A luscious, no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy key lime cheesecake mousse, buttery graham cracker crumbs, and whipped cream. This parfait delivers the bright, tangy flavor of key lime pie combined with the rich texture of cheesecake mousse.
Servings: 6 parfaits
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 2–4 hours
Total Time: About 2½–4½ hours
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Layer
- 1½ cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the Key Lime Cheesecake Mousse
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest (about 3–4 key limes)
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) fresh key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
For the Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnishes
- Thin lime slices
- Additional lime zest
- Graham cracker crumbs
- White chocolate shavings (optional)
- Fresh berries (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- 6 parfait glasses or dessert jars
- Piping bag (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crumbs
- In a bowl combine:
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Melted butter
- Sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Stir until evenly moistened.
Texture Check
The mixture should resemble wet sand and hold together when pressed.
Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Base
- Place softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Beat for 2–3 minutes until completely smooth.
Scrape down the bowl frequently.
- Add:
- Powdered sugar
- Key lime zest
- Beat until fluffy.
- Add:
- Key lime juice
- Vanilla extract
- Mix until fully incorporated.
The mixture may look slightly loose—that’s normal.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
- In a separate cold bowl, add:
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
Stiff Peaks Test
When the beaters are lifted, the whipped cream should stand upright without collapsing.
Step 4: Create the Mousse
- Add one-third of the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture.
- Fold gently with a spatula.
This lightens the base.
- Add the remaining whipped cream in two additions.
- Fold gently until smooth and fluffy.
Avoid overmixing to maintain the airy texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
- In a chilled bowl combine:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla
- Beat until medium-stiff peaks form.
Transfer to a piping bag if desired.
Step 6: Assemble the Parfaits
For each parfait glass:
Layer 1
Add 2 tablespoons graham cracker mixture.
Layer 2
Add ¼–⅓ cup key lime cheesecake mousse.
Layer 3
Add another layer of graham crumbs.
Layer 4
Add more cheesecake mousse.
Repeat until the glass is nearly full.
Finish with mousse on top.
Step 7: Add Final Toppings
Top each parfait with:
- A swirl of whipped cream
- Lime zest
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Lime slice
Optional:
- White chocolate shavings
- Fresh berries
Step 8: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
For the best flavor and texture, chill 4 hours or overnight.
Make-Ahead Tips
One Day Ahead
Prepare and assemble the parfaits completely.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Garnishes
Add lime slices and extra crumbs just before serving for the freshest appearance.
Variations
Coconut Key Lime Parfait
Add ½ cup toasted coconut between layers.
Tropical Version
Layer with diced mango or pineapple.
Mini Party Parfaits
Serve in shot glasses for bite-sized desserts.
Extra Tangy Version
Increase key lime juice to ½ cup and add extra zest.
Troubleshooting
Mousse Too Soft
- Cream wasn’t whipped enough.
- Chill longer before serving.
Grainy Texture
- Cream cheese wasn’t fully softened.
Layers Sliding
- Mousse may be too warm.
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes before assembling.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480–550
- Protein: 5–7 g
- Carbohydrates: 28–35 g
- Fat: 38–45 g
