Craving the minty freshness of a Shamrock Shake in a pie? This easy and delicious Shamrock Shake Pie recipe combines the cool flavor of mint, the sweetness of vanilla pudding, and a graham cracker crust to create a frozen dessert that is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you want a fun, festive treat. With minimal prep time and a rich, creamy texture, this pie will be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 12 graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 2½ cups cold milk
- 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
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries
Directions
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or shortening, then set it aside.
- In a food processor, blend the graham crackers and brown sugar until the crackers become fine crumbs. While the processor is running on low speed, slowly pour in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand and the crumbs stick together.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish to form the crust. Place the crust in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to allow it to set and become firm.
2. Make the Mint Filling:
- While the crust is chilling, whisk together the cold milk, green food coloring, and mint extract in a large bowl. Stir until the food coloring is evenly mixed and the milk turns a light green.
- Add the vanilla pudding mix to the milk mixture and whisk until the pudding begins to thicken, about 2 minutes. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the pudding to thicken further.
3. Combine with Whipped Topping:
- Once the pudding is thickened, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is well combined and the filling is smooth.
- Spoon the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top.
4. Freeze and Set:
- Place the pie in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or until the filling is fully set. This will give the pie its firm, frozen texture.
5. Serve:
- Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream and maraschino cherries, if desired.
- Serve the Shamrock Shake Pie cold, straight from the freezer.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 383 kcal
- Servings: 8 servings
FAQ
1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make this pie up to 2 days in advance and keep it stored in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. Just remember to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
2. What can I use instead of graham crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even chocolate cookies for a fun twist.
3. Is there a way to make this pie without food coloring?
Yes! You can omit the food coloring if you prefer a more natural look. The flavor won’t be affected, but you won’t get the signature green color.
4. Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?
Yes, homemade whipped cream works great as a substitute. Just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks before folding it into the pudding mixture.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pie covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the freezer. It will keep for up to 1 week.
Conclusion
This Shamrock Shake Pie is a fun and festive dessert that brings all the flavors of the iconic Shamrock Shake into a cool, creamy pie. With its minty, refreshing taste and smooth texture, it’s the perfect treat for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion where you want to wow your friends and family. Simple to make and even easier to enjoy, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your household!