Atlantic Beach Pie

Atlantic Beach Pie – A Coastal Classic with a Zesty Twist

There’s a reason the Atlantic Beach Pie has earned its nickname as “the pie that changed minds.” Born from the breezy beaches of North Carolina, this citrusy, creamy dessert is both nostalgic and surprising. With its salty cracker crust and sweet-tart lemon-lime filling, it walks the line between old-fashioned and innovative — making it a favorite at summer picnics, potlucks, and Sunday suppers.

Equipment Needed:

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Food processor or rolling pin (for crushing crackers)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ sleeves saltine crackers (about 6 ounces)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar

For the Filling:

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup lemon juice (fresh is best!)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (optional for extra zing)
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream (fresh or store-bought)
• Optional: lemon or lime zest, flaky sea salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush the saltines until you have fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and sugar. Press into pie dish and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
2. Make the Filling: Whisk together egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. Add citrus juices and salt. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Bake the Pie: Pour filling into crust. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until just set with a slight jiggle. Cool completely, then chill at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Top & Serve: Before serving, top with whipped cream and garnish with zest or flaky salt if desired.

Extra Tips & Variations:

• Use fresh citrus juice for the best flavor.
• Make ahead — the pie tastes even better after chilling overnight.
• Don’t skip the saltine crust; it makes this pie unique!

Atlantic Beach Pie is sunshine in dessert form — tangy, creamy, sweet, and salty all at once. It’s simple to make, unforgettable to eat, and sure to become a favorite at any gathering.

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Atlantic Beach Pie

A creamy citrus pie with a salty cracker crust and billowy whipped topping — a Southern coastal classic.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Servings: 8

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ sleeves saltine crackers
• ½ cup butter melted
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp lime juice optional
• Pinch of salt
• Whipped cream for topping

Equipment

• Pie dish
• mixing bowls
• whisk
• Food processor or rolling pin (for crushing crackers)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Make crust with crushed crackers, butter, sugar. Bake 15 min. Cool.
2. Whisk yolks, milk, juices, salt. Pour in crust.
3. Bake 15 min. Cool, then chill at least 2 hrs.
4. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Notes

Fresh citrus juice makes all the difference.

Pie can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor.