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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Carlota de Fresa [VIDEO]

    Carlota de Fresa [VIDEO]

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted February 11, 2020 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    You're going to love this easy and creamy Carlota de Fresa recipe. This strawberry icebox cake involves no baking and only a handful of ingredients. A delicious and fruity Mexican dessert that's layered into perfection.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    A Carlota de Fresa trifle with a wooden fence and green branch in the background.

    What is a Carlota?


    A Carlota is a dessert layered with cookies and covered in a creamy sauce. It is placed in the refrigerator for several hours for the cookies to absorb the sauce. There is no baking required.

    In this case, I’m making it with strawberries. Do you like strawberry lemonade? That’s kind of what Carlota de Fresa tastes like.

    Think creamy strawberry lemonade with vanilla cookies… Yes please! An icebox cake dessert that’s so easy to make, you’ll love every bite.

    Don’t forget to watch the video above.

    Sliced strawberries in a white bowl.

    • Wash and slice the strawberries.
    • Set them aside until ready to assemble the dessert.

    Carlota de Fresa is like Carlota de Limón, but this dessert uses strawberries like in Fresas con Crema.

    What do they eat for dessert in Mexico?


    Some popular Mexican desserts include Pastel de Tres Leches, Flan, and Pumpkin Empanadas.

    Many authentic Mexican desserts use fresh fruit like Pineapple Empanadas and Ensalada Navideña.

    How to make the cream sauce:

    An overhead collage image showing how to make the creamy sauce for the Mexican dessert.

    • To a blender, add evaporated milk.
    • Add sweetened condensed milk.
    • Add lime juice.

    Some people do not like the lime flavor.

    Swap out options (without lime juice):

    • Omit the lime juice. Dissolve strawberry gelatine in water and blend with the milks.
    • Or, omit the lime juice. Blend half the strawberries with the milks and mix with 2 cups whipped cream.

    Two rows of galletas Maria outside of the package and one sleeve of the package.

    Carlotas are desserts that always use Galletas Marias. They are a classic in Mexican food.

    If you can’t find them, you can always buy Galletas Maria online.

    Or, you can use vanilla wafers.

    Are Maria cookies Mexican?


    Maria Cookies (or Galletas Maria) are thin, round, and only mildly sweet. They are like vanilla wafers or graham crackers but without the cinnamon flavor. This cookie is favorite in Mexico.

    How to assemble this dessert


    A collage showing how to layer a strawberry trifle.

    • Add a layer of the cream sauce to the bottom of the plate so the cookies won’t move.
    • Add a layer of cookies.
    • Add a layer of strawberries.
    • Add another layer of the cream sauce. Repeat layering.

    Continue layering in this pattern. Depending on the serving plate, you might not have as many layers to add.

    There’s something about trifles that I love. You can buy a trifle bowl online or a Pryex dish with a lid that works great if you’re taking this dessert to a potluck or picnic.

    Sliced strawberries lined up against the glass of a trifle.

    • For a visual effect, you can add sliced strawberries on the side of the trifle.

    Even if you’re not using a trifle, you can also add strawberries to the side of a glass plate to make it look pretty.

    Be sure to save some strawberries for decorating the top of the icebox cake.

    What does icebox cake mean?


    An icebox cake is a dessert made of cream, wafers, fruit, and sometimes nuts, then set in the refrigerator. No baking is required.

    A collage showing how to layer a Carlota de Fresa trifle.

    • Continue layering with the cream sauce, strawberries, and Galletas Marias.
    • Repeat until there you run out of ingredients, or there is no more room.
    • Place in the fridge for 24 hours.

    For the trifle dish, 1 ½ sleeves of the Galletas Maria were used. They will soak up all the creamy lime sauce and taste amazing.

    How long does an icebox cake need to be refrigerated?


    It is best to chill overnight, or at least 6 hours. The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

    A Carlota de Fresa trifle next to a spoon on a red checkered napkin.

    Carlota de Fresa is a rich and creamy Mexican dessert. Light, fruity, and absolutely delicious. Add a few sliced strawberries on top for decoration. You will you beg for seconds.

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    A Carlota de Fresa trifle with a wooden fence and green branch in the background.

    Carlota de Fresa

    You're going to love this easy and creamy Carlota de Fresa recipe. This strawberry icebox cake involves no baking and only a handful of ingredients. A delicious and fruity Mexican dessert that's layered into perfection.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    1 day
    Total Time: 1 day 15 minutes
    Servings: 8 people
    Calories: 220kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1 can evaporated milk
    • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
    • Juice of 10 key limes (or 5 regular limes)
    • 2 16-ounce packages strawberries sliced
    • 1 ½ to 2 sleeves Galletas Maria

    Instructions

    • In a large blender, add the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and lime juice. 
    • Blend until smooth. 
    • Set aside until ready to use. 
    • NOTE: If you are not going to use the cream sauce right away, store it in the fridge. 
    • Slice strawberries. 
    • Add a thin layer of cream sauce to a baking dish. 
    • Add a layer of strawberries on top of the cream sauce. 
    • Add a  layer of Galletas Maria on top of the strawberries. 
    • Repeat this pattern until there are no more ingredients. 
    • Chill for 24 hours, or a minimum of 6 hours.  
    • Serve and enjoy. 

