Mango Carlota (Mexican Icebox Cake) 🥭✨

If you’re looking for a sweet, creamy, and tropical dessert that’s ridiculously easy to make, you’ll love this Mango Carlota!
Also known as a Mexican mango icebox cake, it layers buttery cookies, luscious mango cream, and fresh mango slices for a refreshing, no-bake treat that’s perfect for warm days.
Let’s dive into this fruity masterpiece!
Ingredients
- 1 kg ripe mangoes (peeled, diced, and sliced)
- 1 can condensed milk (approx. 400 g)
- 1 can evaporated milk (approx. 400 ml)
- 1 stick cream cheese (225 g)
- ½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
- 2 packages vanilla or Maria cookies (140 g each)
Instructions
1. Chill the Ingredients
- For best results, make sure all the ingredients for the cream are well chilled before starting.
2. Prepare the Mango
- Wash and peel the mangoes.
- Dice 2 mangoes into small cubes.
- Slice the remaining mangoes into thin slices for layering.
3. Make the Mango Cream
- In a blender, combine:
- The pulp from the 2 diced mangoes
- Evaporated milk
- Condensed milk
- Cream cheese
- Vanilla essence
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- While blending, gradually pour in the lemon juice until the cream starts to thicken slightly.
4. Assemble the Carlota
- In a rectangular or round dish, spread a thin layer of the mango cream at the bottom.
- Add a layer of cookies over the cream.
- Place a layer of mango slices on top of the cookies.
- Cover with another layer of cream.
- Repeat the layers: cookies, mango slices, cream — until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of cream on top.
5. Refrigerate
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- For best results, chill overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Quick tip: If you’re short on time, freeze for 1 hour, then refrigerate for another 1 hour.
6. Decorate and Serve
- Just before serving, decorate the top with more fresh mango slices.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy every creamy, fruity bite!
Recipe Overview
Prep Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories per Slice |
---|---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 4–6 hours | 4–6 hours | 10–12 slices | ~300–350 kcal |
Tips for a Perfect Mango Carlota:
- Use ripe mangoes: The sweeter and juicier, the better!
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: It helps thicken the cream and balances the sweetness.
- Chill well: Letting it sit overnight makes the cookies perfectly soft and cake-like.
Variations:
- Tropical Twist: Add some diced pineapple or passionfruit pulp between layers for extra flavor.
- Nutty Carlota: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or toasted coconut on top before serving.
- Lighter Version: Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter but still creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- No baking required — perfect for summer days!
- Simple ingredients, big flavor.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for parties or family gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite fruits!
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy, dreamy Mango Carlota — the ultimate tropical dessert!
Buen provecho! 🥭
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