Shaker Citrus Pie: Sweet and Zesty Lemon Tart Recipe
Are you ready to taste the sunshine? This stunning dessert is bursting with the bright flavors of citrus fruits, making it the perfect choice for anyone who loves zingy, refreshing sweets. The Shaker Citrus Pie Recipe draws inspiration from the Shaker religious community that resided in America during the 19th century, and has evolved into a beloved classic in American cuisine.
This dazzling dish starts with a buttery pie crust that cradles a luscious filling made from fresh lemons and oranges, delicious cranberries, and whole slices of fruit. The combination of citrus flavors packs a zesty punch that is tempered by hints of cinnamon and pure vanilla extract.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party, serve a special treat to your family or indulge in a decadent dessert all by yourself – this Shaker Citrus Pie Recipe is the perfect choice to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s begin our journey to create an unforgettable treat that we’ll always remember!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you love a bright citrus flavor? Do you crave the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in your desserts? If so, then you will fall in love with this Shaker Citrus Pie recipe.
This unique and flavorful dessert is made with thin-skinned Meyer lemons sliced paper-thin, whole oranges, fresh cranberries, and other delicious ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. The bright citrus flavor will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey that is sweet, slightly sour, and utterly delicious.
Not only does this pie have impeccable taste, but it is also incredibly versatile. You can easily switch out the citrus fruits used to create a one-of-a-kind flavor profile that suits your preferences. Lemon lovers can use all lemons or make a lemon tart instead of a citrus pie. You can even add some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for an extra wonderful twist.
And let’s not forget about the golden and flaky crust! The pate brisee base adds just the right amount of buttery sweetness that complements the bright tanginess of the citrus filling perfectly.
So don’t hesitate to try this outstanding recipe – not only will it impress and satisfy you, but also those friends and family members who are lucky enough to taste it as well!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Shaker Citrus Pie Recipe:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Filling:
- 2 medium lemons, washed and thinly sliced
- 1 orange, washed and thinly sliced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Note: You may also use Meyer lemons for this recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients set up, it’s time to get to baking this fabulous Shaker Citrus Pie. To start off, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
Making The Meyer Lemon Filling
For the luscious filling, you need thinly sliced meyer lemons. Slice two medium-sized meyer lemons paper-thin and place them in a mixing bowl.
Next, pour 2 cups of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt over the sliced meyer lemons and mix well. Let the mixture sit for about one hour, tossing occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the lemons have released their juice.
Then add in 4 large eggs and whisk until fully combined.
Finally, mix in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and let the mixture sit for another 10 minutes.
Prepping The Pie Crust
While waiting for the meyer lemon filling to set, take out your delightful pie crust from the fridge.
Dust your work surface with all-purpose flour before placing the crust on it. Roll out the pie crust into a thin sheet about ¼ inch thick.
Carefully transfer the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
Don’t forget to brush one beaten egg yolk onto the bottom of the crust to give it an extra layer of flavor and protection from getting soggy beneath the filling.
Baking The Pie
Pour the thickened meyer lemon filling into your prepared pie crust. Take thinly sliced orange rounds and/or lemon slices and arrange them on top of your filling as you see fit. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Brush with melted butter before putting it in your preheated oven to bake for about 25 minutes or until nicely browned on top.
After that, reduce oven heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until you can stick a toothpick into it without any resistance.
Cooling
Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack for at least one hour before serving. Enjoy!
This recipe is a guaranteed showstopper that’ll leave your guests wanting more!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making Shaker Citrus Pie, there are a variety of substitutions and variations that you can make to create a unique and personalized dessert. Here are some options:
– Lemon Tart: If you prefer a more classic lemon flavor, you can use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons. This will result in a tart and tangy flavor that is perfect for those who love the brightness of citrus.
– Orange-Cranberry Twist: Add some fresh cranberries to the filling of your Shaker Citrus Pie to give it a pop of color and a contrasting tartness. You could also swap out the lemon zest for orange zest to create an orange-cranberry twist.
– Meyer Lemon Shaker Pie: For an even more intense citrus flavor, you can use all Meyer lemons in your pie filling. This will give it a sweeter and more fragrant taste that is perfect for those who love the aroma of citrus fruits.
– Pate Brisee Variation: The crust can be made with a pate brisee or any crust-like option which will alter the texture and taste. Some people love buttery, flaky crusts while others prefer firmer, crumbly ones.
Overall, these substitutions and variations allow you to customize the recipe to your liking and make it truly unique. Give some of these options a try and find your perfect Shaker Citrus Pie combination!
Serving and Pairing
Once your shaker citrus pie has finished cooling, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This bright citrus pie is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the tangy, sweet flavors of citrus. It’s an ideal dessert for any occasion – elegant enough for a dinner party, yet casual enough for a cozy night in with family or friends.
