Today, I have a delightful recipe to share with you that will surely make your taste buds dance with joy. It’s time to dive into the world of Shaker Lemon Pie!

This tangy and sweet dessert is a classic in American cuisine, and I can’t wait to guide you through the process of making it.

So, grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Table of Contents

The Story Behind Shaker Lemon Pie

Did you know that Shaker Lemon Pie has a fascinating history?

Legend has it that this pie originated in the Shaker communities of the United States during the 19th century. The Shakers, known for their simple and resourceful way of life, created this pie using just a few basic ingredients: lemons, sugar, eggs, and a pie crust.

They believed in wasting nothing, so they used the entire lemon, including the peel, to create a unique and flavorful filling.

The Secret to a Perfectly Zesty Filling

To achieve the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in your Shaker Lemon Pie, it’s essential to prepare the filling with care. Start by thinly slicing the lemons, ensuring that you remove any seeds.

Then, combine the lemon slices with sugar in a bowl and let them sit for a while. This step allows the sugar to draw out the natural juices from the lemons, creating a luscious syrup. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit watery at first; it will thicken as it bakes.

Tips for a Flaky and Buttery Crust

A great pie is not just about the filling; the crust plays a crucial role too. For a flaky and buttery crust that complements the zesty filling, follow these tips. First, make sure your butter is cold and cut it into small cubes before incorporating it into the flour. This will help create those desirable pockets of buttery goodness.

Additionally, be mindful not to overwork the dough. Mix it until it just comes together, as overmixing can result in a tough crust.

Shaker Lemon Pie Recipe

Recipe by Doces da JéssicaCourse: Recipes

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Shaker Lemon Pie is a classic American dessert that is both tangy and sweet. Here is a recipe for Shaker Lemon Pie that you can try at home:

Ingredients

2 large lemons
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 double-crust pie dough

Directions

Thinly slice the lemons, removing the seeds as you go. Place the lemon slices and sugar in a large bowl and stir to combine. Cover and let sit at room temperature overnight.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and salt until frothy. Stir in the lemon mixture, melted butter, and flour until well combined.
Roll out the pie dough and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the lemon filling into the pie crust.
Roll out the remaining pie dough and place it on top of the filling. Trim the edges and crimp to seal.
Cut a few slits in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees F and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use cold ingredients: Make sure your butter, water, and even flour are cold. This will help keep the dough from becoming too soft and sticky.
Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking the dough can cause it to become tough. Mix the dough until it just comes together, then stop.
Chill the dough: After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough relax and make it easier to roll out.
Roll the dough out evenly: When rolling out the dough, make sure it is even in thickness. This will help the crust bake evenly.
Use a pie shield: To prevent the edges of the crust from burning, use a pie shield or cover the edges with foil.
Brush with egg wash: Before baking, brush the crust with an egg wash. This will give it a nice golden color.

Can I make Shaker Lemon Pie with other types of citrus fruit?

Yes, you can make variations of Shaker Lemon Pie using other types of citrus fruit. While the traditional recipe calls for lemons, you can experiment with different citrus fruits to create unique flavors. Here are some ideas:

Meyer Lemon Pie: Meyer lemons have a sweeter and less acidic flavor compared to regular lemons. Using Meyer lemons in the Shaker Lemon Pie recipe can result in a milder and slightly sweeter pie.
Key Lime Pie: Instead of lemons, you can use key limes to make a tangy and refreshing Shaker Lime Pie. The process and ingredients remain the same, just substitute the lemons with key limes.
Orange or Grapefruit Pie: For a twist on the traditional recipe, you can use oranges or grapefruits to make a citrusy pie. Keep in mind that these fruits have a different flavor profile, so the pie will have a different taste compared to the classic Shaker Lemon Pie.
Lemon-Lime Pie: Combine the flavors of lemons and limes by using a mixture of both fruits in the pie filling. This will give the pie a balanced and zesty flavor.

Remember to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe based on the sweetness or tartness of the citrus fruit you choose. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different citrus fruits to make your own unique version of Shaker Lemon Pie.

How to adjust the sweetness or tartness of the pie filling?

To adjust the sweetness or tartness of the pie filling, you can try the following methods:

Adjust the amount of sugar: If the filling is too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. This will help balance the sweetness. Start by reducing the sugar by a small amount, such as a tablespoon, and taste the filling. Continue adjusting the sweetness by adding more sugar in small increments until it reaches your desired level.
Add acid: Adding acid to the pie filling can help cut the sweetness and add tartness. You can try adding lemon juice, lime juice, or a splash of vinegar to the filling. Start with a small amount and taste the filling, then adjust as needed.
Use less sweet fruit: If you are using a fruit that is naturally sweeter, such as cherries or peaches, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling. Sweeter fruits already contribute to the overall sweetness of the pie, so reducing the sugar can help balance the flavors. Experiment with reducing the sugar by a small amount and adjust to taste.
Balance with additional ingredients: If the filling is too sweet, you can add ingredients that have a tart or tangy flavor to balance it out. For example, you can add a small amount of lemon zest or a splash of citrus juice to add brightness and tartness to the filling.

Remember, when adjusting the sweetness or tartness of the pie filling, it’s important to taste and adjust gradually to achieve the desired flavor profile.

Don´t forget to check the Discover the Magic of Atlantic Beach Pie

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Happy baking!