Torta Fría (Colombian No-Bake Layered Cake)

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 packs (approximately 200-250g total) Maria cookies (or similar plain, crisp biscuits)
• 1 can (approx. 397g / 14 oz) Sweetened condensed milk
• 200 ml (approx. 1 cup) Heavy cream (whipping cream)
• 3-4 cups, chopped (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, mango, kiwi, passion fruit pulp) Mixed fresh fruit
• 1 teaspoon Optional: Vanilla extract

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the cream mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream until well combined and slightly thickened. If using, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and pourable.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Prepare the fruit: Wash and chop your chosen fresh fruits into bite-sized pieces. If using passion fruit, scoop out the pulp and seeds.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
3. 3

   Assemble the first layer: Lightly grease a rectangular or square baking dish (approx. 8x8 or 9x9 inches). Quickly dip each Maria cookie into the cream mixture, ensuring it's coated but not soggy. Arrange the dipped cookies in a single layer at the bottom of the dish, breaking them as needed to fit snugly.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
4. 4

   Add the first filling layer: Spread about half of the prepared cream mixture evenly over the cookie layer. Then, scatter about half of the chopped mixed fruit over the cream.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
5. 5

   Repeat layering: Dip and arrange another layer of Maria cookies over the fruit and cream. Top this with the remaining cream mixture, spreading it evenly. Finish with the remaining chopped fruit.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
6. 6

   Chill the torta: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the cookies have softened and the layers are firm and set. The chilling time is crucial for the texture.

   ⏱️ 4 hours minimum
7. 7

   Serve: Cut the torta fría into squares and serve chilled. The texture should be soft and cake-like, with distinct layers.

   ⏱️ N/A

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Ensure the cookies are dipped quickly to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
• ✓The longer the torta chills, the better the flavors meld and the softer the cookie layers become.
• ✓Feel free to experiment with different combinations of fresh fruits based on seasonality and preference.
• ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of rum or brandy to the cream mixture.

🔄 Variations

• Chocolate Torta Fría: Add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cream mixture, or layer with chocolate shavings.
• Extra Creamy Torta Fría: Increase the amount of heavy cream slightly, or whip the cream to soft peaks before folding it into the condensed milk.
• Tropical Torta Fría: Use fruits like mango, pineapple, papaya, and passion fruit.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving