Name: Shaker Lemon Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 9 h 5 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium lemons; 2 cups sugar; 1 pie crust; 4 large eggs; 2 tbsp flour

The Shaker Lemon Pie is a delicious dessert that uses whole lemons, yes, rind and all! It offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a texture that's somehow both creamy and crunchy. This pie is unique and delightful, perfect for those wanting to try a new twist on a classic dessert.

Photos of Shaker Lemon Pie Recipe

The key ingredient in this recipe is the lemons. It's recommended to use medium lemons that are fresh and organically grown, as you'll be using the whole lemon, including the rind. It's also important to slice the lemons as thinly as possible for the best texture. You might not find these in your regular pantry so be aware while shopping.

Ingredients for Shaker Lemon Pie

Lemons: The star of the dish, you'll need lemons that are fresh and organic as you'll be using the whole lemon, including the rind.

Sugar: This will help to mellow out the tartness of the lemons and create a nice balance.

Pie crust: A base for your pie. You can use a store-bought pie crust or make your own.

Eggs: These will help to bind everything together and give your pie a nice, creamy texture.

Flour: A little bit of flour helps to thicken the mixture and adds structure to the pie.

One reader, Iseabal Lord says:

This shaker lemon pie recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is simply divine. The thin lemon slices create a beautiful texture, and the pie crust is perfectly flaky. It's a delightful treat that's sure to impress everyone at the table. Highly recommended!

Iseabal Lord

Techniques Required for Making Shaker Lemon Pie

How to slice lemons thinly: Use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to cut the lemons as thinly as possible. For an easier slicing process, you can coarsely chop the thin lemon slices.

How to mix the lemon and sugar: Combine the sliced lemons with the sugar in a bowl, ensuring that the sugar coats the lemon slices evenly. Let the mixture sit overnight or for up to 12 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

How to prepare the pie crust: Roll out the pie crust and carefully place it into a pie plate, ensuring that it covers the bottom and sides evenly.

How to bake the pie: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Once the lemon mixture is combined with the eggs and flour, pour it evenly into the prepared pie crust. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, and if the pastry or the tops of the lemons are browning too much, cover the pie with foil.

How To Make Shaker Lemon Pie

Enjoy a sweet and tart bite of this lemon pie, made with whole lemons soaked with sugar overnight, for a richer and more flavorful treat!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 50 minutes

Soak Time: 8 hours

Total: 9 hours 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2medium lemons
2cupssugar
1pie crust
4large eggs
2tbspflour

Instructions

Trim the ends of the lemons until the flesh is visible, then slice the lemons as thinly as possible. A mandolin slicer is best for this. For an easy-to-slice pie, coarsely chop the thin lemon slices.
Mix the lemons with sugar and let sit overnight or up to 12 hours.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a pie plate with the pie crust.
Mix the lemon mixture with the eggs and flour, then pour it evenly into the pie crust
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Cover with foil if the pastry or the tops of the lemons are browning too much.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 245.30kcal
Fat: 6.49g
Saturated Fat: 2.36g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.56g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.96g
Carbohydrates: 45.09g
Fiber: 0.65g
Sugar: 33.57g
Protein: 2.90g
Cholesterol: 62.00mg
Sodium: 102.27mg
Calcium: 14.28mg
Potassium: 52.33mg
Iron: 0.58mg
Vitamin A: 26.76µg
Vitamin C: 5.12mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Shaker Lemon Pie

When slicing the lemons, make sure to remove any seeds as they can add a bitter taste to the pie. Additionally, using a mandolin slicer can help achieve consistently thin slices, but be careful as the tool can be sharp. For a smoother texture in your shaker lemon pie, you can choose to coarsely chop the thin lemon slices. This will make the pie easier to slice and eat.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Shaker Lemon Pie

Prep ahead: Prepare the lemon and sugar mixture the night before to save time on the day of baking.

Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly and evenly slice the lemons for the pie filling.

Blind bake: Blind bake the pie crust in advance to save time during the pie assembly process.

