Most of us are very familiar with Mexican main dishes – tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, etc. – but how many of us can name popular Mexican desserts? Actually, there are dozens of desserts that are popular in Mexico – flan, rice pudding, churros, cakes, empanadas, etc. I did a little research and found a refreshing dessert that is light and airy and perfect for spring. Most of us are too full for dessert after eating Mexican food, but this dessert, is light. Carlota de limón, is actually an icebox cake made with Maria’s vanilla cookies (available at Mexican groceries and mainstream grocery stores in areas with a large Mexican populations; there are several brands). The iconic cookies are layered with a creamy light mixture flavored with fresh limes and refrigerated until serving time. This dessert is not only delicious, but it is easy to make and can be made ahead. This dessert reminds me of Florida’s key lime pie. Make sure you use freshly squeezed lime juice; fresh limes can be zested with a Microplane® or zester, which adds extra flavor, and the juice just tastes much better.

If you’re planning on serving Mexican food on Cinco de Mayo (why Americans celebrate the Mexican battle of Pueblo on the 5th of May is a mystery, but we do, nonetheless), you’ll want to make this creamy dessert to offset the heavy main dishes.

12 Servings

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 4-6 limes
2 teaspoons lime zest

4.9 ounce package Marias cookies

Lime zest, for garnish

1. Place the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, lime juice, and lime zest in the blender and whizz until smooth.
2. Spread about 1 cup of the mixture over the bottom of a 9" x 9" shallow baking dish.
3. place a layer of cookies on top, breaking some in half to fit.
4. Spread with a layer of filling; top with a layer of cookies, and repeat twice more making four layers, spreading the remaining filling over the top; sprinkle with some lime zest.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least eight hours or overnight. To serve, cut into squares.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 232 Calories from Fat 82
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 35% Protein 11% Carb. 54%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 9 g
Saturated Fat 6 g
Cholesterol 30 mg
Sodium 172 mg
Total Carbohydrate 31 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 3 g
Protein 6 g

Vitamin A 6% Vitamin C 8% Calcium 0% Iron 1%