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Shaker Lemon Pie

3 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 20 min. + standing Bake: 35 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Jul. 11, 2023
Also known as Ohio lemon pie, this Shaker lemon pie is a Midwestern favorite. Its thrifty use of whole lemons is unique and gives the pie a lovely combination of sweet, tart and slightly bitter flavors. Lemon lovers won't be able to stop at a single piece. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
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Ingredients

  • 2 medium lemons, seeded and very thinly sliced
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Dough for double-crust pie
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a large glass bowl, combine lemons, sugar and salt. Cover and let stand overnight at room temperature.
  2. Preheat oven to 450°. On a lightly floured surface, roll one half of dough to a 1/8-in.-thick circle; transfer to a 9-in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet. Trim even with rim. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until frothy; lightly brush over crust. Add lemon mixture, flour and vanilla to eggs; mix well. Pour into crust. Roll remaining dough to a 1/8-in.-thick circle; place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edge. Cut slits in top.
  3. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven setting to 400°. Bake until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly, 20-25 minutes longer. Cover edge loosely with foil during the last 10 if needed to prevent overbrowning. Remove foil. Cool on a wire rack; serve warm.

Shaker Lemon Pie Tips

How should you slice the lemons for Shaker lemon pie?

Think thin when slicing lemons for Shaker lemon pie, using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Traditionally, the lemons are sliced in circles but if a few of your slices are less than perfect, include them in your pie anyway as it will not affect your final product.

How do you serve Shaker lemon pie?

Delicious warm, room temperature or chilled, enjoy Shaker lemon pie your way. Served warm, the pie tends to relax a bit, so it might not keep its clean, straight edges. Its beautifully tart taste welcomes a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. This cream cheese ice cream is just the ticket. Blueberry iced tea also makes a cool, refreshing complement to lemon pie.

How do you store Shaker lemon pie?

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover and refrigerate them for up to 5 days, or place in a covered freezer container for up to 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.

—Catherine Ward, Taste of Home Prep Kitchen Manager

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 587 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 383mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (52g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.