Multi-task: While the pie is baking, use that time to clean up the kitchen and prepare other dishes.

Substitute Ingredients For Shaker Lemon Pie Recipe

lemons - Substitute with Meyer lemons: Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons, which can provide a milder flavor to the pie.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the pie, and it also provides moisture.
pie crust - Substitute with graham cracker crust: A graham cracker crust can add a slightly nutty and sweet flavor to the pie, complementing the tartness of the lemons.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs, providing binding properties to the pie filling.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can act as a thickening agent for the pie filling, similar to flour, and it also provides a clear, glossy finish.

Presenting Your Shaker Lemon Pie

Elevate the pie crust: Create a delicate lattice pattern on top of the pie crust to showcase the artistry and precision in your baking skills.
Garnish with candied lemon slices: Adorn the pie with thinly sliced candied lemon slices arranged in an intricate pattern to add a touch of elegance and a burst of citrus flavor.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the pie with powdered sugar just before serving to add a subtle sweetness and a visually appealing finish to the dessert.
Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream: Serve the pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side, adding a creamy and luxurious element to complement the tangy lemon flavor.
Present on a fine china plate: Serve the pie on a beautiful, intricately designed fine china plate to elevate the dining experience and showcase the exquisite nature of the dessert.

Essential Tools for Making a Shaker Lemon Pie

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It can be used to quickly and efficiently process the lemon slices and sugar for the shaker lemon pie filling.
Mandolin slicer: A mandolin slicer is a kitchen tool used for slicing fruits and vegetables with precision. It is ideal for thinly slicing the lemons for the shaker lemon pie recipe.
Pie plate: A pie plate is a round, shallow dish used for baking pies. It provides a sturdy base for the pie crust and filling, ensuring even baking and easy serving.
Pastry brush: A pastry brush is a kitchen tool with bristles used for applying egg wash or butter to pastry. It can be used to brush the pie crust with egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
Foil: Aluminum foil is a versatile kitchen essential used for covering dishes during baking to prevent excessive browning. It can be used to cover the shaker lemon pie if the pastry or lemon slices are browning too much during baking.

Storing and Freezing Shaker Lemon Pie

Let the shaker lemon pie cool completely before storing or freezing. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a soggy crust.
To store the pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label the pie with the date and contents. Frozen shaker lemon pie can be stored for up to 3 months.
To thaw a frozen pie, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw the pie at room temperature, as this can cause the crust to become soggy.
If you prefer a warm pie, you can reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie on a baking sheet. Cover the edges of the crust with foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the crust is crisp.
For optimal flavor and texture, it's best to consume the shaker lemon pie within a few days of baking. However, with proper storage techniques, you can enjoy this delightful dessert for a longer period.

How To Reheat Leftover Shaker Lemon Pie

To reheat leftover shaker lemon pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the crust is crisp.
For a quicker method, you can reheat individual slices of shaker lemon pie in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 30-45 seconds, or until warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as the filling may become too hot and cause burns.
If you prefer a crispy crust, you can also reheat leftover shaker lemon pie slices in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the slice in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and the filling is warmed through.
For a unique twist, try grilling your leftover shaker lemon pie. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the slice directly on the grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the crust is crisp and the filling is heated through. This method adds a smoky flavor to the pie and creates a deliciously caramelized crust.
If you want to maintain the texture and flavor of your leftover shaker lemon pie, you can also reheat it in a covered skillet on the stovetop. Place the slice in a skillet with a tight-fitting lid and heat over low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps to keep the filling moist and prevents the crust from becoming too crispy.

Random Fact About Shaker Lemon Pie

Shaker Lemon Pie is a traditional American pie that originated in the Shaker community. It is known for using the entire lemon, including the rind, which gives the pie a unique and intense citrus flavor.

Is Making Shaker Lemon Pie at Home Economical?

The cost-effectiveness of this shaker lemon pie recipe is quite high. Lemons and sugar are affordable, and the other ingredients are commonly found in most households. The pie serves 8, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-7, making it a cost-effective choice. Rating: 9/10.

