Capture the essence of St. Patrick’s Day with this Shamrock Shake Pie. This no-bake dessert transforms the beloved minty shake into a creamy, refreshing pie that’s both simple to make and delightful to serve. Featuring a crisp graham cracker crust and a lusciously smooth mint filling, it’s a festive treat that’s perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 12 graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
For the filling:
- 2½ cups milk, cold
- ¼ teaspoon green food coloring
- 2 teaspoons mint extract
- 5.1 ounces box of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 8 ounces container of whipped topping, thawed
Directions
- Prepare the crust: In a food processor, blend graham crackers and brown sugar until fine. While blending, gradually add melted butter until crumbs stick together. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish. Freeze until firm, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, green food coloring, and mint extract until evenly colored. Add pudding mix and whisk until it starts to thicken. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken further.
- Assemble the pie: Fold whipped topping into the pudding mixture until well combined. Spoon into the crust, smoothing the top. Freeze for at least 6 hours or until set.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream and maraschino cherries if desired. Serve cold.
Tips
- Use “Kelly Green” gel food color for a vibrant green.
- Adjust mint extract to taste for a stronger or milder mint flavor.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the pie dish to ensure it holds together when slicing.
- Keep pie frozen until ready to serve to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh mint instead of mint extract? A: For this recipe, mint extract is recommended to achieve the distinct Shamrock Shake flavor. Fresh mint will give a different taste and may not be as potent.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in the freezer, covered, for up to 1 week.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Freezing Time: 6 hours
Total Time: About 6 hours 25 mins
Yield: 1 9-inch pie
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: Irish
Diet: Vegetarian
Conclusion
This Shamrock Shake Pie is a fantastic way to bring a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to your St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Just like the shake it’s inspired by, this pie is a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Enjoy crafting this special treat and watch it become the highlight of your holiday dessert table!