Key Lime Trifle - No Bake Pie In a Bowl
Your tastebuds will thank you when you make this key lime trifle that is a summertime delight. Your stand mixer does almost everything in this pretzel dessert recipe, so why not give it a try? It is a great dessert for a summer cook out and feeds a crowd!
You'll be saying OMG! because…
- It's a refreshing treat. The lime juice brightens up this dessert.
- It's two desserts in one! Key lime trifle is a cross between key lime pie and a traditional layered trifle.
- It's creamy and crunchy. The key lime pie filling is creamy and luscious while the pretzel crust gives this key lime trifle recipe the crunch you crave.

Premium Ingredients = Recipes that WOW
We know that when you are feeding the people you love, you want to give them the best. That's why using the best ingredients in our recipes is so important to us. The things to focus on when making a key lime trifle are:
The dairy products. Since this key lime trifle recipe calls for heavy cream and cream cheese, this is our reminder to you that using organic, full fat dairy is always our recommendation for baking. When making your whipped cream, be sure your bowl and cream are very cold.
The lime juice. You can use bottled juice if you are making this when key limes are hard to find. If you do opt for bottled key lime juice, be sure you are choosing one that is natural and doesn't include artificial flavors.
The crust. Traditionally, key lime pie has a graham cracker crust, but we are using Sweet & Salty OMG! Pretzels instead. They have a hint of cinnamon and sugar and the best crunch in the world. We don't like to make it too fine of a crumb so that the pretzels keep their texture.

How to Make a Key Lime Trifle
As with other layered recipes, making a key lime trifle is all about the layers.
First, you make the pretzel crust layer by crushing the Sweet & Salty OMG! Pretzels (did we mention they are best seller?). Then, drizzle on some melted butter and pop the tray in the oven for about 5 minutes.
Next, make your whipped cream and key lime pie filling. Fold them together and refrigerate.
Now, it's time to start layering. First pretzels, then key lime pie filling, then pretzels, then filling. You get the idea.
Once the layers of your key lime trifle are complete, you are ready to decorate the top with some lime wedges and pretzel crumble.
Pretzel-tastic Key Lime Trifle Variations
- Make it spicy by swapping the Sweet & Salty OMG! Pretzels for either our Sweet & Spicy or Sweet Chili varieties.
- Amp up the fruity vibes by adding fresh raspberries or strawberries as a layer in the key lime trifle.
Key Lime Trifle FAQs
Is it better to make a trifle the night before?
Key lime trifle is best when it has a couple of hours to set before serving. Sometimes the crust elements get soggy overnight, but it can last that long if needed.
What flavors pair well with key lime?
Cinnamon, vanilla and orange are flavors that pair well with key lime.
What are the layers of a trifle in order?
In a key lime pie trifle, the crust element should be first, followed by key lime pie filling and then more crust layer.
Will a trifle get soggy overnight?
Sometimes the crust elements get soggy overnight.

Key Lime Trifle Recipe
WPRM Recipe 41196
Key Lime Trifle Recipe
If you love the tang and creaminess of key lime pie, you will love this easier to make key lime pie trifle. The key lime pie filling is a no-bake wonder and your mixer can do all the work. The crunchy texture and hint of cinnamon from the Sweet & Salty OMG! Pretzels create the perfect crust element. You will definitely not miss the traditional graham cracker crust in this key lime trifle recipe.
Key Lime Pie Filling:
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ⅛ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 12 oz oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- Zest from 1 lime
- ½ cup key lime juice (bottled is fine)
Other Key Lime Trifle Layers:
- 1 ½ cups OMG! Sweet & Salty Pretzels, (crushed)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Lime wedges or zest
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Prep the pretzel layer, so it has time to cool before adding it to the key lime trifle. For this, you’ll need to crush the sweet sourdough pretzel nuggets in a bag or food processor.
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Place the crushed pretzels on a sheet tray. Melt the butter and drizzle it over the pretzels. Bake on 350 for 5 minutes.
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Make the no-bake key lime pie filling. Using a stand mixture or handheld electric mixer, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until it has stiff peaks. Transfer to a clean bowl.
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Add cream cheese, condensed milk, lime juice and lime zest to the mixing bowl and whip together until smooth.
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Gently fold in the whipped cream. Place in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before layering the key lime trifle.
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In a trifle bowl, add some pretzels. Then, layer in some key lime pie filling, sprinkle with more pretzels and continue until you are out of key lime pie filling.
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Top the key lime trifle with lime wedges and pretzel crumbs for an elegant look and to give guests an idea of what they’ll be eating.
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Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
End WPRM Recipe