    Video

    Notes

    Swap out options (without lime):
    • Dissolve strawberry gelatine in water and blend with the milk. Omit the lime juice.
    • OR, blend half of the strawberries with the milks and mix with 2 cups whipped cream. Omit the lime juice.
    If you can't find Galletas Marias, use vanilla wafers.
     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 318mg | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 256mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!


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    Filed Under: Desserts

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amber Myers

      February 11, 2020 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so tasty! I don’t think I’ve tried his before but I tend to enjoy anything with strawberries.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 31, 2020 at 1:14 pm

        Tasty indeed! Hope you try it.

        Reply
    2. GiGi Eats

      February 11, 2020 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      What a simple yet delicious looking and sounding recipe! I bet it’s a mouth-pleaser! 🙂

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        February 11, 2020 at 6:35 pm

        Yes! Thank you. This is so easy and delicious.

        Reply
    3. Liz Mays

      February 11, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      Ooh this would be a real treat. I love the presentation too. I’m new to using those cookies!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 31, 2020 at 1:14 pm

        This recipe is delicious. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    4. MELISSA CHAPMAN

      February 11, 2020 at 3:55 pm

      5 stars
      It certainly does remind me of trifle and it looks so good. I would love to make a dessert like this but it takes real talent.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 31, 2020 at 1:13 pm

        It’s not complicated to make. Hope you give this recipe a try!

        Reply
    5. Victoria

      February 11, 2020 at 4:50 pm

      This is my first time hearing of a Carlota. However, I must admit that it does look and sound pretty tasty.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 31, 2020 at 1:13 pm

        It’s so tasty! Hope you try it!

        Reply
    6. Brandy Ellen Writes

      February 11, 2020 at 9:13 pm

      This is the first time I’ve heard of a recipe like this! OMG I love the idea of making Carlota de Fresa at home, it’s something that I wouldn’t want to share 😉

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 31, 2020 at 1:12 pm

        Hope you like it! It’s delicious

        Reply
    7. Ruth I

      February 12, 2020 at 4:30 am

      This is one of the reason why I am such a huge fan of sweets. My mouth is watering just about now. How I wish I can get a bite.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 31, 2020 at 1:11 pm

        This recipe is soo yummy! Hope you try it!

        Reply
    8. Heather

      February 12, 2020 at 5:16 am

      This looks just like a trifle. I bet it tastes just as delicious as it looks too!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 31, 2020 at 1:10 pm

        It sure does! Hope you try it!

        Reply
    9. Melissa Dixon

      February 12, 2020 at 5:43 am

      Carlota de Fresa sounds like something my entire family would love. I need to try this soon!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 31, 2020 at 1:10 pm

        It’s amazing! Hope you try it!

        Reply
    10. Agnes

      February 12, 2020 at 5:50 am

      I’ve seen the video and it looks so easy to make. Thanks for the recipe, will try to copy it this weekend.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 31, 2020 at 1:10 pm

        Glad you liked it! This recipe is delicious.

        Reply
    11. Gervin Khan

      February 12, 2020 at 6:55 am

      This looks so yummy and delicious a very great recipe. Plus the strawberry ingredients is one of my favorite on a dessert a very recommended for everybody.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 3, 2020 at 1:17 pm

        So good right? We love this recipe too.

        Reply
    12. Kristine Nicole Alessandra

      February 12, 2020 at 12:11 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! This reminds me of the mango graham refrigerator cake that my son makes for me. I will try your recipe too. Strawberries are in season here, so might as well take advantage of it and make this yummy dessert.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        February 20, 2020 at 10:21 am

        Oooh… I gotta try something like this with mangoes. Thanks for the idea.

        Reply
    13. StarTraci

      February 12, 2020 at 12:54 pm

      5 stars
      Yum, Yum, YUMMY! I am not a baker – so I immediately perked up when I read No-Bake. This looks delicious and I loved learning about the Maria Cookies. Great recipe. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 4, 2020 at 8:55 am

        Right! I love no bake desserts. Hope you find the Maria Cookies. They are a classic in Mexican food, but you can swap out for vanilla wafers.

        Reply
    14. Kita Bryant

      February 12, 2020 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      Oh wow this looks absolutely delicious! I would really love to make this for this weekend!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 4, 2020 at 8:54 am

        Yes! Please do. It’s a delicious and refreshing recipe.

        Reply
    15. Farrah Less

      February 13, 2020 at 11:07 am

      This is a great dessert for summer plus I live in California. We have local strawberry farm everywhere so this is perfect.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 3, 2020 at 3:10 pm

        Delicious! Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply

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