Coconut Key Lime Tiramisu: A Tropical, No-Bake Twist on a Creamy Classic

Creamy, Citrusy, and Coconut-Kissed—This No-Bake Tiramisu Is Summer in a Dish

This Coconut Key Lime Tiramisu is everything you love about traditional tiramisu—layered, creamy, and indulgent—but with a vibrant tropical twist. It swaps espresso and cocoa for fresh lime juice, sweetened coconut, and whipped cream cheese, creating a dessert that’s bright, fluffy, and refreshingly tangy.

It’s the kind of dish that turns heads at potlucks, brunch tables, or family cookouts—cool, citrusy, and oh, so satisfying. Plus, it’s no-bake, which makes it perfect for warm weather or anytime you want dessert without the oven.

Ingredients

• 2 quarts heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz whipped cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup lime zest (½ cup for the filling, ½ cup for garnish)
• 2 packs of ladyfingers
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup fresh lime juice (plus extra for soaking ladyfingers)
• 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Whip the Cream

• In a stand mixer, food processor, or using a hand mixer, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
• Set aside in the fridge while preparing the cream base.

Step 2: Make the Cream Mixture

• In a large bowl, combine:
  • Whipped cream cheese
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup lime zest
  • ½ cup lime juice
  • Coconut flakes
• Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated. Do not overmix—the texture should stay light and fluffy.

Step 3: Soak the Ladyfingers

• Pour a small amount of lime juice into a shallow dish.
• Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the juice (do not soak—just a light dip to prevent sogginess).

Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu

• In a trifle bowl or 9×13-inch dish, begin with a layer of lime-dipped ladyfingers.
• Add a layer of the coconut lime cream mixture.
• Repeat the layers: ladyfingers → cream → ladyfingers → cream.
• Smooth the top evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

• Sprinkle the top with remaining ½ cup lime zest and 1 cup coconut flakes.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best!) to allow the dessert to set and the flavors to fully meld.

Pro Tips and Serving Suggestions

• For added texture, lightly toast the coconut flakes before garnishing.
• Garnish with lime slices or candied citrus peel for presentation.
• Want extra tang? Add a few drops of lime extract to the cream mixture.
• Serve chilled with a mint sprig or coconut whipped cream on top.
• This dessert travels well—great for potlucks, cookouts, or summer celebrations.

About the Creator

This dreamy tropical tiramisu is brought to you by Jahnesta Watson, the creative force behind @chefshaiheem. Known for her unapologetically bold flavors, viral recipes, and culinary storytelling, Chef Shaiheem blends soul food comfort with elevated twists that make every dish unforgettable.

Follow @chefshaiheem on Instagram

Jahnesta Watson | chefshaiheem