Homemade Mango Carlota

“Try our Homemade Mango Carlota with fresh mango chunks for a tropical twist.”When temperatures rise and you crave something refreshing, sweet, and hassle-free, nothing beats the classic Homemade Mango Carlota. This no-bake layered dessert, rich with mango and cream, is beloved in Mexican and Latin kitchens—and now it’s gaining popularity in the U.S. for good reason.

Its light, mousse-like texture and tropical flavor make it a favorite during hot months. Similar to an icebox cake, Carlota is chilled rather than baked, which makes it an ideal easy summer treat. For another fresh dessert idea, don’t miss our Pineapple Juice Cake—a moist, fruit-packed cake with a citrus glaze that’s also summer-approved.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy mango dream:

• 2 packages of Maria cookies (or vanilla tea biscuits)

• 4 ripe mangoes (peeled and diced)

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

• 1 block (8 oz) Philadelphia-style cream cheese

• Juice of ½ lime (optional, for acidity)

• Mango cubes, lime zest, or mint leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Blend the Mango Cream

“Try our Homemade Mango Carlota with fresh mango chunks for a tropical twist.”Start by placing your ripe mango chunks in a blender. Add the cream cheese, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and lime juice. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth. You should end up with a thick, luscious mango cream.

2. Layer with Cookies

In an 8×8 or 9×13 inch glass dish, arrange a flat layer of Maria cookies. Cover with a generous layer of the mango cream. Use a spatula to smooth the top.

3. Repeat

Alternate between cookie and cream layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a thick layer of mango cream on top.

4. Chill and Set

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours. For best results, let it chill overnight to allow the cookies to soften and merge with the cream.

5. Decorate

Before serving, garnish with extra mango cubes, lime zest, or even a swirl of whipped cream. You can also crumble some cookies on top for texture.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Mango Carlota

This dessert is:

• No-bake and oven-free

•  Perfectly sweet and tangy

•  Made with minimal ingredients

•  Customizable for any flavor preference

It’s very similar in method and simplicity to our Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake Frappuccino, another no-bake wonder that’s both fun and creamy.

Tips & Variations

• No Maria cookies? Try graham crackers or shortbread.

• Don’t like mango? Substitute with pineapple or strawberries.

• Want texture? Add chopped nuts like pistachios or coconut between layers.

• Need dairy-free? Use coconut cream and plant-based condensed milk.

You’ll find more great suggestions in Delish’s no-bake dessert roundup, which highlights chilled cakes and tropical treats perfect for lazy afternoons.

Storage

Store leftover Carlota in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, tightly covered. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Freezing is possible but may slightly change the texture. If you choose to freeze, slice and wrap each piece individually, then thaw in the fridge before serving.

 Time & Yield

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Chill time: 4–6 hours

• Total time: Approx. 6.5 hours

• Serves: 8–10 portions

Tools Used

• Blender or food processor

• Spatula

• Glass dish (square or rectangular)

• Measuring cups/spoons

• Knife & cutting board

Perfect for Summer Events

This chilled mango dessert is perfect for:

• Backyard barbecues

• Birthday parties

• Mother’s Day brunches

• Graduation dinners

• Or just cooling off after a long workday

If you enjoy refreshing fruit-based desserts like this one, AllRecipes has a fantastic mango mousse variation that blends cream and gelatin for a firmer texture.

Final Thoughts

“Try our Homemade Mango Carlota with fresh mango chunks for a tropical twist.”

Homemade Mango Carlota is more than just a dessert—it’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly indulgence that feels like sunshine in every bite. With zero oven time, it’s the kind of recipe that busy moms, beginner bakers, and fruit lovers all appreciate.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself mid-week, this no-bake tropical mango cake is a must-try. For another crowd-pleaser with creamy flavor, try our Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake—it’s rich, vibrant, and always gets rave reviews.

Homemade Mango Carlota

This creamy, fruity, no-bake Mango Carlota is the perfect chilled dessert for summer days. Layered with Maria cookies and mango mousse, it’s a refreshing Mexican classic ideal for hot weather and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 5 hours hrs

Course: Dessert

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• 2 packages of Maria cookies or vanilla tea biscuits
• 4 ripe mangoes peeled and chopped
• 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
• 1 block 8 oz cream cheese (Philadelphia-style recommended)
• Juice of ½ lime optional
• Mango cubes lime zest, or mint leaves for garnish

Equipment

• Equipment:
• Blender or food processor
• Spatula
• 9x13 or 8x8 inch glass baking dish
• Measuring cups & spoons
• - Knife & cutting board

Method

 

1. Instructions:
2. Prepare the Mango Cream:
3. Add mango chunks, condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream cheese, and lime juice to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Start Layering:
5. In a square or rectangular glass dish, lay down a flat layer of Maria cookies.
6. Add the Cream:
7. Pour a generous layer of the mango cream over the cookies. Smooth it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Repeat Layers:
9. Alternate between cookies and mango cream until ingredients are used up. Finish with a final layer of mango cream on top.
10. Chill:
11. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours (preferably overnight).
12. Decorate and Serve:
13. Garnish with chopped mango, lime zest, mint, or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve cold.
14. Prep Time: 20 minutes
15. Chill Time: 4–6 hours
16. Total Time: 6.5 hours
17. Yield: 8–10 servings
18. Course: Dessert
19. Cuisine: Latin American / Mexican
20. Category: No-Bake, Summer, Fruit-Based

Notes

Notes:

Substitute Maria cookies with graham crackers if needed.

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and plant-based milk alternatives.

Tastes even better the next day after chilling overnight.

Do not skip chilling time—it's essential for proper texture.