No-Bake Coconut Lime Pudding Parfaits
Light and refreshing coconut pudding layered with zesty lime and crunchy toasted coconut for a tropical no-bake dessert. This caribbean-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch 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 210 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 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup, for layering whipped cream
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 3 tbsp cornstarch until combined.
- Step 2: Slowly whisk in 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk and 1 tbsp lime zest, making sure there are no lumps.
- Step 3: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Transfer the pudding to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent a skin, and chill for at least 2 hours until cold.
- Step 6: To assemble, layer chilled pudding with 1/2 cup whipped cream and sprinkle 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut in 6 serving glasses.
- Step 7: Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Coconut Lime Pudding Parfaits take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 No-Bake Coconut Lime Pudding 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 No-Bake Coconut Lime Pudding 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 No-Bake Coconut Lime Pudding 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 No-Bake Coconut Lime Pudding 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.
