Name: Festive Strawberry Lime Jello Trifle Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 7 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup boiling water; 1 small box (3 oz) lime gelatin; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed; Green food coloring (optional); 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed; 2 cups boiling water; 2 small boxes (3 oz each) strawberry gelatin; 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries; Additional whipped topping; Sprinkles or candy for garnish

There’s something undeniably charming about a colorful, layered dessert that tastes as bright as it looks. This Festive Strawberry Lime Jello Trifle Recipe perfectly hits that note, combining fresh strawberries, tangy lime, and creamy layers for a treat that’s as joyful in flavor as it is beautiful on the table.

This image shows a square dessert with five layers on a white plate. The bottom layer is a beige, crumbly crust with small nut pieces. Above it is a thick, smooth mint green layer. Next is a white fluffy layer with some small air holes, followed by a semi-translucent bright red jelly layer. The top layer is a thick white whipped cream with a swirled texture, decorated with red and green round candy pieces scattered on top. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Strawberry Lime Jello Trifle Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Strawberry Lime Jello Trifle Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Strawberry Lime Jello Trifle Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This trifle is one of those nostalgic desserts that brings back memories of holiday gatherings and sunlit summer parties alike. I adore how it balances fresh fruit, creamy layers, and jiggly gelatin, making it both refreshing and indulgent.

Bright, vibrant layers: The strawberry and lime gels create stunning color contrasts that make this dessert a showstopper.
Simple to assemble: No complicated techniques here — just layering and chilling, perfect for any skill level.
Cool and refreshing taste: The lime adds a zesty pop that complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
Perfect for gatherings: It serves a crowd and is always a delight at potlucks, holiday dinners, or summer BBQs.

The image shows a slice of layered dessert on a stack of white plates with a white marbled texture background. The dessert has four main layers: the bottom crust layer is light tan and slightly crumbly; above it is a thick mint green creamy layer; on top of that is a bright red translucent gelatin layer; and the top layer is fluffy white whipped cream decorated with red and green round candy pieces. A fork holds a piece of the dessert, showing each layer clearly and the creamy texture of the whipped topping. In the background, part of a tray of the whole dessert and a bowl filled with red and green candies are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Festive Strawberry Lime Jello Trifle Recipe is in how simple, everyday ingredients come together to create such a festive and layered dessert. Each component has a purpose, from the buttery crust to the fresh fruits and creamy fillings. Let me walk you through why these work so well.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, two tablespoons of granulated sugar in a small white bowl, a handful of finely chopped mixed pecans and walnuts on a white ceramic dish, a stick of unsalted butter unwrapped and fresh looking, a small white bowl filled with boiling water, a small box of lime gelatin powder beside it, a block of cream cheese softened on a plain white plate, a container of fluffy whipped topping scooped into another white bowl, a small white bowl of green food coloring droplets, a second block of softened cream cheese on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, two small boxes of strawberry gelatin powder, a generous pile of sliced fresh strawberries arranged neatly on a white plate, and additional whipped topping in a white bowl next to some colorful sprinkles on a separate small white dish, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Gives the crust a sturdy, yet tender base that holds the layers without crumbling.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and balances the tartness in the lime layer and cream cheese fillings.
Pecans or walnuts: Add a delicate crunch and a lovely nutty flavor to the base layer.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness to the crust, helping it golden beautifully in the oven.
Lime gelatin: Creates that signature tart and tangy first layer, bright and refreshing.
Cream cheese: Adds velvety smooth texture and a slight tang that complements the lime and strawberry flavors.
Whipped topping: Makes the cream layers light and fluffy, blending beautifully with gelatin and cream cheese.
Strawberry gelatin: The top layer’s sweetness and fruity depth come from this, paired with fresh strawberries for freshness and texture.
Fresh strawberries: Bring natural sweetness and a juicy bite, making the top layer burst with flavor.
Optional green food coloring: A little trick to make the lime layer pop in festive green if you want to amplify the holiday vibe.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Festive Strawberry Lime Jello Trifle Recipe is how flexible it is. I love tweaking it a bit depending on the occasion and what I have on hand—and I encourage you to do the same!

