Lemon meringue pie is a timeless dessert loved for its tangy lemon filling, sweet meringue topping, and flaky crust. What if you could capture all of that delightful flavor in a cool, refreshing drink? Enter the lemon meringue milkshake. This creamy, zesty milkshake is perfect for warm days or as a unique dessert to impress your guests. Here’s how to make this delicious treat.
Ingredients
To create the perfect lemon meringue milkshake, you will need:
- For the Milkshake:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup lemon curd
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- For the Meringue Topping:
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Garnishes:
- Lemon slices
- Crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meringue Topping:
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they become frothy.
- Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Spoon the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a star tip, or set aside to spoon directly onto the milkshake later.
2. Make the Milkshake:
- In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, lemon curd, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If the milkshake is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Assemble the Milkshake:
- Pour the milkshake into chilled glasses.
- Pipe or spoon the meringue on top of the milkshake, creating a generous, fluffy layer.
- Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue until golden brown. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can briefly place the meringue-topped milkshakes under a broiler, watching carefully to prevent burning.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- For an extra touch, garnish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs.
- Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon.
Tips and Variations
- Vegan Option: Substitute the vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk, and replace the meringue with a coconut whipped cream or aquafaba meringue.
- Extra Zest: For more lemon flavor, add a bit more lemon curd or zest to taste.
- Crust Element: For a more pie-like experience, blend in a few crushed graham crackers with the milkshake or rim the glass with crushed crackers before pouring in the milkshake.
The lemon meringue milkshake is a delightful and refreshing twist on the classic lemon meringue pie. With its creamy texture, zesty lemon flavor, and sweet meringue topping, this milkshake is sure to be a hit with everyone. Perfect for summer gatherings, dessert time, or any moment you crave a sweet, citrusy treat, this milkshake is both easy to make and wonderfully indulgent. Enjoy this unique take on a beloved dessert and savor the blend of flavors in every sip.
