A bite of this luscious key lime icebox cake will instantly transport you to paradise. Creamy key lime custard is layered between graham crackers to make a retro icebox cake that's perfect for summer.
Ingredients
¾cupgranulated sugar
¼cupcornstarch
4large egg yolks
2cupshalf-and-half
3Tablespoonsbutter
2Tablespoonskey lime zest
½cupkey lime juice
15graham crackers
1cupheavy whipping cream
¼cupconfectioners sugar
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and half-and-half.
In a medium saucepan, add the sugar and cornstarch and whisk to combine. Turn the heat to medium and whisk the egg mixture slowly into the sugar mixture. Bring to a boil while whisking constantly. Let boil for 1 minute, whisking constantly, then remove from heat.
Whisk in the butter, lime zest, and lime juice. Set the custard aside to cool for 10 minutes.
Cover the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish with plastic wrap, letting it overhang the edges by a couple of inches on both sides.
Add a single layer of graham crackers to the baking dish, breaking them as needed to cover the bottom. Spoon 1/4 of the custard over the graham crackers and spread into an even layer. Repeat the layers 3 more times ending with a top layer of crackers.
Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 8 hours (or overnight).
An hour before serving, remove the cake from the freezer, uncover it, and carefully turn it out onto your serving platter. Let the cake thaw at room temperature for 1 hour.
While the cake is thawing, prepare the whipped cream. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream and confectioners sugar until soft peaks form.
Spread the homemade whipped cream on top of the cake, garnish with a slice of lime and/or lime zest, slice, and serve.
Notes
Store in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can use regular limes instead of key limes if you prefer or if they aren’t available your local grocery store.