The Key Lime Pie Shake is a delicious twist on the classic dessert that combines the rich, creamy flavors of a milkshake with the tangy zest of Key lime pie. This shake captures the essence of a traditional Key lime pie, offering a refreshing treat that’s perfect for hot summer days or as a quick dessert after dinner. Imagine sipping on a cool, creamy shake with a burst of citrus that wakes up your taste buds, followed by the sweet crunch of graham crackers. It’s a nostalgic treat that brings the comfort of homemade pie into a chilled, drinkable form. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the taste of Key lime pie without the need to bake, making it an easy and accessible indulgence for any time of year.
This Recipe is a dreamy blend of creamy vanilla ice cream, tangy Key lime juice, and the classic crunch of graham crackers. It’s the perfect refreshing dessert drink to cool you down on a hot summer day. The sweetened condensed milk adds a velvety richness, while the whipped cream and lime zest bring it all together for a delightful treat. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying a cozy night in, this shake is like having a slice of Key lime pie in a glass. It’s quick and easy to make, using just a few simple ingredients, yet it packs a punch of flavor. The combination of tart lime, creamy ice cream, and crumbly graham crackers is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1/4 cup 1% milk
- 2 tablespoons Key lime juice
- 2 squares graham crackers, divided
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream
- 1/4 teaspoon zest and 1 wedge from 1 Key lime
Directions:
- Add ice cream, milk, Key lime juice, 1 graham cracker square, and sweetened condensed milk to the jar of a blender. Blend on high until smooth.
- Pour the milkshake into a glass; top with whipped cream and zest. To garnish, break the remaining graham square in half. Place one half into the whipped cream, then crumble the other half over the milkshake. Cut a lime wedge and tuck it into the whipped cream.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Kcal: 700 kcal | Servings: 1 serving
Key Lime Pie Shake – A Refreshing Summer Treat
Description:
This Key Lime Pie Shake brings all the flavors of the classic pie into a creamy, indulgent milkshake. It’s a perfect blend of tartness from the Key lime juice, sweetness from the ice cream and condensed milk, and a delightful crunch from graham crackers. This shake is not only a delicious dessert but also a refreshing treat on a hot summer day.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Provides a creamy base that balances the tartness of the lime juice.
- 1% Milk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency without making the shake too heavy.
- Key Lime Juice: The star of the show! Key lime juice gives this shake its signature tangy flavor.
- Graham Crackers: These add a classic pie-like crunch and a hint of sweetness to the shake.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich sweetness and a silky texture.
- Whipped Cream: For that luxurious topping, making the shake look and taste like a true dessert.
- Key Lime Zest: Enhances the lime flavor, adding a burst of citrus aroma.
- Key Lime Wedge: A garnish that makes the shake visually appealing.
Directions for the Perfect Shake:
- Blend the Base: Add ice cream, milk, key lime juice, one graham cracker square, and sweetened condensed milk to the jar of a blender. Blend on high until smooth.
- Pour and Top: Pour the milkshake into a glass and top with whipped cream and lime zest.
- Garnish: Break the remaining graham cracker square in half. Place one piece into the whipped cream and crumble the other over the milkshake. Cut a lime wedge and tuck it into the whipped cream for a final touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 700
- Fat: 27g (34% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 16g (78% DV)
- Cholesterol: 98mg (33% DV)
- Sodium: 284mg (12% DV)
- Carbohydrates: 106g (39% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 6g (20% DV)
- Total Sugars: 83g
- Protein: 14g (28% DV)
- Vitamin C: 90mg (100% DV)
- Calcium: 465mg (36% DV)
- Iron: 1mg (8% DV)
- Potassium: 1039mg (22% DV)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This shake captures the essence of Key lime pie in a cool, drinkable form. The tartness from the lime juice perfectly balances the creamy sweetness of the ice cream and condensed milk. The graham cracker pieces add a delightful texture, reminiscent of a pie crust. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat that’s great for summer barbecues, poolside lounging, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth.
Tips for the Best Key Lime Pie Shake:
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet shake, use less condensed milk or opt for unsweetened milk alternatives.
- Key Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed Key lime juice works best for that authentic tart flavor, but bottled juice can be a convenient substitute.
- Garnish Creatively: Feel free to add more lime zest or even a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top for extra texture.
Customization Ideas:
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk ice cream and almond milk to make a dairy-free version.
- Chocolate Twist: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a chocolate-lime twist.
- Alcoholic Version: For an adult version, add a splash of coconut rum or vanilla vodka.
Background:
Key lime pie is a beloved dessert that originated in the Florida Keys, made famous for its bright and tart Key limes. The pie traditionally features a graham cracker crust filled with a sweet, tangy filling made from Key lime juice, egg yolks, and condensed milk. This shake takes all those classic elements—Key lime juice, graham crackers, and condensed milk—and blends them into a luscious, creamy beverage. It’s inspired by the nostalgic flavors of the original pie but is served in a modern, fun format that’s easy to enjoy on the go. The shake became popular as a way to enjoy the flavors of Key lime pie in a more casual, quick, and cooling form—ideal for the sunny, tropical climate of the Keys and beyond.
Benefits of This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe takes just minutes to prepare. With simple ingredients like vanilla ice cream, milk, and lime juice, you can whip up a delicious treat without the fuss of baking.
- Refreshing and Light: The tangy flavor of Key lime juice makes this shake a refreshing option, especially during hot weather. It’s a dessert that cools you down while satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Nutrient Boost: Surprisingly, this shake offers some nutritional benefits too. The Key lime juice is rich in Vitamin C, providing a boost to your immune system. Additionally, the milk and ice cream offer a dose of calcium and protein.
- Customizable: This recipe is versatile and can be tailored to suit different dietary preferences. Use dairy-free ice cream and milk for a vegan version, or add a splash of alcohol for a grown-up treat. The options are endless.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a cooling snack, or a fun treat for a summer party, this Key Lime Pie Shake is a crowd-pleaser that fits any occasion.
Why This Recipe is the Best:
This shake stands out because it captures the perfect balance between tart and sweet. The Key lime juice provides a bold citrus flavor that cuts through the richness of the ice cream and condensed milk, creating a drink that is indulgent yet not overly heavy. The addition of graham crackers adds a pleasant crunch and a hint of that familiar pie crust taste, making each sip an experience that closely mirrors eating a slice of Key lime pie. Unlike other shakes that may be overly sweet or lack complexity, this recipe offers layers of flavor and texture. Plus, its simplicity means that you can enjoy gourmet-quality dessert at home without spending hours in the kitchen.
Conclusion:
The Key Lime Pie Shake is more than just a drink; it’s a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that brings the essence of a classic dessert into a fun, sippable form. This shake is ideal for those who crave the taste of Key lime pie but want something lighter and easier to make. Its refreshing tartness paired with creamy sweetness makes it a perfect treat for warm days, offering both a cool escape and a moment of indulgence. The ease of preparation means you can enjoy it anytime, whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a summer barbecue, or simply in need of a quick pick-me-up.
By blending familiar ingredients in a new way, this recipe gives you the satisfaction of a homemade dessert without the effort. It’s versatile enough to adapt to various dietary needs and creative enough to impress guests with its unique take on a beloved pie. So, the next time you’re looking for a refreshing dessert, give this Key Lime Pie Shake a try. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best treats are the simplest ones, bringing a taste of sunny, tropical days to your glass.