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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Carlota de Limón + VIDEO

    Carlota de Limón + VIDEO

    Last Updated April 7, 2023. Originally Posted July 3, 2018 By Maggie Unzueta

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

    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 Print 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.

    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.

    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 44 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 1/2 cup.
    • With your spatula, spread evenly over the cookies.
    • Add another layer of the Maria cookies.
    • Add some of the lime mixtures. About 1/2 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

    Filed Under: Desserts, Mexican, Recipes

    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. Krista

      July 1, 2019 at 6:36 am

      Okay I’m not sure this would be one of my favorite recipes, just knowing what I like and dislike, but appreciate sharing. Would make a great dessert to take to a party!

      Reply
    2. Anonymous

      November 13, 2019 at 10:26 am

      5 stars
      I thought it was named after “hospital la Carlota” in Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico! That’s where my mom learned to make it when she worked at the hospital.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 2, 2019 at 5:05 pm

        Well, we have names for everything in Mexico. I’m sure there’s a dish out there named after where your mom worked. lol.

        Reply
    3. Claudia

      February 12, 2021 at 7:33 am

      5 stars
      I would rather galletas Ducales.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        April 4, 2023 at 8:57 am

        Galletas María in this Carlota de Limón recipe give it a delicious flavor, but if you like the Galletas Ducales better, you could experiment with the recipe. Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Lavanda Michelle

      February 15, 2021 at 5:16 pm

      Tht looks super delicious. I actually have most of the ingredients, so I’ll attempt to make this later in the week. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 18, 2021 at 1:14 pm

        Hope you try it! you”ll love it

        Reply
    5. Anosa Malanga

      February 18, 2021 at 5:40 pm

      I never thought that this is so easy to do. I need to check out limes here so I can try to make it. Can’t wait to try my very first limon/lime cake!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 24, 2021 at 1:21 pm

        Easy and delicious!

        Reply
    6. 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
    7. 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
    8. 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
    9. 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

    10. 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 4, 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
    11. 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 4, 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
    12. 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
    13. 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.

    14. 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
    15. 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
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