Key Limes are smaller, rounder, and have a unique sweet-tart flavor that make these parfaits so special. If you can’t find the little Key Limes, use the larger Persian Limes and you can easily make these parfaits in any size serving glass. Key Lime Parfaits just might become your new favorite lime dessert!
If you are a lime lover, you gotta try this lime dessert! It’s so creamy and citrusy with the distinct sweet-tartness that only Key Limes have. Hopefully you can find a bag of these little Key Limes in your grocery store or online. They are definitely worth buying for this dessert. To read more about limes click on, Key Limes vs Persian Limes, to view my blog post.
INGREDIENTS TO MAKE KEY LIME PARFAITS
- Fresh lime juice
- Lime zest, divided (half for garnish)
- Sugar
- Large eggs
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Whipped cream (homemade or store bought)
- Graham cracker crumbs
WHICH LIMES SHOULD I USE?
- Use Persian limes or the smaller Key Limes for the fresh lime juice and zest. Read more about different limes in my post, Key Limes vs Persian Limes.
PREPARE GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBS
- Put one sleeve of graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until crumbs form.
MAKE YOUR OWN WHIPPED CREAM OR USE STORE BOUGHT WHIPPED CREAM
- TO MAKE WHIPPED CREAM: In a stand mixer with the whip attachment or using a handheld mixer, whip together 2 cups heavy whipping cream and 1 cup powdered sugar until whipped cream forms. Don’t over mix! Spoon into cups or use a piping bag.
HOW TO MAKE KEY LIME PARFAITS
- Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water and bring to a boil to create a double-boiler.
- In a large heatproof bowl (*see notes), whisk together the fresh lime juice, sugar, 1 Tbsp lime zest, eggs, and sweetened condensed milk.
- Lower the heat and set the large heatproof bowl on top.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (about 6 minutes) or until a thermometer reads 160°F.
- Remove the bowl from the heat and place in another large bowl filled with ice for 20 minutes or until the mixture comes to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
- To assemble the parfaits, spoon or pipe with a piping bag in 6-8 (6 or 8 oz cups), 1-2 Tbsps whipped cream, top with 1-2 Tbsps graham cracker crumbs, and 3 Tbsps lime mixture.
- Repeat layers once, ending with the lime mixture.
- Top each serving with 1 Tbsp whipped cream and the remaining 1 Tbsp lime zest.
- Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator until serving.
NOTES
- Cover each parfait with plastic wrap, if storing, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Most glass or stainless steel bowls are heatproof bowls.
Key Lime Parfaits
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp lime zest, divided (half for garnish)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups whipped cream (homemade or store bought)
- 1 cup (about 8 cookies) graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water and bring to a boil to create a double-boiler. In a large heatproof bowl (*see notes), whisk together the fresh lime juice, sugar, 1 Tbsp lime zest, eggs, and sweetened condensed milk. Lower the heat and set the large heatproof bowl on top. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (about 6 minutes) or until a thermometer reads 160°F.
- Remove the bowl from the heat and place in another large bowl filled with ice for 20 minutes or until the mixture comes to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
- To assemble the parfaits, spoon or pipe with a piping bag in 6-8 (6 or 8 oz cups), 1-2 Tbsps whipped cream, top with 1-2 Tbsps graham cracker crumbs, and 3 Tbsps lime mixture. Repeat layers once, ending with the lime mixture.
- Top each serving with 1 Tbsp whipped cream and the remaining 1 Tbsp lime zest. Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator until serving.
Notes
- Cover each parfait with plastic wrap, if storing, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Most glass or stainless steel bowls are heatproof bowls.
