Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When you’re in the mood for something sweet but also light, tangy, and refreshing, this Key Lime Tiramisu is the perfect dessert. It’s a brilliant twist on the classic Italian tiramisu, swapping the coffee and mascarpone for the bright, zesty flavors of key lime. This no-bake wonder layers light, spongey ladyfingers with a creamy key lime filling and a fluffy whipped topping. It’s an elegant, make-ahead dessert that is perfect for a summer dinner party or a special treat.

I first came up with this recipe when I wanted to make a tiramisu but was craving something with a lighter, more tropical flavor. The key lime pie flavors seemed like a perfect fit, and I was right! The combination of the citrusy filling and the soft, liqueur-soaked ladyfingers is absolutely incredible. This is the kind of dessert that feels fancy and complicated, but it’s actually incredibly easy to make. It’s a no-bake dessert that you can prepare well in advance, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

What I love most about this Key Lime Tiramisu is its incredible texture and flavor. The ladyfingers, soaked in a mixture of key lime juice and rum, become incredibly tender and flavorful. The filling, a perfect blend of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and key lime juice, is creamy, tangy, and rich all at once. And of course, the whipped cream topping adds a beautiful, light finish that brings the whole dessert together.

This recipe is also a lifesaver because it’s no-bake. There’s no turning on the oven, which makes it perfect for warm weather. It’s a dessert that you can make in about 20 minutes and then let the fridge do the rest of the work. For another great no-bake dessert, my recipe for This Grasshopper Pie is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert with a Mint Chocolate Twistis also a total showstopper.

Ingredients

For the Key Lime Filling:

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Ladyfingers:

• 1 (7 oz) package ladyfingers
• 1/4 cup key lime juice
• 1/4 cup white rum (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Key lime zest, for garnish

Swaps and Notes

• Key Lime Juice: Use fresh key lime juice for the best flavor. It’s worth the effort of squeezing all those tiny limes. If you can’t find them, regular lime juice will work, but key limes have a distinct floral, slightly less acidic flavor.
• Ladyfingers: You can find ladyfingers in the cookie aisle of most grocery stores. If you can’t find them, a simple pound cake or angel food cake cut into slices will also work.
• Rum: The rum is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor to the ladyfingers. You can replace it with more key lime juice or a little water if you prefer to make it non-alcoholic.
• Topping: I recommend making your own whipped cream for the topping. It’s easy and tastes much better than store-bought whipped topping.

Instructions

Make the Key Lime Filling:

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is completely smooth and creamy.
2. Combine: Add the sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup of key lime juice, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, thick, and well combined.

Assemble the Tiramisu:

1. Prepare the Soaking Liquid: In a shallow dish, whisk together the 1/4 cup of key lime juice and the white rum (if using).
2. Layer the Bottom: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the key lime liquid, one at a time, making sure not to over-soak them. Arrange a single layer of ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8×8 inch square dish or a similar-sized baking dish.
3. Add Filling: Spread half of the key lime filling evenly over the ladyfingers.
4. Repeat: Add a second layer of soaked ladyfingers on top of the filling, and then spread the remaining key lime filling over the top.

Make the Whipped Topping:

1. Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl with a chilled whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the cold heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until it begins to thicken.
2. Add Sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
3. Top the Tiramisu: Gently spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the key lime filling.

Chill and Garnish:

1. Chill: Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the ladyfingers to soften and the flavors to meld together.
2. Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of fresh key lime zest over the top.

Tips for Success

• Soak Quickly: Dip the ladyfingers into the liquid very quickly—a second or two is all you need. If you soak them for too long, they will fall apart.
• Use Softened Cream Cheese: This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free filling. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start.
• Make Ahead: This dessert is even better when you make it a day in advance. The flavors will have more time to meld and the ladyfingers will be perfectly soft.
• Chill Everything for Whipped Cream: To get perfect, fluffy whipped cream, make sure your bowl, whisk, and heavy cream are all very cold.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Key Lime Tiramisu is an elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It’s light, creamy, and wonderfully refreshing. It pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea. For another great crowd-pleasing dessert, you might also like my recipe for This Big Family Banana Pudding is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Please note: This is an approximation and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 400
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

This is a rich and decadent dessert, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This dessert stores beautifully. You can store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The ladyfingers will continue to soften, and the flavors will continue to develop, so it often tastes even better the next day. This dessert does not freeze well.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of easy and delicious desserts, you’ll love some of my other creations. For another classic that’s always a hit, try my recipe for The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made and I’ve Made a Lot. For a fun, no-bake option, you can’t go wrong with my recipe for These Old School No-Bake Cookies Never Fail Me and I’ve Made Them 100 Times. And for another simple dessert, my These Easy Coconut Macaroons are My Favorite 3-Ingredient Treat is a winner.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Tiramisu is a recipe that is sure to impress everyone at your table. It’s a simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious dessert that captures the bright, zesty flavors of key lime pie without any of the work.

I’d love to know what your favorite no-bake desserts are! Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow me for more delicious recipes. Happy chilling!

Key Lime Tiramisu: A Light and Zesty No-Bake Dessert

Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When you’re in the mood for something sweet but also light, tangy, and refreshing, this Key Lime Tiramisu is the perfect dessert. It’s a brilliant twist on the classic Italian tiramisu, swapping the coffee and mascarpone for the bright, zesty flavors of key lime. This no-bake wonder layers light, spongey ladyfingers with a creamy key lime filling and a fluffy whipped topping. It’s an elegant, make-ahead dessert that is perfect for a summer dinner party or a special treat.

By Jason GriffithPublished on August 7, 2025

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time30 min

Total Time45 min

Servings4 servings

Category: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh key lime juice
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 4 cups ladyfinger cookies
• 4 cups white rum (optional)
• Zest of 2 key limes (for garnish)
• Additional key lime slices (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the fresh key lime juice, vanilla extract, and white rum (if using).
4. Gently fold the key lime mixture into the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
5. Dip each ladyfinger into the key lime juice mixture for a few seconds, ensuring they are moist but not soggy.
6. Layer half of the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish.
7. Spread half of the key lime filling over the ladyfingers.
8. Repeat the process with the remaining ladyfingers and key lime filling.
9. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
10. Before serving, garnish with key lime zest and slices.

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation

Calories: 450 calories

Protein Content: 3g

Carbohydrate Content: 62g

Fat Content: 22g

Tags: key lime, tiramisu, no-bake dessert, Italian dessert, summer dessert, light dessert

Related posts:

Sunrise on Sunday: Deviled Egg Breakfast Sliders for Your Easter Table The Peach Coffee Cake That’s Part Breakfast, Part Dessert, and All Delicious Epic Twisted Bacon Breakfast Tacos – The Morning Bomb You Didn’t Know You Needed Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears: Crunchy, Creamy, and Naturally Sweet