Description
A refreshing and easy no-bake dessert featuring layers of tangy key lime pudding, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, buttery shortbread cookies, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a bright, citrusy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Key Lime Filling
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Whipped Cream
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust and Layers
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 ½ cups crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers
- Extra lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened. Then add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This will add lightness and creaminess to the filling.
- Combine Filling and Whipped Cream: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the key lime mixture to lighten the texture and create a fluffy filling layer.
- Prepare Graham Cracker Mixture: In another bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly moistened to form a crunchy base.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, start layering by spreading a portion of the graham cracker mixture on the bottom. Follow with a layer of key lime filling, then a layer of crushed shortbread cookies, and finally a layer of whipped cream. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of whipped cream.
- Garnish and Chill: Garnish with extra lime zest or lime slices if desired. Cover and chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and layers to set before serving.
Notes
- This trifle can be made up to 1 day in advance for best flavor and texture.
- For a shortcut, replace homemade whipped cream with store-bought whipped topping.
- If key lime juice is unavailable, substitute with regular lemon juice for a similar tart flavor.
- Layering can be done in individual serving glasses for easy portion control and presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
