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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Delicately fold whipped cream into the key lime mixture, using gentle circular motions to maintain the airy lightness and prevent deflating the cream.
- Carefully layer the zesty key lime cream over the graham cracker base, creating smooth, even tiers that showcase the dessert’s elegant structure.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut across the top, allowing the golden flakes to add textural contrast and nutty depth to the parfait.
- 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