A refreshingly tangy, creamy dessert layered with crushed graham crackers and topped with whipped cream—no baking required!
🥣 Servings: 6
⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
❄ Chill Time: 2 hours
⏲ Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
🥄 Dietary Info: Vegetarian | No-Bake
🔥 Calories: ~330 kcal per serving
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
Cream cheese (softened)
Sweetened condensed milk
Fresh lime juice
Lime zest
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream
Powdered sugar
Graham crackers (crushed)
Melted butter
Fresh whipped cream (for topping)
Lime slices & extra zest (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
Make the Lime Cream Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Combine Mixtures
Gently fold the whipped cream into the lime cream mixture until light and fluffy.
Prepare the Graham Cracker Base
Mix the crushed graham crackers and melted butter in a small bowl until well combined.
Assemble the Trifle
In a large glass trifle bowl or individual cups, layer:
A scoop of the graham cracker mixture
A generous spoonful of the lime cream filling
Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of cream on top.
Garnish and Chill
Top with fresh whipped cream, lime slices, and a sprinkle of lime zest.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
🔎 Recipe Notes
For best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice and real lime zest.
Chill time is essential for the layers to set and flavors to meld.
This dessert can be made up to 24 hours ahead, making it perfect for parties and holidays.
✨ Quick Intro
If you’re craving the flavor of key lime pie without the oven, this No-Bake Key Lime Pie Trifle is the answer. It’s bright, creamy, and ridiculously easy—layered with buttery graham crackers and topped with whipped cream for a dreamy, citrusy finish. Whether you serve it in one big bowl or cute individual cups, it’s always a hit.
No baking, no fuss—just pure limey goodness in every bite.
👣 Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Beat the Filling
Cream cheese must be softened to blend smoothly—no lumps! Combine with sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, zest, and vanilla until silky.
Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream
Beat cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. You want a stable, fluffy texture to lighten the filling.
Step 3: Fold and Layer
Use a spatula to fold the whipped cream into the lime mixture gently. This keeps the filling airy. Layer with buttery graham cracker crumbs in a trifle dish.
Tip: Press down the graham layer slightly to keep it tidy, but don’t pack it too tight.
🥄 Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
Ingredient Highlights
Lime juice: Fresh is best—Key limes or Persian limes both work.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds rich sweetness and balances the tart lime.
Graham crackers: Go classic, or use vanilla wafers or shortbread for variation.
Substitutions
No heavy cream? Use store-bought whipped topping (like Cool Whip) for convenience.
No cream cheese? Mascarpone makes a nice substitute, but flavor will be slightly different.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham-style cookies or crackers.
🍽 Serving Ideas & Pairings
Serve With:
Mint sprigs for a fresh garnish
A citrus cocktail or sparkling water with lime
As part of a summer dessert spread with fruit skewers and mini pies
Make mini versions in clear jars or glasses for a stunning dessert bar.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the trifle up to 1 day in advance and garnish just before serving.
Freezing not recommended—texture changes once thawed.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use bottled lime juice?
A: Yes, but fresh juice and zest provide much brighter, fresher flavor.
Q: Can I make this in a pie dish instead of a trifle?
A: Definitely! Use the graham mixture as a crust, press it into the dish, and top with the cream filling.
Q: Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipping cream?
A: Absolutely—about 2 cups of Cool Whip can replace the homemade whipped cream.
📝 Final Thoughts
This no-bake lime trifle is everything we love about summer desserts—bright, cool, tangy, and incredibly easy to make. With its layered beauty and creamy citrus flavor, it’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to keep in your rotation all year long.
💬 Share Your Twist!
Tried this trifle with lemon instead of lime? Added crushed cookies or fruit layers? Drop your ideas below—I’d love to hear how you made this dessert your own!