Lime Charlotte

This is a delicious Mexican icebox cake called “Carlota de Limón” which translates to “Charlotte from Lemon”. I’ve seen it made with lemons or limes, or a mixture of the two. I personally prefer the 100% lime version. It’s very easy and quick to put together from just 3 ingredients. You “bake” it in the refrigerator and the lime juice thickens the milk and the crackers soak up the flavor and become soft and cakey. It’s tart and creamy, and very refreshing. A perfect summer dessert!

Ingredients

• 1 x 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 x 12 oz can evaporate milk
• 1 tsp lime zest (superfine)
• 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (
• 30 Maria crackers/biscuits/cookies (one package)

Instructions

1. Line an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan with a crisscross of plastic wrap that hangs over by 4 to 6 inches. Smooth the bottom as much as possible, this will give you a smooth top to your cake.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milks, zest, and juice until smooth.
3. Spoon 1/3 cup of the milk mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Add 10 of the crackers in a single layer. Break up a few if needed. Give all the cookies a gentle push to sink them into the milk mixture, but don’t push them to the bottom. Their tops should still be dry and visible.
4. Repeat the layering 2 more times.
5. Add all the remaining milk mixture and carefully smooth it over. Pull the plastic wrap around the top to seal it. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.
6. Before serving, peel back the plastic wrap and invert the cake onto a serving plate. Carefully remove the remaining plastic wrap. Run a large sharp knife under hot water and wipe dry before slicing the cake. Wipe the knife in-between slicing for a cleaner cut.

The cake will keep covered in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

Makes 8 Servings

Notes

• This cake goes really well with strawberries or blackberries.
• You’ll find Maria crackers (also known as biscuits and cookies) at most large grocery stores. If you absolutely can not find them, try using animal crackers or even graham crackers. If you use graham crackers, you’ll probably want to use a square baking pan.