Quick Description
This creamy lime dessert is silky, rich, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. It sets beautifully without gelatin or baking, thanks to the natural thickening power of citrus and condensed milk. It’s simple enough for beginners and impressive enough for guests.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 3–4 hours
- Total Time: About 4 hours
Ingredients
For the Lime Cream
- 1 can (14 oz / 395 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 carton (7 oz / 200 g) heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 3–4 limes)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional but recommended)
Optional Crust Layer
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Optional Garnish
- Extra lime zest
- Thin lime slices
- Whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust (Optional)
If making a layered dessert:
- Mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a serving dish.
- Chill in refrigerator for 20 minutes while preparing the filling.
If skipping the crust, move directly to Step 2.
Step 2: Make the Lime Cream
- In a blender, add sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream.
- Blend for 30 seconds until smooth.
- With blender running, slowly pour in fresh lime juice.
- Blend another 1–2 minutes until mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
- Stir in lime zest for extra flavor.
You’ll notice the mixture thickens naturally — this is the acid reacting with the milk.
Step 3: Assemble
- Pour the lime cream over the chilled crust (if using).
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or until fully set and firm.
For best results, chill overnight.
Texture & Flavor
- Smooth and spoon-creamy
- Bright citrus flavor
- Sweet but refreshing
- Light yet rich
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Always use freshly squeezed lime juice. Bottled juice may not thicken properly.
- Do not reduce the lime juice too much or the dessert won’t set firmly.
- For extra thickness, chill your mixing bowl before blending.
- If you want cleaner slices, freeze for 30 minutes before cutting.
Variations
Lemon Version
Replace lime juice with fresh lemon juice.
Chocolate Layer
Add a thin layer of melted dark chocolate between crust and cream.
Coconut Twist
Replace half the heavy cream with coconut cream.
Storage
- Keep refrigerated up to 4 days.
- Cover tightly to prevent absorbing fridge odors.
- Not recommended for freezing (texture may change).
If you’d like, I can also provide:
- A high-protein version
- A sugar-free version
- A layered chocolate-lime version
- Or a 2-ingredient ultra-quick version
