Carlota de Limon Recipe

Sweetened condensed milk: This thick, sweet milk is a key ingredient that provides the dessert with its rich and creamy texture.

Evaporated milk: This milk adds a lighter, creamier consistency to the mixture, balancing out the sweetness of the condensed milk.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the dessert its signature tangy flavor and helps to set the creamy mixture.

Maria cookies: These crisp, slightly sweet cookies are used to create the layers in the dessert, adding a delightful crunch.

To achieve a smoother and creamier texture in your Carlota de Limon, make sure to whisk the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and lime juice thoroughly until the mixture is completely homogeneous. This ensures that the lime juice is evenly distributed, preventing any curdling and giving you a perfectly balanced filling. Additionally, for an extra touch of flavor, you can lightly dip the maria cookies in lime juice or milk before layering them in the dish. This will soften the cookies slightly and infuse them with a subtle hint of lime, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut condensed milk: Coconut condensed milk provides a similar sweetness and creamy texture, making it a suitable dairy-free alternative.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with homemade condensed milk: Combine whole milk and sugar, simmer until thickened. This allows control over sweetness and ingredients.

• evaporated milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk offers a creamy consistency and a hint of coconut flavor, suitable for a dairy-free option.

• evaporated milk - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half provides a similar creamy texture and richness, though it is not dairy-free.

• freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar tartness and acidity, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

• freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with bottled lime juice: Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, though it may lack the freshness of freshly squeezed juice.

• maria cookies - Substitute with graham crackers: Graham crackers have a similar texture and mild sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• maria cookies - Substitute with digestive biscuits: Digestive biscuits offer a similar crumbly texture and can be used as a substitute in layered desserts.

• Ensure the Carlota de Limon is completely set and chilled in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before considering storage or freezing. This helps the lime mixture firm up properly.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents the dessert from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

• If you plan to store it for more than a couple of days, transfer the Carlota de Limon to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

• When freezing, slice the Carlota de Limon into individual portions. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.

• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets. Follow this by wrapping in aluminum foil for an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.

• Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of its freshness. The Carlota de Limon can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• To thaw, transfer the desired number of portions from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow them to thaw slowly overnight. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dessert.

• Avoid thawing at room temperature as this can cause the lime mixture to become too soft and lose its structure.

• Once thawed, enjoy the Carlota de Limon within 2 days for the best taste and texture.

• Refrigeration Method:

  1. Remove the Carlota de Limon from the fridge.
  2. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.
  3. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and refreshing lime flavor.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the Carlota de Limon on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this dessert is best enjoyed chilled.
  3. Check the texture; it should be slightly softened but not warm. If needed, microwave for an additional 5 seconds.

• Water Bath Method:

  1. Fill a large bowl with warm water.
  2. Place the container with the Carlota de Limon into the warm water, ensuring the water level is below the rim of the container.
  3. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, checking occasionally until it reaches the desired consistency.
  4. Serve immediately for a perfectly chilled and slightly softened dessert.

• Room Temperature Method:

  1. Remove the Carlota de Limon from the refrigerator.
  2. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
  3. This method ensures the dessert remains cool but not too firm, enhancing the lime and maria cookies flavors.

• Oven Method (for a slightly different texture):

  1. Preheat your oven to the lowest setting, around 150°F (65°C).
  2. Place the Carlota de Limon in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Warm it in the oven for about 5 minutes, checking frequently to ensure it doesn't get too warm.
  4. This method can give a unique twist, slightly warming the maria cookies while keeping the lime mixture cool.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and lime juice until well combined.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the ingredients smoothly and incorporate air into the mixture.

• Baking dish: A dish where you will layer the maria cookies and lime mixture to form the dessert.

• Spatula: A tool used to spread the lime mixture evenly over the layers of cookies.

• Refrigerator: An appliance to chill the dessert for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing it to set properly.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the freshly squeezed lime juice accurately.

• Can opener: A tool to open the cans of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk.

Prepare the filling: Mix the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and lime juice in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Layer efficiently: Use a baking dish that fits the maria cookies perfectly to avoid breaking them and save time on arranging.

Chill quickly: Place the baking dish in the freezer for 30 minutes before transferring it to the fridge to speed up the chilling process.

Use a spatula: A spatula helps spread the lime mixture evenly and quickly over the maria cookies.