Key Lime Parfait
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure policy to learn more.
Thank you for supporting this blog!
Think of this key lime parfait as a slice of Key lime pie in a glass. This easy-to-make dessert includes all the iconic flavors of a slice of key lime pie: tart lime curd; vanilla whipped cream; and crunchy graham crackers, in the form of an easy-to-make dessert. And as an added treat, I’ve included layers of sweet chopped white chocolate. Many of the components in this parfait (including the lime curd) can be made in advance or substituted with store-bought products, making this recipe a good choice for summer dinner parties or other occasions where you’d rather not spend all evening in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients
- Whipping Cream – Whipping cream (or heavy cream, in the US) makes the sweet, fluffy cream layer. You’ll need about 1 1/4 cups. Make sure it’s very cold, and pour it into a chilled metal bowl, or it won’t whip properly.
- Confectioner’s Sugar – I’ve added a small amount of confectioner’s sugar (icing sugar) to sweeten the whipped cream; you can increase it for sweeter whipped cream, or skip the sugar if you prefer less sweetness.
- Lime Curd – Regular limes (Persian limes) and key limes are similar, but not exactly the same. Persian limes are larger, with a thick, bright green skin, mild flavor, and seedless interior. These are the limes you’ll usually find at your local supermarket. Key limes run smaller, with a thin, yellowish skin and more seeds. Key limes also feature a stronger flavor and increased acidity. Traditional pie recipes include a curd made from key limes. I’ve developed this recipe using my homemade lime curd recipe, which contains Persian limes, which are both cheaper and more readily available. But if you have a favorite key lime curd recipe, or a store-bought key lime curd you love, feel free to use that instead.
- Vanilla Extract – For flavoring the whipped cream. If you have a bottle of vanilla bean paste, that will work, too. Or, substitute the scrapings of one vanilla pod. Nielsen-Massey is my go-to supplier for all things vanilla.
- Crushed Cookies – Both graham crackers (if you’re in the US) or digestive biscuits (in the UK) will work. Or, feel free to substitute any other crunchy cookie (shortbread, Nilla Wafers) you’d like.
- White Chocolate – Choose a good-quality, good-tasting white chocolate, rather than chocolate chips intended for baking. Finely chop the pieces, or shave the chocolate into curls using a vegetable peeler.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose fun glasses. You can assemble your key lime parfaits in champagne flutes, ramekins, plastic dessert cups, or anything else you’d like. I used stemless wine glasses. As written, this recipe makes four stemless wine glass-sized parfaits; if using larger or smaller glasses, you might need to adjust the fillings accordingly.
- Try different garnishes. I’ve garnished my parfaits with crushed cookies and slices of fresh lime, but you can also use candied citrus peels, fresh berries, whole cookies, mint leaves, edible flowers, or anything else you’d like.
Key Lime Parfait
- Total Time30 minutes
- Yield4 4-inch tall parfaits 1x
Made with lime curd, whipped cream, and crushed graham crackers, this key lime parfait tastes like key lime pie…in a glass!
Ingredients
Whipped Cream:
275 milliliters (1 1/4 cups) cold whipping cream
15 grams (1 tablespoon) confectioner’s sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembly:
330 grams lime curd (about 1 1/4 cups), store-bought or homemade
150 grams graham crackers or digestive biscuits (5 ounces, or 10 large digestive cookies)
100 grams chopped white chocolate (about 3/4 cup)
Garnish:
Lime zest, thinly sliced limes, crushed graham crackers, chopped white chocolate, mint leaves, candied peel
Instructions
Method:
Place the graham crackers or digestive biscuits in a large ziploc bag. Use a rolling pin or mallet to crush. (You’re aiming for large chunks and pieces, not the sandy crumbs you’d use for a pie crust!)
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add chilled whipping cream. Whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
Mix in the confectioner’s sugar, followed by the vanilla extract.
Assembly:
Place half of the crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits in the bottoms of the glasses, dividing the crackers equally between the 4.
Add all of the white chocolate, dividing it equally between the 4 glasses.
Add half of the lime curd, dividing it equally between the 4 glasses. Use the back of a spoon to spread the curd so it covers the chocolate.
Add half of the whipped cream, dividing it equally between the 4 glasses.
Repeat with remaining crackers or biscuits, followed by the remaining lime curd, and the remaining whipped cream.
Garnish as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can use a store-bought curd to make these parfaits, or use my homemade lime curd recipe. If making the curd from scratch, I suggest doing so the night before and chilling it in the refrigerator overnight.
Do not assemble the parfaits until just before you plan to serve them, or the graham crackers/digestives will get soggy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Custards and Puddings
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Desserts
Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions
To make ahead: If using homemade lime curd, you can prepare it up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to use. Other ingredient prep (chopping the white chocolate, crushing the cookies) can also be completed in advance.
To assemble: Do not assemble the components until just prior to serving. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself with soggy cookies and watery whipped cream! I also recommend not whipping the cream until you’re ready to assemble and serve the parfaits.
Other Parfait Recipes You Might Enjoy
Mixed Berry Eton Mess
Cherry, Chocolate, and Oreo Parfait
Cranberry Orange Parfait
Classic Strawberry Eton Mess
Peanut Butter and Jelly Parfait
And if you do make these, or any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me @bastecutfold or use the hashtag #bastecutfold on Instagram. I always love to see what you’re making!
