Homemade Mango Carlota

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🍰 Homemade Mango Carlota

The Chilled Dessert That Never Fails on Hot Days

When summer arrives and the heat becomes relentless, nothing soothes the soul like a cold, creamy dessert made with love. Mango Carlota, also known as Carlota de Mango, is a beloved no-bake Mexican treat that blends the richness of cream cheese and the tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes with the nostalgic crunch of Maria cookies. It’s a dessert layered with memories — of childhood, of family celebrations, and of sunny afternoons shared with loved ones.

This dish is more than a dessert; it’s a hug in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends, surprising your family, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this Mango Carlota never fails.

🌿 A Brief History

Carlota (or charlotte in European cuisine) has its roots in old-world desserts layered with custard and ladyfingers. But in Mexico, Carlota evolved into something more accessible and delicious: layers of Maria cookies and a creamy filling. Over time, flavors like lime, strawberry, and mango were added to reflect seasonal fruits and local traditions. Mango Carlota, in particular, stands out as a tropical twist on the classic — vibrant, fruity, and absolutely irresistible.

🍑 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a large family-size Mango Carlota:

  • 2 packs of Maria cookies (about 400 g total)
  • 1 can of condensed milk (397 g / 14 oz)
  • 1 can of evaporated milk (354 ml / 12 oz)
  • 1 block of Philadelphia-style cream cheese (190 g / 6.7 oz)
  • 4 large ripe mangoes, peeled and diced (or 3 cups of mango pulp)
  • A pinch of salt (optional, to enhance flavor)
  • A splash of lime juice (optional, for balance)
  • Fresh mango slices or mint leaves for garnish

🍽️ Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mango Cream

  1. In a blender, combine:
    • The peeled mangoes (save a few slices for garnish),
    • The condensed milk,
    • The evaporated milk, and
    • The cream cheese.
  2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and, if needed, add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of salt to bring out the flavor.

Step 2: Layer the Carlota

  1. In a rectangular glass dish (preferably 9×13 inches), spread a thin layer of the mango cream to coat the bottom.
  2. Place a layer of Maria cookies over the cream. Break cookies if necessary to cover all gaps.
  3. Pour a generous layer of mango cream over the cookies and spread evenly.
  4. Repeat the process — cookies, cream, cookies, cream — until the dish is full or you run out of ingredients. Finish with a thick layer of mango cream on top.

Step 3: Chill and Set

  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the cookies to soften and flavors to meld.

Step 4: Serve with Love

  • Slice into squares, garnish with fresh mango slices or mint leaves, and serve chilled.

💛 Why We Love It

  • No-bake and no fuss: Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Loved by kids, adults, grandparents, and dessert skeptics alike.
  • Flexible and forgiving: You can substitute mango with peaches or strawberries, or use canned mango pulp when fresh mangoes are out of season.

🥭 For the Mango Lovers

This recipe is dedicated to mango lovers — those who wait all year for the season, those who dream of mango smoothies, mango salsas, mango sticky rice. This Carlota takes that love and turns it into a dessert that comforts, refreshes, and delights.

🍴 Final Thoughts

Mango Carlota is more than just a recipe — it’s a celebration of sunshine, simplicity, and the sweetness of life. It’s meant to be shared, whether at a family picnic, a birthday party, or a quiet evening in. The magic is in the layers — of flavor, of history, and of love.

So go ahead, make it. Share it. Fall in love with it.

Thank you for reading and for following along with my kitchen creations. This is one of my favorite recipes, and I hope it becomes one of yours too.

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