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the nuts in the crust for crushed graham crackers to make a sweeter, more cookie-like base. It’s equally delicious and a little easier if you don’t have nuts around.
Dietary tweak: For a lighter version, you can use light cream cheese and sugar substitutes, plus sugar-free gelatin to keep things festive but a bit lighter on sugar.
Seasonal switch: In warmer months, I’ve swapped strawberries for fresh raspberries or a mixed berry blend—works beautifully and adds a lovely punch of color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Strawberry Lime Jello Trifle Recipe

Step 1: Baking the perfect crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. I like to spritz my 13×9 pan with cooking spray to make sure the crust comes out cleanly. Then, mix your flour, sugar, nuts, and softened butter together until it feels crumbly but holds when pressed. Press this mixture evenly into the pan, aiming for a firm, compact base. Bake it for about 15-18 minutes until it’s golden and fragrant. Let it cool completely before adding anything on top—this prevents sogginess and keeps the layers neat.

Step 2: Whisking together that lime layer

While your crust is cooling, dissolve the lime gelatin in boiling water. Stir well for a full 2 minutes to make sure there’s no graininess. I usually pop this in the fridge for about an hour until it’s partially set—you’ll want it thick but still spoonable, not fully firm. Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese until silky, then slowly incorporate the gelatin so the mixture stays smooth. Folding in the whipped topping last makes that creamy texture really airy. If you want the lime layer to be extra festive, add a few drops of green food coloring at this point—just a little goes a long way!

Step 3: Creating the luscious cream cheese layer

Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth, then fold in the whipped topping gently to keep it light. Spread this evenly over your chilled lime layer, smoothing it out so the next layer sits perfectly flat. Refrigerate again for about 30-40 minutes to let it set firmly.

Step 4: Finishing with the strawberry topping

Dissolve two boxes of strawberry gelatin in boiling water, stirring thoroughly. Add fresh sliced strawberries and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. You want this layer to thicken but remain easy to spoon—not too runny or the layers underneath might get messy. When ready, gently spread or spoon this fruity, vibrant layer over the creamy middle. Chill your trifle for 2-4 hours or overnight to ensure everything sets together beautifully.

Top Tip

From my experiences making this trifle, a few small tweaks really elevate the end result and keep things stress-free.

Partial Setting Matters: Don’t rush the jello layers chilling—letting them partially set before spreading helps keep distinct, neat layers without bleeding.
Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature for smooth mixing—no lumps here!
Gentle Folding: When combining whipped topping, fold gently to preserve its light, airy texture and avoid deflating your layers.
Crust Cooling Is Key: Always cool your crust fully before the first layer to prevent it turning soggy and compromising texture.

How to Serve Festive Strawberry Lime Jello Trifle Recipe

Strawberry Lime Trifle - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually dollop some extra whipped topping on the very top just before serving, then sprinkle a handful of colorful festive sprinkles for that extra visual pop. Sometimes I add a few whole strawberries or a lime twist for a final touch of freshness and flair—it really elevates the presentation.

Side Dishes

This trifle shines on its own but pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad or a plate of assorted cheeses at a holiday party. For more casual occasions, I love serving it alongside my homemade vanilla cupcakes or shortbread cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering this dessert in clear glass trifle bowls or individual parfait glasses for a stunning display. For holiday gatherings, I’ve even piped whipped cream edges and added edible glitter for a sparkling effect that guests loved. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover trifle covered tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors continue to meld deliciously. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if the layers shifted a bit.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t really ideal for this one because the creamy layers and gelatin change texture when thawed. I’d recommend enjoying all of it fresh to keep that perfect soft, jiggly consistency.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t needed. Just pull it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving so it’s not too cold to enjoy all the flavors fully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?

Absolutely! While strawberries are classic here, you can swap them for raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries. Just make sure the fruit isn’t too watery to avoid making the top layer runny.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! This trifle actually benefits from sitting overnight in the fridge—it allows all the layers to meld and set perfectly. Just assemble it the day before your event and keep it chilled until serving.

What’s the best way to avoid soggy crust?

Make sure the crust is completely cooled before adding any layers on top, and don’t let the gelatin layers get too runny when you pour them. This helps keep the crust crisp and crunchy rather than soggy.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the crust with gluten-free flour blends or opt for a gluten-free cookie crust. Just check your gelatin brand doesn’t contain any gluten additives, which most don’t.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Strawberry Lime Jello Trifle Recipe is more than just a dessert—it's a fun, colorful way to brighten any celebration. Every time I make it, friends tell me how refreshing and nostalgic it tastes, and I’m pretty sure you’ll hear the same once you try it. Go ahead and whip one up for your next gathering; trust me, it’ll be the star of the table!