Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (14 ounces) Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 can (12 ounces) Evaporated Milk
- 1/2 cup Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 teaspoon Lime Zest
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 package (5 ounces) Maria Cookies
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2-3 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Lime Zest
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine one can of sweetened condensed milk, one can of evaporated milk, and 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice. Add one teaspoon of fresh lime zest and one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until thoroughly combined and the mixture thickens slightly, usually within 3-5 minutes, forming a creamy, luscious consistency.
- Prepare your serving dish (an 8×8 or 9×13 inch baking dish works well). Quickly dip each Maria cookie into a shallow bowl of milk (about 1-2 seconds per side). Arrange a single layer of these milk-dipped Maria cookies at the bottom of the dish, breaking cookies as needed to fill gaps. Pour about one-third of the creamy lime mixture evenly over the cookies. Repeat this layering process: another layer of milk-dipped Maria cookies, followed by another third of the lime cream. Continue until all the cream is used, ending with a generous layer of lime mixture on top. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cookies to soften and flavors to meld.
- While the Carlota chills, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a chilled metal bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 2-3 tablespoons of powdered sugar (adjust to taste), and 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whip the cream until soft peaks form. For an extra touch, fold in about 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lime zest. Be careful not to over-whip.
- Once the Carlota de Limón is thoroughly chilled and set, remove it from the refrigerator. Gently spread the freshly made whipped cream topping evenly over the entire surface of the Carlota. Garnish with a final flourish of freshly grated lime zest, thin lime wheels, or a sprig of fresh mint for visual appeal. Serve immediately.
Notes
Prepare your taste buds for an enchanting journey with Carlota de Limón, a no-bake dessert that effortlessly marries the tangy zest of fresh lime with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk and the delightful crunch of classic Maria cookies. This exquisite Mexican icebox cake is a true masterpiece of simplicity and flavor, offering a refreshingly light yet utterly satisfying experience. Each spoonful is a harmonious blend of velvety smooth, citrus-infused cream and the tender bite of cookies softened to cake-like perfection, creating a symphony of textures that dances on your palate. It’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated, a perfect balance of comforting familiarity and bright, zesty surprise.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Mexican