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Homemade Mango Carlota (No-Bake Mango Icebox Cake)

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Certainly! Here’s a warm and inviting article for your Homemade Mango Carlota (No-Bake Mango Icebox Cake) recipe:


Homemade Mango Carlota (No-Bake Mango Icebox Cake)

When the summer heat is at its peak and you crave a refreshing dessert, nothing beats the sweet, tropical goodness of mango paired with a creamy, no-bake cake. Enter Mango Carlota, a classic Mexican dessert reinvented with luscious layers of ripe mangoes and smooth cream, all held together with buttery cookies. This homemade Mango Carlota, also known as a no-bake mango icebox cake, is incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion — from family gatherings to simple weeknight treats.

What Is Mango Carlota?

Carlota is a popular Mexican dessert traditionally made with layers of cookies and a creamy filling, often flavored with fruit or chocolate. The no-bake version skips the oven entirely, relying on chilling time to allow the cookies to soften and absorb the cream and fruit flavors, resulting in a cake-like texture.

This mango version elevates the dish with fresh, juicy mangoes that bring natural sweetness and a bright, tropical aroma. The cream filling is typically made with sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream or cream cheese, creating a rich and silky texture that balances perfectly with the mango’s vibrant taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Ripe mangoes (fresh and fragrant)
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Heavy cream (or whipping cream)
  • Butter cookies or graham crackers (classic Maria cookies work great)
  • Lime juice (optional, to add a slight tang and enhance mango flavor)
  • Vanilla extract (optional)

Why Make Mango Carlota?

  • No baking required: Perfect for hot days or if you want a quick dessert with minimal fuss.
  • Simple ingredients: Easy to find and assemble.
  • Customizable: You can swap mangoes with other fruits like strawberries, peaches, or berries.
  • Deliciously creamy and fruity: A perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Step-by-Step Preparation

  1. Prepare the mangoes: Peel and slice the mangoes into thin strips or cubes.
  2. Make the cream filling: Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold in sweetened condensed milk (and vanilla extract if using).
  3. Layer the dessert: In a rectangular or square dish, start with a layer of cookies, followed by a layer of the cream mixture, then a generous layer of mango slices.