Irresistible Key Lime Pie Trifle Steals Hearts in 5 Layers

This Key Lime Pie Trifle Tastes Like Summer in a Bowl

Oh my gosh, you guys – this Key Lime Pie Trifle is my absolute favorite way to beat the summer heat! I first fell in love with the flavor combo during sweltering Florida vacations where my aunt would whip up a version of this for family picnics. The way the tangy lime cream cuts through the sweetness? Absolute magic.

Save

What makes this dessert so special is how ridiculously easy it is to make – no oven required! Just layer graham crackers with this dreamy lime filling, and boom – you’ve got a showstopper dessert that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. It’s perfect for those “oops, I forgot to make dessert” moments or when you need something cool and refreshing for backyard BBQs.

The best part? While it looks fancy, this no-bake wonder comes together faster than you can say “pass me another spoon!” The creamy layers get even better as they chill, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining. Trust me, one bite of that citrusy goodness and you’ll be hooked.

Key Lime Pie Trifle Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy dessert – I promise it’s all simple stuff you can find at any grocery store! Pro tip: set your cream cheese out about 30 minutes before starting so it gets nice and soft. And do yourself a favor – squeeze those limes fresh. The bottled juice just doesn’t give you that bright, punchy flavor we’re after.

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened (trust me, this makes all the difference for smooth mixing!)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (that magical ingredient that makes everything delicious)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4-5 juicy limes)
• Zest of 2 limes (don’t skip this – it packs so much flavor!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the secret background note that ties everything together)
• 1 cup heavy cream (chilled – cold cream whips up so much better)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (just enough sweetness for the whipped cream)
• 1 package (10 oz) graham crackers, crushed (I like to leave some small chunks for texture)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for that perfect graham cracker base)
• 1 cup fresh whipped cream for topping (because you can never have too much cream!)
• Lime slices and extra zest for garnish (makes it so pretty for serving)

Save

How to Make Key Lime Pie Trifle

Ready to make magic happen? This trifle comes together in just a few simple steps, but I’ll walk you through each one to ensure perfection. The key is taking your time with each layer – trust me, the extra care shows in every creamy, dreamy bite!

Preparing the Lime Cream

First, let’s make that luscious lime filling. In a medium bowl (I like using my stand mixer, but a hand mixer works great too), beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth – no lumps allowed! Then, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and beat again until they’re best friends. Now comes the fun part: slowly add the fresh lime juice while mixing. Watch how it transforms into this gorgeous, silky texture! Finally, stir in the lime zest and vanilla. The aroma alone will make your mouth water.

Whipping the Cream

Here’s my secret weapon for ultra-fluffy results: chill your bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes first. Beat the cold heavy cream on medium-high until it starts to thicken, then add the powdered sugar. Keep going until you get beautiful stiff peaks – when you lift the beaters, the cream should stand straight up without flopping over. Now, gently fold this into your lime mixture using a rubber spatula. Be patient! Fold in broad, sweeping motions to keep all that airy lightness we worked so hard for.

Save

Assembling the Trifle

Time to build our masterpiece! Start by mixing the crushed graham crackers with melted butter – it should hold together when squeezed. Press about a third of this mixture into the bottom of your trifle dish (I use a clear glass bowl so everyone can see those gorgeous layers). Spoon half the lime cream over it, spreading evenly. Repeat with another graham layer, then remaining lime cream. The final touch? A generous swirl of fresh whipped cream on top, garnished with lime slices and zest. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours (if you can wait that long!) to let all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Pie Trifle

Let me count the ways this dessert will steal your heart:

• No-bake bliss: Perfect for when it’s too hot to turn on the oven (or you’re just feeling lazy like me!)
• Tangy-sweet perfection: That bright lime zing balanced with creamy sweetness is downright addictive
• Crowd-pleaser magic: Every time I bring this to parties, the bowl comes home scraped clean
• Make-ahead dream: Gets even better as it chills – one less thing to worry about when guests arrive
• Fancy looking, easy making: Looks like you slaved for hours when really it’s just simple layering

Save

Key Lime Pie Trifle Tips for Success

After making this trifle more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tips for absolute perfection every time:

Chill everything cold – I mean it! Pop your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping the cream. Cold tools make the fluffiest peaks. And use that fresh lime juice – bottled just doesn’t give the same zing. If your limes feel firm, roll them on the counter first to release more juice.

Layer with love – Don’t rush the assembly. Alternate thin, even layers of graham crumbs and lime cream for that perfect bite every time. And always, always end with lime cream on top before adding the whipped cream garnish – it makes the prettiest presentation!

Key Lime Pie Trifle Variations

Oh, the possibilities! This recipe is like a blank canvas just begging for your creative touches. My sister swears by adding toasted coconut flakes between the layers for tropical vibes – just sprinkle about 1/2 cup over each graham cracker layer. If you’re feeling fancy, swap the graham crackers for crushed shortbread cookies (the buttery crunch is heavenly). For a fun twist, I sometimes layer in fresh berries – raspberries add the prettiest pop of color against that creamy lime filling!

Serving and Storing Key Lime Pie Trifle

When it’s time to serve this beauty, don’t be shy with the garnishes! I love adding extra lime slices around the edges and a generous sprinkle of zest over the whipped cream. For special occasions, a few mint leaves make it look extra fancy. The trifle keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days – just press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before covering to prevent the graham crackers from getting soggy. Leftovers? As if!

Save

Key Lime Pie Trifle Nutritional Information

Just so you know, each serving of this heavenly dessert has about 420 calories. The nutrition facts are estimates though – your exact count might vary depending on your ingredients. But hey, some things are worth every delicious bite!

Key Lime Pie Trifle FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Oh honey, I know it’s tempting, but trust me – fresh lime juice makes ALL the difference! That bright, zesty flavor just doesn’t come through the same with bottled. If you’re in a pinch, you can use it, but add an extra teaspoon of zest to boost the flavor. Your taste buds will thank you!

How long does this trifle last in the fridge?
This beauty keeps wonderfully for 3-4 days when covered properly. My trick? Press plastic wrap right onto the surface before putting the lid on – this keeps the graham crackers crisp. The flavors actually get better after a day as everything melds together!

Can I make individual portions?
Absolutely! Those cute little mason jars or small glasses work perfectly. Just divide the layers evenly between them – they’re so adorable for parties. You’ll need about 6-8 small jars depending on size. Bonus: no fighting over who gets the biggest scoop!

What if I can’t find graham crackers?
No worries! Crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even ginger snaps make delicious alternatives. Each gives a slightly different flavor twist – the ginger snaps add a lovely warm spice that pairs surprisingly well with the lime.

Irresistible Key Lime Pie Trifle Steals Hearts in 5 Layers

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A refreshing and creamy Key Lime Pie Trifle with layers of tangy lime cream, buttery graham crackers, and whipped cream.

• Author: Sophia Collins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• Zest of 2 limes
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 package (10 oz) graham crackers, crushed
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup fresh whipped cream for topping
• Lime slices and extra zest for garnish

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. In another bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
4. In a small bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter until combined.
5. Layer the graham cracker mixture in the bottom of a large glass bowl or individual trifle cups.
6. Add a layer of the lime cream mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing it out.
7. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with lime cream on top.
8. Top with fresh whipped cream, lime slices, and extra zest.
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
• Chill the trifle thoroughly for better texture.
• Customize with extra lime zest for more tang.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: key lime pie trifle, no-bake dessert, lime dessert, summer dessert