Lemon Meringue Pie Shake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

Lemon Meringue Pie Shake: Imagine all the tangy, sweet, and creamy goodness of a classic lemon meringue pie, but in a glass! This isn’t just a milkshake; it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reimagined for the modern palate. I’ve always been captivated by the delicate balance of flavors in a lemon meringue pie – the tart lemon curd, the sweet, billowy meringue, and the buttery, crumbly crust. It’s a dessert that speaks of sunshine and simpler times, often gracing tables at family gatherings and celebrations.

While the exact origins of lemon meringue pie are debated, its popularity soared in the 19th century, becoming a beloved staple in American and European households. But let’s be honest, sometimes you crave that iconic flavor without the fuss of baking. That’s where this Lemon Meringue Pie Shake comes in! It captures the essence of the pie in a convenient, slurpable form.

People adore lemon meringue pie for its delightful contrast of textures and tastes. The creamy, tart filling is perfectly balanced by the sweet, airy meringue, and the buttery crust adds a satisfying crunch. This shake recreates that experience, offering a creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible treat. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth, cool down on a warm day, or simply indulge in a little bit of dessert heaven – no oven required!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the “Crust” Base:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• For the Lemon Curd Shake:
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream (high quality, please!)
• ½ cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• ¼ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade, recipe below)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Optional: 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• For the Meringue Topping:
• 3 large egg whites
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional Garnishes:
• Whipped cream
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Lemon slices or wedges
• Toasted meringue pieces (from the topping)

Preparing the Graham Cracker “Crust” Base:

This step mimics the crust of a lemon meringue pie, giving our shake that authentic flavor profile. It’s quick and easy!

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and salt. Make sure there are no large clumps of graham cracker crumbs.
2. Add the Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter over the graham cracker mixture. Use a fork to combine until the mixture is evenly moistened and resembles wet sand.
3. Form the Base: Divide the graham cracker mixture evenly between two tall glasses or milkshake cups. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each glass to create a solid “crust” base. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup or a spoon to help with this.
4. Chill (Optional): For a firmer base, you can chill the glasses in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the shake. This will help the crust set up a bit.

Making the Lemon Curd Shake:

This is where the magic happens! The lemon curd, ice cream, and lemon juice combine to create a tangy, sweet, and creamy shake that’s bursting with lemon flavor.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, lemon curd, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can melt the ice cream too much.
3. Adjust Sweetness (Optional): Taste the shake and add powdered sugar if you prefer a sweeter shake. Blend again briefly to incorporate the sugar.
4. Pour into Glasses: Carefully pour the lemon curd shake into the glasses, over the graham cracker “crust” base. Leave some room at the top for the meringue topping.

Preparing the Meringue Topping:

This is the most delicate part of the recipe, but don’t be intimidated! With a few simple tips, you can create a beautiful and stable meringue topping for your shake.

1. Prepare the Egg Whites: Make sure your mixing bowl and whisk attachment are clean and grease-free. This is crucial for achieving stiff peaks. Separate the egg whites into the bowl.
2. Add Cream of Tartar: Add the cream of tartar to the egg whites. This helps stabilize the meringue.
3. Beat Until Soft Peaks Form: Beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. This means the peaks will hold their shape but will droop slightly at the tip.
4. Gradually Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on medium speed. Make sure each addition of sugar is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Beat Until Stiff, Glossy Peaks Form: Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. This means the peaks will stand straight up and hold their shape firmly. The meringue should look smooth and shiny.
6. Add Vanilla Extract: Beat in the vanilla extract.

Assembling the Lemon Meringue Pie Shake:

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! There are a few ways you can approach this, depending on your preference and equipment.

1. Option 1: Spooning the Meringue: Gently spoon the meringue topping onto the top of each shake. You can create swirls and peaks with the back of a spoon.
2. Option 2: Piping the Meringue: For a more professional look, transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe swirls of meringue onto the top of each shake.
3. Torch the Meringue (Optional): If you have a kitchen torch, lightly torch the meringue topping to give it a golden-brown color and a slightly toasted flavor. Be careful not to burn the meringue. If you don’t have a torch, you can broil the shakes in the oven for a very short time (watch them closely!).
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the shakes with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, lemon slices or wedges, and toasted meringue pieces (if you have any leftover from torching). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Homemade Lemon Curd (Optional):

While store-bought lemon curd works perfectly fine, making your own is surprisingly easy and adds an extra touch of homemade goodness to your shake. Plus, you can control the sweetness and tartness to your liking.

Ingredients for Lemon Curd:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• ½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Pinch of salt

Instructions for Lemon Curd:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, eggs, egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt.
2. Cook Over Low Heat: Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Be patient and don’t let the mixture boil, or the eggs will scramble.
3. Check for Doneness: To test for doneness, dip a spoon into the curd and run your finger across the back of the spoon. If the line remains clear and the curd doesn’t run back together, it’s ready.
4. Strain the Curd: Pour the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps or cooked egg particles.
5. Cool and Store: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely cooled and thickened. The lemon curd will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Use or Store: Use the lemon curd immediately in your shake, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Lemon Meringue Pie Shake isn’t just a drink; it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, a burst of sunshine in a glass, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the tangy sweetness of lemon meringue pie but wants a fun, refreshing, and utterly irresistible twist. It’s quick, easy, and requires no baking – perfect for those hot summer days or when you just need a little pick-me-up.

Why is this shake so special? Well, it perfectly captures the essence of the classic dessert. The creamy, tangy base mimics the lemon custard, the crushed graham crackers provide that satisfying crust texture, and the toasted meringue kisses add a touch of airy sweetness that truly elevates the experience. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a richer, more decadent shake, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use frozen yogurt instead. You can also adjust the amount of lemon juice to control the tartness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Garnish Galore: Don’t be shy with the garnishes! A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, and a few extra toasted meringue kisses will make your shake look as good as it tastes.
* Boozy Boost: For an adult-friendly version, add a shot of limoncello or vodka. Just be sure to enjoy responsibly!
* Vegan Delight: Use plant-based ice cream, vegan graham crackers, and aquafaba meringue for a completely vegan version of this delicious shake.
* Layered Perfection: Create a layered effect by alternating layers of the shake with layers of crushed graham crackers and meringue.
* Presentation is Key: Serve your shake in a tall glass with a lemon wedge for an extra touch of elegance.

I’m confident that this Lemon Meringue Pie Shake will become a new favorite in your household. It’s the perfect treat for a hot day, a fun dessert for a party, or simply a way to indulge your sweet tooth. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce kids to the flavors of lemon meringue pie in a fun and approachable way.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your blender, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible shake. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? What was your favorite part? I’m always eager to hear your feedback and learn from your experiences. Your comments not only help me improve my recipes but also inspire other readers to try them out. So, don’t be shy – let me know what you think! Happy shaking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Lemon Meringue Pie Shake adventures!