Description
This Key Lime Pie Trifle is a delightful and refreshing no-bake dessert featuring layers of zesty key lime filling, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for warm weather or as a light finishing touch to any meal, this trifle combines tart and sweet flavors with creamy textures in an elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Graham Cracker Crust
- 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 (Optional)
- Fresh lime slices and zest
Instructions
- Prepare Graham Cracker Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Set aside.
- Make Key Lime Filling: In another bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a light and fluffy whipped cream.
- Combine Filling and Cream: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the chilled key lime mixture until fully combined, creating a creamy and airy filling.
- Assemble the Trifle: Using clear dessert glasses or a large trifle dish, begin layering your dessert starting with a spoonful of the graham cracker mixture to form the base layer.
- Add Key Lime Layer: Spoon a layer of the creamy key lime filling over the graham cracker crust.
- Top With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of the remaining whipped cream on top of the key lime layer for extra creaminess.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering graham cracker crumbs, key lime filling, and whipped cream until the container is filled, finishing with a final layer of whipped cream and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs on top.
- Garnish: Decorate the top with fresh lime zest or lime slices to add color and enhance the lime flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing the layers to set and the flavors to develop fully.
Notes
- This dessert is best served chilled and within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
- Use freshly squeezed key lime juice if available for the best authentic flavor.
- To save time, you can prepare the graham cracker mixture and key lime filling a day in advance.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but the texture may be less fluffy.
- Ensure the bowl and beaters are cold when whipping cream to achieve better volume and texture.
