Go Back
–+ servings
An overhead view of a large key lime trifle in a glass bowl sitting on a yellow checkered napkin. The top features whipped cream and lime slices arranged in a circle with a large portion scooped out to reveal the interior layers.
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Key Lime Trifle

This Key Lime Trifle layers pound cake, creamy lime filling, graham cracker crumbs, and Cool Whip for an easy, refreshing no-bake dessert.
Prep Time18 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: key lime, trifle
Servings: 8 people
Author: Jenna Harrison

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Citrus zester
  • Trifle bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 10-16 oz prepared pound cake cubed
  • 8 oz container Cool Whip
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • (2) 3.4 oz boxes instant cheesecake pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tablespoon lime zest

GARNISH:

  • Fresh Limes Sliced
  • Lime zest
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Make the Filling

  • Whisk the pudding mixes and cold milk together in a large mixing bowl until thick.
    (2) 3.4 oz boxes instant cheesecake pudding mix, 3 cups cold milk
  • Stir the lime juice and lime zest into the pudding mixture.
    ½ cup fresh lime juice, 1 Tablespoon lime zest
  • Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
  • Fold half of the Cool Whip into the lime filling.
    8 oz container Cool Whip

Assemble the Trifle

  • Place half of the cubed pound cake in the bottom of a trifle bowl.
    1 10-16 oz prepared pound cake
  • Spread half of the lime filling on top of the pound cake.
  • Sprinkle half of the graham cracker crumbs over the filling.
    1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • Top the crumbs with half of the remaining Cool Whip.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining pound cake, lime filling, graham cracker crumbs, and Cool Whip.
  • Garnish the top of the dessert with fresh lime slices and extra lime zest.
    Fresh Limes Sliced, Lime zest
  • Serve the trifle immediately or chill it in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat.

Notes

Make ahead: Assemble the trifle several hours before serving and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The cake gradually absorbs some of the filling, giving the dessert a softer consistency. For the most distinct layers and crunchier crumbs, assemble it closer to serving time.
Refrigerator: Cover leftover Key Lime Trifle tightly and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The graham cracker layer will become softer during storage, but the flavor will still be good.
Freezing: Freezing the assembled trifle is not recommended. Pudding and whipped topping can change consistency after freezing and thawing, and the cake can become overly soft.
Thawing: Since freezing is not recommended, thawing is not needed. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1.25cup | Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 670mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 272IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 189mg | Iron: 2mg