Description
This Key Lime Pie Trifle is a delightful layered dessert combining the zesty brightness of key lime with creamy sweetness and a crunchy graham cracker base. Perfectly chilled, this no-bake trifle offers a refreshing twist on the classic pie, making it an ideal treat for gatherings and warm weather.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Layer
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Key Lime Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- Fresh lime slices and lime zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare graham cracker base: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Set aside for layering.
- Make key lime filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Whip cream: In a chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Combine key lime mixture and whipped cream: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the key lime mixture to lighten the filling while maintaining its citrus flavor.
- Assemble trifle: In clear dessert glasses or a large trifle dish, start with a spoonful of the graham cracker base, followed by a layer of the key lime cream mixture, and then a dollop of the remaining whipped cream.
- Repeat layers: Continue layering the graham cracker crumbs, key lime filling, and whipped cream until the container is full, finishing with a top layer of whipped cream and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for crunch.
- Garnish and chill: Decorate the top with fresh lime slices and additional lime zest if desired. Chill the assembled trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
Notes
- Use fresh key lime juice for the most authentic flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
- For a lighter dessert, substitute half the heavy cream with whipped topping.
- Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are cold before whipping cream to achieve better volume.
- This trifle can be prepared up to a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
- To make individual servings, use small clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers.
