    Overhead view of a square pan filled with carlota de limon dessert, with lime zest on top, there are limes and cookies scattered on the sides
  • When ready to serve, garnish the Carlota with lime zest, whipped cream, lime slices, and pieces of María cookies.
    Overhead shot of a carlota de limon in a baking dish with two slices missing
  • Cut the dessert into portions and serve immediately. This dessert should be served chilled and should be kept refrigerated.
    Overhead view of a slice of Mexican lime icebox cake on a plate with cookies and a lime wedge