Carlota de Limón Recipe from Mexico

For many, carlota de limón is a nostalgic flavor of their childhood. We’re excited for this opportunity to share this recipe, which is near and dear to our Mexico program staff.

In our Mexico children’s program, our two amazing cooks prepare meals 7 days a week for children. If you’ve ever been blessed with the opportunity to visit, you know they do their jobs joyfully, with inviting smiles and hearts. Both women have had children in the program, and their families have absolutely flourished through the years.

Connect with our Mexico program by making this deliciously sweet and tart dessert at home. Carlota de limón is very easy to make! There are few supplies and ingredients needed and you don’t even need to cook it.

I had fun making this recipe with my 6-year old son. He especially enjoyed helping with the mixing and adding the layers of cookies and cream (a few cookies might have gone missing in the process).

I hope you enjoy making this dessert as much as I did! If you’d like to learn more about what our Christ-centered and holistic children’s program is doing in Oaxaca, Mexico, you can do so here.

Carlota de Limón (Mexico)

Desi McAnally
Carlota de Limón is a dish held dear to many as a sweet treat enjoyed during family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. This dish is simple, tangy and sweet, something easy to put together whenever the fancy strikes. Connect with our Mexico program by enjoying this recipe and learn how we're helping children in Mexico at www.forwardedge.org/Mexico.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Servings 9

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can condensed milk
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 36 plain Maria brand vanilla cookies
  • 1 lime, sliced (optional)
  • 1 sprig fresh mint, disinfected (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Blend condensed milk with evaporated milk. Then while the blender is on low, add lime juice little by little until incorporated.
  • Place in an 8" x 8" glass container a layer of 9 cookies, a little lime mixture and alternate until you finish with all the ingredients. You will want 4 layers of cookies to absorb the liquid.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Decorate with lime slices and mint; enjoy.
Keyword authentic, carlota de limon, easy, family-favorite, kid-friendly, lime, mexican, no-bake, quick, refreshing summer dessert, sweet, tangy, traditional
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Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Hola (hello), my name is Jeremy Esli

  • location

    Mexico

  • 16 yrs. old

    12-16-2009

Entered the program: October 2025

When not away at school studying music, Jeremy lives with his mom, his younger brother, his grandmother and an uncle at his grandmother’s house. He shares a bedroom with his mom and brother. Their home has a kitchen and a bathroom outside.

Jeremy´s dad passed away in 2020 due to cirrhosis. He had been struggling with alcoholism since he was a teenager. His mother takes care of the home and helps provides for the family by farming and doing embroidery.

Sponsorship Level What's this?

Three $38 sponsorships are needed to cover the complete holistic care of one child. Cover one, two, or three sponsorships.