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    Home » Recipes » Mexican Dessert Recipes

    Carlota de Limón + VIDEO

    Published: Jul 3, 2018 · Updated: Apr 7, 2023 by Maggie Unzueta

    Carlota de Limón is a deliciously sweet and easy-to-make Mexican icebox cake made with key limes and layers of cookies. No baking required. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion.
    Jump to Recipe
    A fork cutting into the lime cake and showing the layers of the dessert.
    A slice of Carlota de Limon served on a white plate next to the cake.
    Carlota de Limon with slice of lime and fork
    A fork cutting into the lime cake and showing the layers of the dessert.

    A slice of Carlota de Limon served on a white plate next to the cake.

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

    Carlota de Limón, also known as postre de limón, is a refreshing and creamy Mexican icebox cake that is sure to please any dessert lover.

    Along with mantecadas, this was my favorite dessert as a kid. 

    Made with key limes and layers of cookies, this easy dessert is made with a handful of ingredients and doesn’t require any baking.

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

    This carlota dessert is made with Galletas Maria. Look for them in the Hispanic sections at the grocery stores or BUY ONLINE. 

    You can substitute them with butter cookies or graham crackers if you can’t find them.

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Origins
    • 2 Instructions
    • 3 For a Creamier Texture:
    • 4 Serving
    • 5 Storing Instructions
    • 6 More Mexican Desserts
      • 6.1 Hungry for More?
    • 7 Carlota de Limón
      • 7.1 Ingredients
      • 7.2 Instructions
      • 7.3 Video
      • 7.4 Notes
      • 7.5 Nutrition
          • 7.5.0.1 Maggie Unzueta

    Origins

    Some say it was an alternation of the “charlotte russe” invented by the French chef, Marie-Antoine Carême, who named it after the wife of Zar Nicolai I. 

    While others say it was named after Charlotte, the wife of King George III of England. 

    Whoever the real inventor is left us with a delicious recipe.  

    InstructionsA collage showing how to a make the creamy mixture in a blender.

    • To a blender, add sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and evaporated milk.
    • Blend until smooth, and you achieve a creamy texture.
    • Taste the milk mixture for good measure. It should taste like key lime pie. 

    I’m using the juice of about 10 key limes. If you are using regular limes, juice about 5-6. Be sure to remove any lime seeds that made it through the juicer holes.

    Get a spoon and scrape out everything inside the can of sweetened condensed milk.  

    Along with the evaporated milk, that’s what gives this carlota de limón recipe its creamy consistency.

    For a Creamier Texture:

    You can also add cream cheese for a richer and creamier texture, but it’s not necessary.

    A collage showing how to layer the cookies and creamy mixture in a baking dish.

    • Next, get a large baking dish or casserole dish, and add about ¼ cup of the lime mixture, spreading it evenly using the back of a spoon.
    • Then, add a layer of Maria cookies over the lime mixture, and pour a little bit more of the lime mixture on top, enough to cover the cookies. 
    • Continue layering the cookies and lime mixture until you run out of ingredients.

    Mexican recipes don’t come any easier than this!

    You might need to break the whole cookies to cover the entire surface of the baking dish. 

    Create layer after layer until there are no ingredients. I used almost 2 full sleeves. 

    Carlota de Limon in baking dish topped with lime zest and lime slices.

    • The top layer should be that of the lime mixture. That way, you can decorate the top. 
    • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours to allow the cookies to absorb the lime mixture.

    I decorated the final layer with thin slices of lime and lime zest. Or, consider using a springform pan to show off the layers. Another way to show off the layers is to assemble it in a trifle dish.

    Since you can make the “pastel carlota” ahead of time, consider making it for your next dinner party.

    Serving

    To serve, slice the cake into small squares. Serve cold. If you want to take it up a notch, serve with a drizzle of dulce de leche.

    Very important! Do not take the Mexican lemon cake out of the fridge just ready to serve. 

    Storing Instructions

    When storing, simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to five days.

    A fork cutting into the lime cake and showing the layers of the dessert.

    More Mexican Desserts

    • Panque de Nuez
    • Flan
    • Conchas
    • Tres Leches Cake

    Carlota de Limón is a classic Mexican dessert made with key limes and layers of cookies.

    Easy to make, deliciously light and tangy, and can be made ahead of time. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion.

    Hungry for More?

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter for my latest recipes and videos.

    A fork cutting into the lime cake and showing the layers of the dessert.

