Get ready to bring the magic of McDonald’s famous seasonal treat right to your own kitchen with this delightful Shamrock Shake Pie! This creamy, minty dessert transforms the beloved green milkshake into a luscious pie that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or anytime you’re craving that distinctive mint flavor.
With its velvety smooth filling, crunchy cookie crust, and festive green hue, this pie captures all the nostalgic flavors of the iconic shake while elevating it to an impressive dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, it comes together in just 45 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This
- No special skills required – if you can stir ingredients together, you can make this pie!
- The perfect balance of refreshing mint and creamy vanilla flavors
- Make-ahead friendly – prepare it the day before your celebration
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort
- Kid-friendly dessert that adults will equally enjoy
Ingredients
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups milk (skim works fine)
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
- 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
- 16 drops green food coloring
- 1 store-bought graham cracker crust
Instructions
- In a large bowl, blend the pudding mixes with milk until smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the Cool Whip, then add mint extract and green food coloring until evenly distributed.
- Pour the minty mixture into your premade graham cracker crust. Refrigerate until completely set, about 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top for the full Shamrock Shake experience.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger mint flavor, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of mint extract.
- Try an Oreo cookie crust by pulsing whole cookies (filling included) in a food processor instead of using plain chocolate cookie crumbs.
- Make it boozy by adding 2 tablespoons of crème de menthe liqueur to the filling.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the filling for a mint chocolate chip variation.
- Freeze the pie for a more ice-cream-like texture, similar to the original shake.
Serving Suggestions
This Shamrock Shake Pie is delicious on its own, but for an extra-special presentation, serve each slice with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a fresh mint leaf. For the ultimate indulgence, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
If you’re serving this at a St. Patrick’s Day gathering, complete your dessert table with other green-themed treats like mint chocolate brownies or pistachio cookies.
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The pie can be frozen for up to 1 month – thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- For best results, use pure mint extract rather than peppermint extract, which has a sharper flavor.
- The pie is ready when it feels firm to the touch but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
FAQs
Can I make this pie without food coloring?
Absolutely! The green color is just for fun and tradition. The pie will taste exactly the same without it.
Can I use a pre-made graham cracker crust?
Yes, a store-bought graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust works perfectly as a time-saver.
Is this pie gluten-free?
Not with a traditional cookie crust, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free cookies for the crust.
Can I make individual mini pies instead?
Definitely! Divide the crust and filling among 8-10 small tart pans or ramekins, reducing the baking time for the crusts to about 5-6 minutes.
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