Carlota de Cafe
This Carlota de Cafe is SO EASY! A creamy, dreamy no-bake coffee dessert layered with coffee-soaked Maria cookies and rich cream cheese filling.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spoon or spatula for folding
- 9x13 inch baking dish or serving dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee completely cooled
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2-3 packages Maria cookies or any digestive cookies
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for garnish
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Base
- Take your cream cheese and let it sit at room temperature until it’s soft and spreadable. This will ensure a smooth mixture later on.
Mix the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend these ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Whip the Cream
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will provide the light and airy texture that balances out the richness of the cream cheese mixture.
Combine the Mixtures
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; fold until just combined for a fluffy texture.
Prepare the Coffee
- Pour your cooled strong brewed coffee into a shallow dish. You’ll be using this to soak the cookies.
Soak the Cookies
- Take your Maria cookies and dip each one into the coffee for a few seconds, ensuring they are soaked but not overly soggy. Lay them in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
Layer the Mixture
- Spoon a portion of the cream cheese filling over the layer of cookies. Repeat the process, alternating layers of coffee-soaked cookies and cream filling until you finish with a layer of the filling on top.
Chill the Dessert
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.
Garnish & Serve
- Once chilled, dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle with instant coffee for a beautiful presentation. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the creamy, coffee-flavored bliss!
Notes
- Use freshly brewed coffee for the best flavor impact in the dessert.
- Allow the Carlota de Cafe to chill overnight to ensure perfect texture and melding of flavors.
- Fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- You can substitute Maria cookies with digestive biscuits or graham crackers as per availability.
- Store the dessert in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to a month for longer storage.