Coconut Lime Tart Graham Crust (Print View)

Creamy coconut-lime filling in a crisp graham cracker crust, chilled until set for a bright, tropical finish.

# Components:

→ Graham cracker crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Coconut lime filling

04 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
05 - 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
06 - 4 large egg yolks
07 - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
08 - 2 teaspoons lime zest
09 - 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut

→ Garnish

10 - 1/2 cup whipped cream (optional)
11 - Toasted coconut flakes, as needed
12 - Extra lime zest, for finishing

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F.
02 - In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar; add melted butter and mix until the texture resembles damp sand.
03 - Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan, compacting to create a uniform layer.
04 - Bake the crust for 8 minutes until set and lightly golden; remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on a rack.
05 - Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and egg yolks until smooth; fold in lime juice, lime zest, and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
06 - Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula to ensure even thickness.
07 - Return the tart to the oven and bake for 8 minutes, just until edges are set and the center remains slightly wobbly.
08 - Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool on a rack to room temperature before chilling.
09 - Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or until fully set, to allow the filling to firm and flavors to meld.
10 - Just before serving, top with optional whipped cream, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes and additional lime zest; slice and serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It’s like sneaking away to the tropics, minus the plane ticket.
  • The contrast of tart lime and dreamy coconut never fails to win over even those "not a dessert person" folks at the table.
02 -
  • Once, I sliced in too soon and watched the filling spill—chill thoroughly for those sharp, tidy wedges.
  • I discovered you can toast coconut flakes days ahead, saving last-minute scrambling and burnt bits.
03 -
  • If you don’t have a tart pan, a pie dish works—just press the crumbs really firmly up the sides.
  • A microplane zester makes quick work of limes and keeps you from grating your knuckles.
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