Description

These Key Lime Pie Parfaits are a bright and creamy dessert featuring layers of crunchy graham cracker and shortbread crumbs topped with a luscious, tangy lime custard-like filling and fluffy whipped cream. This refreshing treat is easy to assemble, perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet and tart indulgence with a burst of citrus flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust Layers

¾ cup graham cracker crumbs (about 3–4 full sheets)
¾ cup shortbread cookie crumbs (about 15 small round cookies)

Lime Filling

14 oz sweetened condensed milk
½ cup key lime juice

Whipped Cream

1½ cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
3 tablespoons Dixie Crystals confectioners’ sugar
¾ teaspoon Nielsen‑Massey vanilla extract

Garnish

Freshly grated lime zest and/or thinly sliced lime, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Crumb Base: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and shortbread cookie crumbs thoroughly. Divide this crumb mixture evenly among serving glasses or parfait cups, pressing lightly to form a compact base layer for each parfait.
Make the Lime Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and key lime juice until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, forming a custard-like consistency full of tangy citrus flavor.
Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream along with the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy whipped cream.
Combine Cream and Lime Mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the lime mixture until completely blended and creamy, maintaining a light texture.
Assemble the Parfaits: Spoon or pipe the lime cream over the crumb layers in each glass. If desired, add an additional layer of crumbs followed by more lime cream to create layered parfaits.
Garnish and Chill: Top each parfait with freshly grated lime zest or thin slices of lime for brightness and visual appeal. Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 1 hour before serving to allow them to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

For a more vibrant lime flavor, use fresh key lime juice if available.
You can prepare the parfaits a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to develop more deeply.
Add crushed nuts or toasted coconut to the crumb layers for extra texture if desired.
To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free crackers for the graham crackers and ensure shortbread cookies are gluten-free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Key Lime Pie, Parfaits, No Bake Dessert, Lime Dessert, Summer Dessert, Creamy Lime, Graham Cracker Crust