Key Lime Pie Trifle

Key Lime Pie Trifle

Key Lime Pie Trifle is a delightful dessert that beautifully combines layers of creamy lime goodness with crispy graham cracker crust. This luscious dessert is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home on a warm day. With its bright, zesty flavor and velvety texture, the Key Lime Pie Trifle is not only easy to make but also evokes nostalgia, reminding us of the comforting tastes of summer. Made from simple ingredients and requiring minimal prep, this dessert is truly a crowd-pleaser that your family and friends will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the biggest advantages of the Key Lime Pie Trifle is its easy preparation. This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a stunning and delicious dessert without breaking a sweat. It is also a great make-ahead option, as it tastes even better after resting in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a refreshing treat to brighten your day, this trifle will undoubtedly impress.

Ingredients

To create this scrumptious Key Lime Pie Trifle, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream: This rich cream will provide a fluffy texture that elevates the trifle.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream while contributing to its lightness.
• 1 cup fresh whipped cream (for topping): This adds a delightful finish, making each bite dreamy and smooth.
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice: Juicy and tangy, this is the star flavor of the dessert.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the lime filling.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crust.
• Zest of 2 limes: Provides an aromatic burst of citrus flavor.
• 1 package (10 oz) graham crackers, crushed: These crispy crackers create a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy layers.
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and contributes to the thick creaminess of the pie filling.
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: Provides a rich, tangy base that balances the sweetness.
• Lime slices + extra zest (for garnish): These decorative accents will enhance the trifle’s presentation.

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating the Key Lime Pie Trifle is not only fun but also incredibly straightforward. Follow these easy steps to construct your own dessert masterpiece:

1. Prepare the Lime Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until smooth and well blended, making sure there are no lumps.

2. Whip the Cream: In another bowl, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the powdered sugar over it. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream will add lightness to the lime filling.

3. Combine the Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the lime mixture, ensuring it’s well incorporated without deflating the cream’s fluffy texture.

4. Prepare the Crust: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.

5. Layer the Trifle: In a trifle dish or a large glass bowl, start by adding a layer of the graham cracker mixture at the bottom. Follow this with a layer of the lime cream mixture. Repeat the layers until all components are used, finishing with a layer of the lime cream on top.

6. Garnish: Spread the fresh whipped cream on the top layer, then garnish with lime slices and additional lime zest for a pop of color.

7. Chill: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

Tips & Tricks

• For an added kick, consider folding in some finely grated ginger to the lime filling.
• Make sure to use fresh limes rather than bottled lime juice for the best flavor.
• For those who love a touch of sweetness, drizzle some honey over the graham cracker layer before adding the lime filling.
• If you want to save some time, you can prepare the graham cracker crust and lime mixture a day in advance and assemble the trifle just before serving.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

The Key Lime Pie Trifle is perfect on its own but can also be served alongside fresh fruit, such as strawberries or mango slices to complement its tartness. Pair it with a glass of iced tea or a refreshing mint lemonade for a light and summery dessert spread. It’s an excellent addition to any dessert table at celebrations or as a delightful treat to end a family dinner.

Nutritional Information

While the Key Lime Pie Trifle is a rich dessert, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, with 22g of fat and 14g of sugar. Remember to balance your treats with lighter meals throughout the day, and consider sharing this indulgent dessert with those you love!

Storing Tips & Variations

To store your Key Lime Pie Trifle, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious. If you want to prepare the trifle ahead of time for a special event, assembling it a day in advance works wonderfully.

For variations, consider trying different citrus fruits, such as lemon or orange, for a twist on the classic lime flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cookies for the crust – try using digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for unique flavor profiles.

Conclusion

The Key Lime Pie Trifle is a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it appeals to both novice and experienced bakers alike. We encourage you to try your hand at this delicious recipe, and don’t forget to share your experience! Your friends and family will thank you for introducing them to this dreamy dessert, and you might just find it becoming a staple in your recipe collection.

FAQs

1. Can I make the Key Lime Pie Trifle in advance?
Yes! This trifle can be made a day ahead of time. Just store it covered in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Can I substitute cream cheese with anything else?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, but this will alter the flavor slightly.

3. How do I know if the whipped cream is done?
Whipped cream is ready when stiff peaks form, meaning the cream holds its shape well and doesn’t drip off a whisk or spatula.

4. Can I use a different type of citrus juice?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with lemon or orange juice if you’d like to create a different flavor profile.

5. What do I do if I don’t have a trifle dish?
No trifle dish? No problem! You can use any glass bowl or individual serving glasses to layer and present the trifle beautifully.

Print Recipe

Key Lime Pie Trifle

A delightful dessert featuring layers of creamy lime goodness and crispy graham cracker crust, perfect for gatherings or enjoying at home.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Total Time2 hours hrs

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Key Lime Pie Trifle, no-bake dessert, Refreshing Dessert, Summer Dessert, Trifle Recipe

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

For the lime filling

• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice Juicy and tangy, this is the star flavor of the dessert.
• 2 teaspoons lime zest Provides an aromatic burst of citrus flavor.
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened Provides a rich, tangy base that balances the sweetness.
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk Adds sweetness and contributes to the thick creaminess of the pie filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds warmth and depth to the lime filling.

For the whipped cream

• 1 cup heavy cream Provides a fluffy texture that elevates the trifle.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar Sweetens the whipped cream while contributing to its lightness.
• 1 cup fresh whipped cream (for topping) Adds a delightful finish, making each bite dreamy and smooth.

For the graham cracker crust

• 1 package (10 oz) graham crackers, crushed Creates a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy layers.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter Helps bind the graham cracker crust.

For garnish

• 2 slices lime slices For decoration.
• extra lime zest For additional garnish.

Instructions

Preparation

• In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well blended.
• In another bowl, pour in heavy cream and sprinkle powdered sugar over it. Whip until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the lime mixture.
• In a separate bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter until crumbs resemble wet sand.

Assembly

• In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer graham cracker mixture, followed by lime cream mixture. Repeat layers until all components are used, finishing with lime cream.
• Spread fresh whipped cream on top layer and garnish with lime slices and zest.

Chilling

• Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

This trifle can be made a day ahead of time. Consider folding in finely grated ginger for added flavor, and use fresh limes for the best taste.