Mango Carlota

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Mango Carlota is a delicious no-bake Mexican dessert made with layers of sweet mango cream and Maria cookies. It’s creamy, refreshing, and perfect for summer gatherings. This easy dessert requires no oven and tastes even better after chilling overnight.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 6–8 hours (or overnight)
  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Servings: 10–12

Ingredients

For the Mango Cream

  • 3 large ripe mangoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
  • 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Pinch of salt

For Layering

  • 2 packages Maria cookies (about 50–60 cookies)
  • ½ cup milk (for lightly dipping cookies)

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh mango cubes
  • Whipped cream
  • Lime zest
  • Mint leaves
  • Crushed Maria cookies
  • Toasted coconut flakes
  • White chocolate shavings

Equipment

  • Blender
  • 9×9-inch baking dish or 9-inch square pan
  • Rubber spatula
  • Mixing bowl

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mango Cream

  1. Peel and chop the mangoes.
  2. Add mango chunks to a blender.
  3. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk.
  4. Add evaporated milk.
  5. Add softened cream cheese.
  6. Add vanilla extract.
  7. Add lime juice and a pinch of salt.
  8. Blend for 2–3 minutes until perfectly smooth and creamy.

Tip: If your mangoes are very sweet, reduce the condensed milk slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookies

Pour the milk into a shallow bowl.

Quickly dip each Maria cookie into the milk for only 1–2 seconds.

Do not soak them or they will become too soft.

Step 3: Assemble the Carlota

Spread a thin layer of mango cream on the bottom of the dish.

Arrange a single layer of dipped Maria cookies.

Spread another generous layer of mango cream.

Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

Finish with a thick layer of mango cream on top.

Usually you’ll have:

  • 4–5 cookie layers
  • 5–6 mango cream layers

Step 4: Chill

Cover the dish with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours.

For the best texture and flavor, chill overnight.

Decorating Ideas

Before serving, decorate with:

  • Fresh diced mango
  • Whipped cream swirls
  • Lime zest
  • Mint leaves
  • Crushed Maria cookies
  • White chocolate curls
  • Toasted coconut

Serving Suggestions

Serve cold with:

  • Fresh fruit
  • Iced coffee
  • Mango smoothie
  • Lemonade
  • Hibiscus tea
  • Vanilla ice cream

Storage

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

  • Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor.
  • Chill overnight for clean slices.
  • Don’t over-soak the cookies.
  • Blend until completely smooth.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
  • Taste the filling before assembling and adjust sweetness or lime juice if needed.

Variations

Tropical Carlota

Add pineapple chunks and shredded coconut.

Strawberry Mango

Layer sliced strawberries between the cookies.

Peach Mango

Replace half of the mango with ripe peaches.

Coconut Mango

Mix ½ cup coconut cream into the filling.

Spicy Mango

Sprinkle a little Tajín seasoning over the top before serving.

Chocolate Mango

Add a layer of white chocolate chips between the cookie layers.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 390
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No baking required
  • Rich, creamy, and fruity
  • Perfect make-ahead dessert
  • Great for parties and family gatherings
  • Easy to customize with your favorite fruits
  • Refreshing and ideal for warm weather

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