Carlota de Limón Recipe: My favorite Mexican Dessert
When I was a little girl, my favorite Mexican dessert was Carlota de Limón—a refreshing lime icebox cake made with condensed milk, evaporated milk, and lots of fresh lime juice. This dessert, also known as pastel Carlota or postre de limón, is a classic Mexican icebox cake that has layers of María cookies and then topped with a tangy lime filling.
Growing up in Chihuahua, Mexico, one of the largest pecan producers in the world, we often added pecans to traditional Mexican dishes and desserts. Carlota de Limon was no exception. Sprinkling chopped pecans on top added a special crunch that elevated this simple dessert into something truly special.
My mother had a unique twist for this dessert; she would dip the María cookies—also known as galletas Marías or Maria biscuits—in coffee liqueur, Kahlúa. The liqueur not only added a rich flavor but also softened the cookies, making them the perfect base for the creamy lime mixture. You can’t imagine how amazing this was!
Now, in my forties, as I write this after having made and enjoyed Carlota de Limón countless times, I’m realizing that the dessert my mom made us actually had alcohol in it. I still make it this way at home, often using key limes or regular limes, depending on what I can find at the grocery store.
I’ll guide you through this recipe step by step with photos. The recipe card below has detailed ingredients and explanations.
I had the pleasure of inviting my friend Sherrie from ‘Sherrie’s Savors the City’ to make this amazing dessert together for Christmas.
This dessert requires no baking, making it the perfect treat for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. It’s possibly the easiest dessert you’ll ever make, with a deliciously creamy consistency that’s sure to impress at any dinner party or casual gathering.
You’ll notice the mixture transforming into a thick, silky, and deliciously creamy texture. This will become your pie filling.
Freeze for at least 4 hours.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, Carlota de Limón is sure to become a favorite, this makes a perfect Christmas Dessert, a summer delight or a fabulous extra for your Cinco de mayo Party!
Have you ever made Mexican Capirotada?
Carlota de Limón Recipe: My favorite Mexican Dessert
Equipment
- 1 Blender or electric hand mixer
- 1 Springform Container
Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup Lime Juice freshly squeezed lime juice (key limes or regular limes)
- 1 Can Evaporated Milk
- 1 Cup Sweetened condensed milk
- 2 Packs María cookies graham crackers, if you prefer
- 1/4 Cup Chopped Pecans
- 1 Cup Kahlúa coffee liqueur This ingredient is optional
Instructions
- In a blender or using an electric hand mixer, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh lime juice. Blend for a couple of minutes until you notice the milk mixture thickening as it mixes with the lime juice, achieving a creamy texture that will form the delicious layers of your Carlota de Limón.
- One by one, dip the María cookies into the Kahlúa, allowing them to absorb just a bit of the liqueur without becoming soggy. If you prefer, you can use vegan María cookies or another type of biscuit like digestive cookies. Arrange them at the base of your springform pan, glass bowl, or trifle dish.
- Create a full layer of cookies, ensuring you cover the entire base. Then, using the back of a spoon, spread a layer of the creamy lime mixture on top.
- Continue layering cookies and the lime cream mixture until your dish is filled, making sure to end with a layer of the creamy filling. This will form the top layer of your Carlota de Limón.
- On the final layer, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the dessert has set.
- Before serving, let it thaw for about 10 minutes to make it easier to slice. If you like, you can garnish with thin slices of lime or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch.
Video
Nutrition
What is Carlota Dessert?
Carlota de Limón is a tangy dessert with layers of creamy lime filling and soft cookies, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a simple recipe that’s ideal for those who are making it for the first time or for seasoned bakers looking for an easy Mexican dessert to add to their repertoire.
Last year, my friend Sherrie came over, and I taught her how to make this delicious Carlota de Limón icebox cake that doesn’t require baking. Afterwards, we baked some ube cookies together. I love living in Chicago, where I get to meet people from different cultures and learn about their culinary traditions.