One of my favorite ways to serve this pie is with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The rich and creamy toppings complement the zesty filling perfectly, creating a delicious balance of flavors and textures.
For those who prefer something less sweet, a cup of hot tea or coffee makes the perfect pairing. The bright citrus flavors are refreshing and cleansing on the palate, making this dessert an ideal choice after a heavy meal.
If you want to elevate your dining experience even further, consider serving this pie as part of a full course meal. The lightness and brightness of the citrus flavors make it an excellent complement to savory dishes like roasted chicken or grilled seafood.
Overall, there are many ways to enjoy this shaker citrus pie. Whether served alone or as part of a larger meal, it’s sure to impress your guests with its vibrant taste and beautiful presentation.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As the name suggests, Shaker Citrus Pie is a perfect treat for citrus lovers. The pie tastes great even after it has been in the fridge for a few days. If you want to make the most of your time and still enjoy this delicious pie, one thing I always recommend is to prepare it ahead of time.
To make ahead, you can prepare the crust and filling separately and then store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you are ready to bake, just take out both elements and let them come down to room temperature. Prepare the crust as per instructions and pour in the filling once it is mixed to perfection.
As for storing or freezing leftovers, I would advise wrapping individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and foil (to prevent freezer burn) and store in an airtight container in the freezer. The slices should last for about two months when properly stored.
Now, when it comes to reheating your leftover pie, use your oven or toaster oven instead of your microwave (which will cause your crust to become soggy). Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the slice(s) onto a baking sheet and reheat for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Keep in mind that this best applies to unfrosted pies; if you have frosting on top of your Shaker Citrus Pie such as whipped cream or meringue, it’s best not to freeze it since it will become quite mushy when thawed!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make sure your Shaker Citrus Pie comes out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
First, make sure to zest your citrus fruits directly into the sugar. This will help release the essential oils and maximize the bright citrus flavor in the pie.
When making the pate brisee for the crust, take care not to overwork the dough. It’s important to keep it cold and handle it as little as possible for a delicate, flaky crust.
For a more intense citrus flavor, try using a combination of lemon and meyer lemon or adding slices of orange to the filling. This will create a complex and refreshing taste that will make your pie stand out.
To prevent cracks in your pie, be careful not to overbake. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
To make sure your pie looks picture-perfect, brush the top with melted butter before baking. This will give it a beautiful golden brown color and a glossy finish.
Finally, let your pie cool completely before slicing into it to ensure clean, smooth cuts. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy!
With these tips, you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family with a perfectly tart and sweet Shaker Citrus Pie every time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, I highly recommend trying this Shaker Citrus Pie recipe. It is a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with a bright citrus flavor that tantalizes your taste buds. The combination of lemon and orange zest adds a special touch to the pie, while the cranberries provide an additional burst of flavor.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for entertaining guests.
The variety of substitutions and variations available allows you to customize the pie to your liking. Whether using Meyer lemons or other citrus fruits, adding cinnamon or experimenting with different crusts, there are endless possibilities to make this pie your own.
Overall, this Shaker Citrus Pie recipe is a delightful and impressive dessert that will leave your guests wanting more. So why not give it a try and impress your loved ones? Trust me; they won’t be disappointed!
Shaker Citrus Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium thin-skinned oranges, washed
- 1 lemon, washed
- 2 cups sugar
- all-purpose flour, for dusting
- pate, brisee
- 4 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
CRANBERRY COMPOTE
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 orange, zest of
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 tps. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cut oranges and lemon into paper-thin slices, and remove seeds. Cut all but 4 slices of the lemon and 4 slices of the orange into eighths. Place the rings and slices into a plastic container; add sugar, mix gently, and refrigerate overnight.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8′-inch thick; drape over a 10-inch pie pan. Create decorative edge as desired. Refrigerate 30 minutes, or until chilled.
- Heat oven to 400°F Drain fruit, reserving syrup. Separate whole slices from cut pieces, and set aside.
- Combine whole eggs and citrus syrup in the bowl of an eletric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat on medium high until pale yellow and fluffy, 5 minutes. Remove from mixer; stir in orange and lemon eighths. Pour into shell; top with reserved fruit slices.
- In a small bowl, mix egg yolk and cream. Using a pastry brush, gently brush dough edges with egg-yolk mixture. Place pie on baking sheet; bake 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350F; continue to bake 35-40 minutes more, until pie is set. Let cool completely on a wire rack, 2-3 hours. Serve with compote.
- CRANBERRY COMPOTE: Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Place over medium-high heat and cook 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries start to pop but are still whole. Transfer to a bowl to cool; serve.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.