Lime and Coconut No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits
Refreshing layered parfaits with zesty lime, smooth coconut cream, and a crunchy graham cracker base, perfect for warm days with no oven required. This caribbean-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, softened cream cheese into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 8 oz, softened cream cheese
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1 cup, chilled coconut cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup for garnish toasted shredded coconut
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter in a bowl, stirring until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Step 2: Spoon about 2 tbsp of the crust mixture into the bottom of each of 6 parfait glasses and press down gently to form a base.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice and 1 tbsp lime zest until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup coconut cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Step 6: Gently fold the whipped coconut cream into the lime cream mixture until light and fluffy.
- Step 7: Spoon or pipe the lime cheesecake filling over the graham cracker base in each glass.
- Step 8: Chill the parfaits for at least 3 hours until set.
- Step 9: Before serving, sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted shredded coconut evenly over the tops for garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lime and Coconut No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Lime and Coconut No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lime and Coconut No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lime and Coconut No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lime and Coconut No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits?
Caribbean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