Is Shaker Lemon Pie Healthy or Unhealthy?

The shaker lemon pie recipe is a delightful treat, but it's not the healthiest dessert option out there. Here's why:

The recipe calls for a whopping 2 cups of sugar, which is a significant amount of added sugar. Consuming too much added sugar can lead to various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The pie crust is likely made with refined flour and butter, which are high in calories and saturated fat. While enjoying a slice of pie occasionally is fine, overindulging can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
The recipe doesn't include any nutritious ingredients like fruits (apart from lemons), vegetables, or whole grains, which could provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

To make this recipe healthier, you could try the following:

Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. Start by cutting it down to 1 1/2 cups and adjust according to your taste preferences.
Use a whole wheat pie crust or make a crust using nuts and dates for a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich alternative.
Incorporate additional fruits into the filling, such as berries or apples, to increase the nutritional value and fiber content of the pie.
Serve smaller portions and pair the pie with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and nutrients.
Experiment with sugar alternatives like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol to reduce the overall sugar content.

Editor's Thoughts on This Classic Lemon Pie Recipe

The Shaker Lemon Pie recipe is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The thinly sliced lemons macerated in sugar create a luscious filling with a bright citrusy punch. The addition of eggs and flour provides a smooth and creamy texture, while the flaky pie crust adds a perfect contrast in every bite. This pie is a wonderful combination of simplicity and sophistication, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Enhance Your Shaker Lemon Pie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving the shaker lemon pie with a side of colorful roasted vegetables, like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. The sweetness of the pie will complement the savory flavors of the roasted veggies.

Grilled Chicken: For a heartier option, pair the shaker lemon pie with some juicy grilled chicken. The tangy lemon flavor of the pie will contrast nicely with the smoky, charred taste of the grilled chicken.

Fresh Fruit Salad: Balance out the richness of the shaker lemon pie with a refreshing and light fresh fruit salad. The combination of sweet and tangy fruits will provide a nice contrast to the lemony dessert.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Shaker Lemon Pie

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil creates a rich and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

Grilled Peach Salad: Grilled peaches add a smoky sweetness to this refreshing salad, while the tangy vinaigrette and creamy goat cheese balance out the flavors. It's the perfect dish for a light and satisfying meal.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: This honey garlic glazed salmon is a quick and easy dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes beautifully on the salmon, creating a deliciously sticky coating.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Shaker Lemon Pie

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant Caprese skewers, featuring fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze. A refreshing and colorful appetizer to start any gathering.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy, indulgent, and satisfying, this classic Italian dish features tender chicken and al dente pasta smothered in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce.

Beef Stroganoff: Tender strips of beef, savory mushrooms, and tangy sour cream come together in this comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy night in.

Why trust this Shaker Lemon Pie Recipe:

This recipe uses fresh lemons to create a vibrant and zesty flavor, ensuring a burst of citrus in every bite. The overnight maceration of the lemons with sugar allows for the natural sweetness to infuse the filling, resulting in a perfectly balanced pie. The addition of eggs and flour creates a luscious and creamy texture, while the pie crust provides a buttery and flaky base. The careful baking process ensures a golden, caramelized top, delivering a delightful aroma and a visually appealing presentation.

Share your thoughts on the Shaker Lemon Pie recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

How thin should I slice the lemons for the pie?

I recommend slicing the lemons as thinly as possible, preferably using a mandolin slicer for the best results. If you don't have a mandolin slicer, you can coarsely chop the thin lemon slices for easier handling in the pie.

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe. It will save you time and effort, and still yield a delicious pie.

How long should I let the lemon and sugar mixture sit before using it in the pie?

It's best to let the lemon and sugar mixture sit overnight or for up to 12 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop a more intense lemony taste.

What should I do if the pastry or the tops of the lemons are browning too much during baking?

If you notice the pastry or the tops of the lemons browning too much during baking, simply cover the pie with foil. This will prevent further browning while allowing the pie to continue baking.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this pie ahead of time. It keeps well and actually tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to further develop and meld together.