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