Key Lime Parfaits

Key Lime pie is one of those desserts that screams SUMMER, but it is so refreshing and delicious, it would be a shame to only indulge in this for one season.  These parfaits have the scrumptious taste of Key Lime Pie, but have the beautiful presentation of a parfait.  

And the dessert is so simple, you will have a great dessert with very little fuss.  I love to eat this in my backyard with my feet up while I relax and watch butterflies having fun:-)  In the winter, enjoy this and smile when you think of what a great summer you had. For a great touch for entertaining, try serving these in shot glasses with mini spoons.

A gratuitous whipped cream shot. There is nothing quite like homemade whipped cream.

Are you convinced?

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon grated lime peel
• 2 cups chilled whipping cream 
• Pure Vanilla Extract

Directions

 

Melt butter in heavy small skillet over medium heat. Mix in sugar and stir until bubbling, about 1 minute. Mix in crumbs; stir until color deepens, about 3 minutes. Turn out onto plate and cool.

Stir condensed milk, lime juice and lime peel in large bowl to blend (mixture will thicken). 

For whipped cream topping, beat 1 cup whipping cream in bowl until stiff peaks start to form. Add 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Make sure the bowl and the beaters are cold. It helps if you put the bowl in the freezer and the beaters 10 minutes before you make the whipped cream.

Using electric mixer, beat cream in medium bowl until firm peaks form; fold into lime mixture. 

Place 1/4 cup lime mousse in each of six 8- to 10-ounce wine goblets. Top each with 1 tablespoon crumb mixture, then 1/4 cup mousse. Top parfaits with remaining crumb mixture. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours. Just before serving, add a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Bon Appetit!