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Our Most Popular No-Cook Dessert Of All Time
★★★★★
5.0 (520)|(2 Reviews)Layers of Mexican Maria cookies soaked in a tart, creamy lime custard made with sweetened condensed milk.
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By Devan Grimsrud (Recipe Developer)•Published May 21, 2026
⏱ 4 hrs 15 mins (chill)
Simply Recipes / Devan Grimsrud🔥 280 kcal
WHY MAKE THIS
- The lime juice naturally thickens the milk into silky custard without heat.
- Crisp cookies soften into sponge-cake texture.
NO-COOK ICON
Our Most Popular No-Cook Dessert Of All Time
Mexico's beloved Carlota de Limón: Maria cookies layered with an ultra-creamy, tart cream made by whipping evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and freshly squeezed lime juice in a blender. It sets like a dream in the fridge. Difficulty: Super Easy.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time0 mins
Total Time4 hrs 15 mins (chill)
Servings10 servings
Scale Recipe:
📱Keep Screen Awake While Cooking
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed Key lime or Persian lime juice
- 2 packages (about 60 cookies) Mexican Galletas María or graham crackers
- Finely grated lime zest for garnish
Directions
1
Whiz blender lime cream
In a blender, blend condensed milk, evaporated milk, and lime juice for 60 seconds until thick and velvety.
2
Layer cookies and cream
Pour a thin layer of lime cream in an 8x8 dish. Layer Maria cookies, pour cream, and repeat 4–5 times, finishing with cream.
3
Chill and garnish
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until firm. Garnish with fresh lime zest before slicing into clean squares.
💡 CHEF'S PRO TIPS
- Use fresh lime juice—bottled lime juice lacks the aromatic oils that make this dessert sing.
Nutrition Facts
Per ServingCalories280 kcal
Protein6g
Carbs44g
Total Fat9g
Sodium: 160mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Community Reviews & Ratings
2 cooks have shared their thoughts on this recipe
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Sarah M.★★★★★
This has completely replaced my normal avocado toast! The beans blend so well you cannot even tell, and I stay full until lunchtime!
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David K.★★★★★
Great trick for adding protein without cooking eggs on busy mornings. Added a pinch of red pepper flakes and lemon zest—delicious.
