Refreshing Key Lime Parfait with Coconut Recipe for Summer Bliss

Crafting a delectable key lime parfait with coconut promises a tropical escape on your dessert plate.

Layers of creamy goodness blend tangy citrus with sweet, nutty undertones.

Cool and refreshing, this dessert whispers of sunny beaches and gentle breezes.

Coconut flakes add delightful texture to each spoonful.

Smooth lime curd creates a vibrant foundation that dances across your palate.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant treat that looks far more complicated than its preparation.

Grab a spoon and let the flavor adventure begin!

How to Prepare Key Lime Parfait with Coconut

Step 1: Craft the Crunchy Base

Grab your graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs. Drizzle melted butter over the crumbs and mix until they stick together. Press this delightful mixture into the bottom of your serving glasses, creating a sturdy foundation for your tropical treat.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Fresh key lime juice

Gently fold in whipped cream, creating a cloud-like texture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Layer with Love

Carefully spoon the zesty key lime mixture over the graham cracker base. Create beautiful layers that showcase the parfait’s vibrant colors and textures.

Step 4: Sprinkle Coconut Magic

Generously top each parfait with toasted shredded coconut, adding a tropical crunch that transports you to a beachy paradise.

Step 5: Chill and Delight

Refrigerate the parfaits for at least an hour. This cooling time allows the flavors to mingle and the texture to set perfectly. When ready, serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure dessert joy.

Helpful Tips for Key Lime Parfait with Coconut

• Opt for fresh key lime juice to boost the zesty, bright flavor and avoid bottled alternatives for maximum authenticity.
• Toast coconut shreds carefully to prevent burning, watching them closely and stirring frequently to achieve a golden, crunchy texture.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature beforehand to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture when blending with other ingredients.
• Chill parfait glasses beforehand to help the dessert set faster and maintain a crisp, refreshing consistency when serving.
• Use a piping bag for a more elegant presentation, creating clean and professional-looking layers in each parfait glass.

Variations on Key Lime Parfait with Coconut

• Tropical Beach Bliss: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired base, adding a buttery crunch and nutty flavor.
• Mango Sunrise Parfait: Mix diced fresh mango into the cream cheese layer, creating a vibrant fruity version with a sunny yellow color.
• Zesty Pistachio Crunch: Swap coconut topping with chopped roasted pistachios, introducing a green nutty element and extra protein to the dessert.
• Passion Fruit Paradise: Swirl passion fruit puree through the cream cheese mixture, bringing a tangy tropical brightness to the original recipe.

Pairing Suggestions for Key Lime Parfait with Coconut

• Pair Zesty Tropical Cocktails: Mix a coconut rum mojito with fresh mint and lime, echoing the dessert's bright, tangy flavor profile and complementing its tropical coconut notes.
• Enhance Citrus White Wine Selection: Choose a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with high acidity that matches the key lime's sharpness and cuts through the creamy texture.
• Create Refreshing Mocktail Match: Blend a virgin key lime spritzer using sparkling water, fresh lime juice, and a touch of coconut syrup to mirror the dessert's vibrant and sweet characteristics.
• Balance Dessert with Contrasting Tea: Serve a light, floral green tea or chamomile blend that provides a delicate, soothing counterpoint to the rich, tangy parfait and cleanses the palate.

Storage Advice for Key Lime Parfait with Coconut

• Seal parfaits in airtight containers with tight-fitting lids, keeping them fresh for 2-3 days. Cover each glass with plastic wrap to prevent moisture and flavor absorption from other foods.
• Wrap individual parfaits tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 weeks, ensuring no air pockets that could cause freezer burn.
• Transfer frozen parfaits to the refrigerator 4-6 hours before serving, allowing them to gently defrost without losing texture or becoming watery.
• Let chilled parfaits sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying, which helps soften the cream cheese layer and enhances the flavors.

FAQs Regarding Key Lime Parfait with Coconut

• What are key limes and how do they differ from regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, rounder, and more intense in flavor compared to Persian limes. They have a distinctively tart and slightly floral taste that gives this parfait its unique citrusy punch.

• Can I substitute regular lime juice if I can't find key limes?

Yes, you can use regular lime juice, but the flavor will be slightly less complex. Key lime juice has a more concentrated, aromatic flavor that makes this dessert special.

• How do I toast coconut for the topping?

Spread shredded coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully to prevent burning, as coconut can quickly go from golden to burnt.

Reasons to Crave Key Lime Parfait with Coconut

• Craft Layered Delight: Build stunning, visually appealing desserts with simple layering technique that makes every serving look professionally prepared.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using regular lime juice or different nuts for topping, making this recipe adaptable to personal taste preferences.
• No-Bake Refreshment: Skip the oven and create a cool, creamy dessert perfect for warm weather gatherings, requiring minimal kitchen equipment and effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Combine beloved flavors of tangy key lime, rich cream cheese, and crunchy coconut that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone enjoys this dessert.

Ingredients Needed for Key Lime Parfait with Coconut

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that adds a sweet, crunchy foundation to the parfait.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind the cracker crumbs and create a solid, rich base.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy backdrop for the key lime flavor.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the key lime.
• Key Lime Juice: Delivers a bright, citrusy punch that defines the parfait's signature taste.
• Whipped Cream: Creates a light, airy texture that makes the parfait smooth and luxurious.

• Shredded Coconut: Adds a tropical crunch and complements the key lime's zesty flavor when toasted.

Key Lime Parfait with Coconut Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tropical breezes whisper through this key lime parfait with coconut, blending zesty citrus and creamy coconut in a refreshing dessert. Cool layers of tangy lime curd and smooth coconut cream invite you to savor Florida’s most delightful sweet escape.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Key Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) key lime juice
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whipped cream

Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter

Garnish Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) shredded coconut, toasted

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Instructions

1. Crush graham crackers and blend with melted butter until they form a cohesive, sandy texture. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each serving glass to create a sturdy, compact foundation.
2. Whip cream cheese until velvety, gradually incorporating sugar and tangy key lime juice. Mix until the consistency is silky and uniform, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Delicately fold whipped cream into the key lime mixture, using gentle circular motions to maintain the airy lightness and prevent deflating the cream.
4. Carefully layer the zesty key lime cream over the graham cracker base, creating smooth, even tiers that showcase the dessert’s elegant structure.
5. Sprinkle toasted coconut across the top, allowing the golden flakes to add textural contrast and nutty depth to the parfait.
6. Refrigerate the parfaits for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld. This chilling period will enhance the dessert’s creamy consistency and intensify its refreshing taste.

Notes

• Choose graham crackers wisely to create a sturdy, flavorful base that doesn’t crumble easily when serving.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies.
• Toast coconut carefully to enhance its nutty flavor without burning, watching closely and stirring frequently during the toasting process.
• Consider using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 379 kcal
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg