Name: Easy Individual Tropical Trifles Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Trifle
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 whole large eggs; 3 egg yolks; ¾ cup fresh squeezed lime juice; Zest of 1 large or 2 small limes; Pinch kosher salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; Lime Curd (prepared as above); 1 EDWARDS® Triple Coconut Crème Pie, thawed; 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts; 2 cups pineapple tidbits, drained; ½ cup unsweetened flaked coconut, lightly toasted

Jump to Recipe·4 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a mini celebration in a jar, the Easy Individual Tropical Trifles Recipe is just what you need. This refreshing treat layers zesty lime curd, creamy coconut crème pie, crunchy macadamia nuts, and juicy pineapple tidbits into a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Its vibrant tropical notes will transport you straight to a sunny beachside, all while being incredibly simple to put together. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or want to impress guests without hours in the kitchen, these individual trifles deliver big flavor with effortless elegance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a pie in a shiny silver pie tin with a thick, creamy white topping that looks fluffy and light, with small golden crumbs sprinkled on top. There is a shiny metal ice cream scoop holding a portion of the pie, showing multiple layers: a crumbly light brown crust at the bottom, a pale creamy middle layer, and the thick white whipped topping on top. The surface under the pie is a white marbled texture with a cloth partially visible under the pie tin. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Easy Individual Tropical Trifles Recipe shines because of its straightforward and thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one adds a unique element—from tartness to creaminess, crunch to tropical sweetness—that makes these trifles so delightfully irresistible.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the lime curd perfectly without overpowering its citrus brightness.
Whole large eggs and egg yolks: Provide richness and help thicken the lime curd to the ideal silky texture.
Fresh squeezed lime juice: Brings that signature tang that wakes up your taste buds with every spoonful.
Lime zest: Intensifies lime flavor and adds a subtle aromatic lift to the curd.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the vibrant flavors in the curd.
Unsalted butter: Adds smoothness and richness to the lime curd, giving it that luscious mouthfeel.
EDWARDS® Triple Coconut Crème Pie: The star creamy layer that adds indulgent coconut flavor and irresistible texture.
Chopped macadamia nuts: Introduce a buttery crunch that complements the creamy and fruity layers beautifully.
Pineapple tidbits: Offer juicy bursts of tropical sweetness that brighten every bite.
Unsweetened flaked coconut: Lightly toasted for a nutty aroma and a final delightful crunch on top.

How to Make Easy Individual Tropical Trifles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Lime Curd

Begin by whisking together sugar, whole eggs, egg yolks, lime juice, zest, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Set the burner to medium-high heat and stir constantly to prevent curdling. In just about five minutes, you’ll notice the mixture thickening to a rich, glossy consistency that coats the back of a wooden spoon. Removing it from heat, whisk in the cold butter a tablespoon at a time until fully incorporated—this step makes the curd wonderfully silky. For best results, chill it overnight; if you’re short on time, freeze for 20 minutes while stirring, then refrigerate for at least two hours to let it set nicely.

Step 2: Assemble Your Trifles

Using a melon baller or a small ice cream scoop, portion out 4 to 5 generous balls of the EDWARDS® Triple Coconut Crème Pie into each of eight mason jars. Next, spoon a layer of the freshly made lime curd over the pie balls, followed by a sprinkle of chopped macadamia nuts and pineapple tidbits. Repeat these layers to build up an irresistible jar of tropical flavors. Finish each trifle with a crown of lightly toasted flaked coconut, adding a wonderful nutty aroma and delicate crunch to your dessert.

How to Serve Easy Individual Tropical Trifles Recipe

The image shows a small clear glass jar filled with three visible layers: the bottom layer is pale yellow and smooth, the middle layer is white and creamy, and the top layer is a slightly thicker yellow custard-like texture. A woman's hand is holding a spoon with the top yellow layer, lifting some of it out of the jar. In the background, there are two lime halves placed on a white marbled surface, and a floral cloth with blue and green colors partly visible under the jar. The photo is bright, focusing closely on the jar's layers and the texture of the dessert, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For that extra tropical flair, fresh mint leaves or thin lime slices make beautiful and fragrant garnishes. A light drizzle of coconut cream or a dusting of toasted coconut flakes enhances the presentation and deepens the coconut flavor, inviting everyone to dig in with eager anticipation.

Side Dishes

These trifles shine on their own but pair delightfully with light, crisp salads or grilled fruit platters for a full tropical-inspired meal. They also serve as a perfect sweet finale after spicy dishes or subtly flavored fish, balancing out your menu with refreshing sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Try layering these trifles in clear glasses, petite mason jars, or even hollowed-out pineapple halves for a stunning tropical vibe. You can also experiment by stacking the layers in short dessert glasses to showcase all the vivid colors, turning dessert time into a visual feast that tastes even better.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These trifles keep beautifully refrigerated for up to 2 days, making them a fabulous make-ahead dessert. Just cover each jar or container tightly with plastic wrap to preserve freshness and prevent the pineapple from drying out.

Freezing

While it’s best to serve this dessert fresh, you can freeze individual trifles without toasted coconut topping for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, then add your toasted coconut or fresh garnishes to revive that delightful crunch.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, allowing frozen trifles to thaw naturally in the refrigerator lets the delicate layers regain their creamy texture without losing their fresh, tropical charm.

FAQs

Can I make the lime curd ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing the lime curd the day before saves you prep time and allows the flavors to meld perfectly. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the trifles.

What if I can’t find EDWARDS® Triple Coconut Crème Pie?

If that specific pie isn’t available, you can substitute with any good-quality coconut cream pie or even coconut-flavored pudding for a similar texture and flavor profile in your trifles.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh tidbits?

Yes, canned pineapple tidbits work wonderfully as long as they’re well-drained to avoid making the dessert soggy. Their sweetness pairs nicely with the tangy lime curd and creamy pie layers.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Since this recipe relies on store-bought pie that likely contains gluten, look for a gluten-free coconut cream pie or make your own crust using gluten-free ingredients to keep the trifles safe for sensitive eaters.

How long does it take to assemble the trifles?

Once your lime curd is ready and chilled, assembling the individual trifles takes about 10 to 15 minutes—super quick! It’s a fun activity that’s simple enough to do with friends or family, turning dessert prep into quality time together.

Final Thoughts

Sharing the Easy Individual Tropical Trifles Recipe feels like handing over a little slice of sunshine—bright, flavorful, and utterly inviting. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just to treat yourself on an ordinary day, this dessert delivers delight in every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how simple it is to bring tropical magic into your kitchen with such ease.

Easy Individual Tropical Trifles Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need