Mango Carlota is a refreshing, no-bake dessert that layers sweet mango cream with Maria cookies (or graham crackers). Popular in Mexico, it’s perfect for hot days and tropical cravings. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers big flavor with every creamy, fruity bite.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: ~4 hours 15 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- 8×8 inch dish or loaf pan
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
📝 Ingredients
- 2 large ripe mangoes (or ~2 cups mango pulp)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened (optional for extra richness)
- 1 pack Maria cookies (or graham crackers)
- Juice of 1 lime (optional, for brightness)
🔍 Ingredient Notes
- Mango: Ataulfo or Manila mangoes are best for their sweetness and low fiber.
- Cream cheese: Optional, but it adds body and tang. Can be replaced with Greek yogurt or skipped for a lighter version.
- Maria cookies: Traditional for Carlota, but graham crackers or digestive biscuits work too.
- Lime juice: Balances the sweetness and enhances mango flavor.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Mango Cream:
- In a blender, combine peeled and chopped mangoes, condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream cheese (if using), and lime juice.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Assemble the Carlota:
- In your dish, spread a thin layer of mango cream.
- Add a layer of Maria cookies, covering the surface.
- Pour another layer of mango cream to cover the cookies.
- Repeat layers until all the cream is used, ending with a layer of cream.
- Chill:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh mango slices, lime zest, or mint if desired.
- Cut into slices and enjoy chilled.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving, based on 9 servings)
⚠️ Nutrition may vary based on brands and substitutions.
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 40g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
💡 Tips
- Use ripe mangoes for the best flavor—soft, fragrant, and slightly wrinkled skin.
- For a firmer set, freeze for 1 hour before serving if you’re in a rush.
- Let it chill overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Use parchment paper or acetate lining if you want to unmold it neatly.
🔁 Variations
- Tropical Carlota: Add pineapple or passion fruit to the mango mix.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based milks and coconut cream + vegan cookies.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of Tajín or chili-lime seasoning for contrast.
- Nutty Carlota: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or coconut flakes between layers.
- Mango & Berries: Add sliced strawberries or raspberries between cookie layers for extra tartness.
