Treat yourself to the tropical delight of a Key Lime Parfait, a no-bake dessert bursting with creamy, tangy, and buttery layers. This recipe combines a crumbly graham cracker base toasted to perfection with a luscious key lime mousse made from sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, and lime zest. Topped with light-as-air whipped cream and a hint of vanilla, this elegant dessert is no-fuss but feels gourmet. Perfect for summer gatherings or an indulgent weeknight treat, these parfaits are easy to assemble and chill beautifully, ensuring a refreshing burst of citrus in every spoonful. Garnish with a slice of lime or a sprinkle of zest for that extra pop of color and flavor!
In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Alternatively, place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated and have the consistency of wet sand.
Spread the graham cracker mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, then let it cool completely.
In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth. Set aside.
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until medium-stiff peaks form.
Reserve about 1/4 of the whipped cream for topping, and fold the remaining whipped cream gently into the lime mixture to create a light and fluffy mousse.
To assemble the parfaits, layer 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker crumble at the bottom of each serving glass. Add a layer of key lime mousse (about 3 tablespoons) on top, followed by another layer of the crumble. Repeat if the glass is deep, ending with the mousse layer.
Top each parfait with a dollop of the reserved whipped cream and garnish with lime slices or additional zest, if desired.
Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Calories |
3265 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 186.7 g | 239% | |
| Saturated Fat | 101.4 g | 507% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 499 mg | 166% | |
| Sodium | 1062 mg | 46% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 355.4 g | 129% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 305.8 g | ||
| Protein | 37.9 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1212 mg | 93% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 1764 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.