    Carlota de Limón

    Carlota de Limón is a deliciously sweet and easy-to-make Mexican icebox cake made with key limes and layers of cookies. No baking required. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion.
    5 from 69 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 hours hours
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 613kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1 can evaporated milk
    • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
    • Juice of 10 key limes or 5 limes
    • 2 packages Maria cookies

    Instructions

    • Juice the limes and set aside.
    • To a blender, add the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and lime juice
    • Blend until smooth.
    • To a large Pyrex plate or decorative dish, add about ¼ cup of the lime mixture.
    • Add a layer of Maria cookies.
    • Break the cookies in half to cover the areas open areas.
    • Add some of the lime mixtures. About ½ cup.
    • With your spatula, spread evenly over the cookies.
    • Add another layer of the Maria cookies.
    • Add some of the lime mixtures. About ½ cup.
    • Using your spatula, spread the lime mixture.
    • Continue layering until there are no more ingredients left.
    • Cover and refrigerate for 5 hours.
    • Decorate with lime zest, slices of lime, or fruit.
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

     If you are using regular limes, juice about 5-6.
    Get a spoon and make sure you scrape everything out of the blender.
    If you can’t find Maria cookies, you can substitute with butter cookies or graham crackers.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 613kcal | Carbohydrates: 117g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 735mg | Potassium: 318mg | Sugar: 58g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 256mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    This post was recently updated. You might remember the old pictures.

     Layers inside Carlota de Limon Slice of Carlota de Limon on white plate next to plate of icebox cake.Carlota de Limon with slice of lime and fork

    Maggie Unzueta
    Website | + posts

    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.

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    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.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Christiana

      June 15, 2023 at 12:46 pm

      I can’t wait to try this! I live on a sailboat in the Sea of Cortez. It’s way too hot to bake. This is perfect!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        June 20, 2023 at 7:26 am

        Carlota de Limon recipe is indeed a perfect choice for hot weather. Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer

      April 25, 2021 at 12:46 pm

      5 stars
      Oh this sounds perfect for the summer on those hot days when you want something cool and sweet. I’m loving the sweet and tangy combination! Thank you so much for sharing! I know what I’m making for dessert tomorrow!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 27, 2021 at 11:14 am

        So glad you enjoyed this! Hope you try it

        Reply
    3. Moop Brown

      April 25, 2021 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      I don’t think I’d ever heard of this recipe before but this dessert like really yummy and I love that it’s no-bake as well. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 27, 2021 at 11:15 am

        It’s easy and delicious to make. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    4. Erin

      April 25, 2021 at 4:02 am

      Aww, aren’t grandmas the best. And this looks incredible! I’ve never heard of it before but I clearly need to try it.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 27, 2021 at 11:19 am

        Yes they are! Hope you try this recipe

        Reply
      • Olivia

        December 23, 2022 at 6:39 pm

        Can we use yellow lemon

        Reply
        • Maggie Unzueta

          December 28, 2022 at 10:57 am

          Yes. Traditionally Carlota de Limon is made with key limes, but yellow lemons work just as well.

    5. Leslie

      April 24, 2021 at 8:28 am

      5 stars
      I have tried a lot of ice box cakes but never one with flavors like this! This looks divine!!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 27, 2021 at 11:19 am

        Thanks! Hope you try this recipe

        Reply
    6. Veronika

      April 23, 2021 at 9:21 am

      5 stars
      I love easy no-bake desserts! This one looks amazing and will be perfect for the Summer!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        April 04, 2023 at 8:14 am

        Great to hear that you like this Carlota de Limón! It’s definitely a perfect treat for summer. Enjoy making it!

        Reply
    7. Tammy

      April 23, 2021 at 8:50 am

      5 stars
      Key Lime Pie is such a refreshing warm weather treat and one I look forward to making each season. Yours looks light and luscious..so simple to make too!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        April 04, 2023 at 8:17 am

        Key Lime Pie and Carlota de Limón are similar in that they both feature a tangy lime flavor and a creamy texture. Both are sooo good, hope you try this recipe!

        Reply
    8. Ramona

      April 22, 2021 at 10:36 am

      5 stars
      This recipe looks super delicious! I have never made this before and it looks nice and easy, so I will definitely give it a try. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 22, 2021 at 4:45 pm

        Glad you enjoyed this! Hope you try it

        Reply
      • Loreto and Nicoletta

        April 25, 2021 at 6:26 pm

        5 stars
        What a beautiful story. Are Grandmas just best ad you said, and my response is, ABSOLUTELY!❤
        This is a great dessert and you have definately inspired me today!
        Thank you!😋😍❤👌👍

        Reply
        • Maggie U

          April 27, 2021 at 10:01 am

          They really are the best! Hope you try this recipe

    9. veenaazmanov

      April 20, 2021 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      Delicious, Simple and yet so unique and perfect. My family to love it.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 20, 2021 at 4:04 pm

        Thanks! So glad you and your family enjoyed it!

        Reply
    10. Marta

      April 19, 2021 at 5:05 pm

      5 stars
      I loved the contrast of sweet and sour. Great dessert. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 20, 2021 at 4:05 pm

        Isn’t the best? glad you liked it

        Reply
    11. Bebe

      February 23, 2021 at 10:18 am

      making this as soon as it warms up. (Texass). i always have 2 Marias with my afternoon cuppa so have all the ingredients. thanks Maggie for another must make!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 10, 2021 at 8:43 am

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
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