It is not an overstatement to say your guests may fall in love with you if you serve this dessert. Heck, you might just fall in love with yourself! I love key lime pie, and I love cheesecake, but this parfait is where its at. Tangy, creamy, tasty goodness. Why do I love this recipe so much?
*It is easy and forgiving. This is not a "chemistry" dessert where if you don't measure properly the dessert is a goner.
*It is incredibly versatile. If you don't like lime flavor-no biggie. Add blackberries, or raspberries.
*Simple ingredients create such a yummy wow! Please, I beg you to try this recipe. You will be thanking me!
INGREDIENTS for 8 You can easily half this recipe
Mason jars, glasses, cups, whatever you have that works. Clear is best to show and tell the beautiful layers
12 honey graham crackers crushed-I put in zip lock and rolled them with a rolling pin, but you could pulse blend or whatever method works for you. You can also buy pre-crumbed if you are really in a hurry, but I think it tasted better when you do it!
4 T sugar
3/4 t sea salt
5 T butter melted
2/3 c heavy cream
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 8oz packages cream cheese
1 t vanilla extract
**juice of 4-5 limes depending on how juicy-about 1/3c (key lime not required for deliciousness)
zest of 3 limes I highly suggest you get a good zester if you don't have one
**If using a berry instead of limes, boil down with a bit of sugar and run through a sieve to get the seeds out, and cool Save a few berries for garnish.
HOW TO
*Combine graham crumbs, sugar and salt. Add the melted butter and stir. Set aside
*Whip (kitchen or handheld mixer does the job) the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside
*Cream together with mixer the sweetened condensed milk and the cream cheese until fluffy. Add the vanilla, lime juice and zest. Mix until evenly blended- about a minute
*Fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture to combine
Now its time to start layering! Alternate layers of graham, cheesecake mixture until filled with the cheesecake being the top layer and chill 4 hours. I think they taste even better if left overnight.
Just before serving, garnish with lime zest and a lime, or blackberries, or raspberries depending on the flavor you make. Maybe some mint leaf as well if making the berry version.
Enjoy!!