Atlantic Beach Pie

Bright, creamy, and refreshingly tangy, Atlantic Beach Pie is a classic Southern dessert with a twist. Originating from the North Carolina coast, this pie features a salty-sweet cracker crust (yes, crackers!) filled with a luscious lemon-lime custard and topped with whipped cream. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures—simple to make, yet unforgettable with every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet Meets Salty – The buttery cracker crust offers the perfect contrast to the smooth citrus filling.
No Fancy Equipment – All you need is a pie pan and a whisk.
Fresh & Bright – A refreshing dessert ideal for warm weather.
Quick & Easy – Only 15 minutes of hands-on time!
Great for Any Occasion – Elegant enough for parties, easy enough for weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ sleeves (about 6 oz) saltine crackers, crushed (not too fine)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (or use all lemon if preferred)
• Zest of 1 lemon or lime (optional for extra brightness)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Lemon or lime zest, for garnish
• Crushed saltines or graham cracker crumbs (optional garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch pie pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Microplane (for zesting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cracker Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine crushed saltine crackers and granulated sugar.
Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles damp sand.
Press the crust evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
Bake for 15 minutes until golden and set.
Let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Citrus Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
Add sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lime juice, and zest if using.
Whisk until fully combined and creamy.

Step 3: Fill & Bake
Pour the filling into the slightly cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the center is just set (it should jiggle slightly).
Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream
In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle lemon or lime zest on top for a fresh pop of color.
Optional: Add a pinch of crushed saltines or graham crumbs for crunch.
Slice and serve chilled.

Tips for the Best Atlantic Beach Pie
Crush Crackers by Hand – A bit of texture makes the crust extra delicious.
Use Fresh Citrus Juice – Bottled juice lacks the brightness of freshly squeezed.
Chill Thoroughly – This pie sets up best after at least 3 hours in the fridge.
Don’t Skip the Salt – The salty crust is what makes this dessert uniquely addictive.
Whipped Cream Matters – Freshly whipped cream is key for a light, creamy topping.

Serving Suggestions
Summer BBQ Favorite – The perfect cool finish to a grilled meal.
Afternoon Tea Treat – Serve with iced tea or lemonade for a Southern-style indulgence.
Holiday Twist – A refreshing alternative to rich holiday pies.
Mini Versions – Use mini tart pans for individual servings at parties.

How to Store & Make Ahead

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze once topped with whipped cream, but the crust and filling can be frozen separately.

Making Ahead:
Make the crust and filling a day in advance and refrigerate.
Whip and add the cream just before serving for the freshest results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines?
Yes, but the salty-sweet balance of saltines is what makes this pie stand out. Graham crackers will result in a sweeter overall flavor.

2. What if I only have lemons or limes?
You can use all lemon juice or all lime juice—just make sure the total amount is ½ cup.

3. Can I use whipped topping instead of fresh whipped cream?
Yes, but freshly whipped cream offers better flavor and texture.

4. Is this pie overly sweet?
No! The citrus juice balances the sweetness of the condensed milk, and the saltine crust adds a savory contrast.

5. Is this pie baked or no-bake?
It’s lightly baked to set the custard but finishes setting in the fridge.

Final Thoughts
Atlantic Beach Pie is one of those deceptively simple desserts that wows with every bite. With its unique cracker crust, creamy citrus filling, and pillowy whipped topping, it delivers the perfect balance of salty, sweet, tart, and creamy. Whether you’re enjoying a beach day or just dreaming of one, this pie brings sunshine to the table year-round.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your pie pics on Pinterest—I’d love to see how yours turned out!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including crust and filling)
Chill Time: 3 hours
Cuisine: American (Southern, Coastal)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 29g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 280mg

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