Atlantic Beach Pie

Bright, creamy, and irresistibly tangy, Atlantic Beach Pie is a coastal classic you’ll want to make on repeat. With its unique saltine cracker crust and luscious lemon-lime filling, this pie strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty. Topped with a cool layer of whipped cream, it’s a refreshing and nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for summer get-togethers or anytime you need a sunny slice of something special.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Salty – The saltine crust gives this pie its signature twist.
Tangy & Creamy – A luscious lemon-lime filling that’s perfectly balanced.
Perfect for Summer – Light, refreshing, and served chilled.
Simple Ingredients – You likely have everything you need already.
No Fancy Equipment – Just a bowl, whisk, and pie dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Saltine Crust:

• 1 ½ sleeves (about 6 oz) saltine crackers (roughly 50 crackers)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Lemon-Lime Filling:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1 tsp lemon or lime zest (optional, for extra zing)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Extra zest or thin citrus slices for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Food processor (optional, for crushing crackers)
• Hand or stand mixer (for whipping cream)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Make the Saltine Crust
Crush the saltines by hand or pulse in a food processor until coarse (not too fine).
In a mixing bowl, combine crushed crackers, sugar, and melted butter.
Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides.
Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lime juice, and zest until smooth.
Pour the filling into the warm crust.

Step 4: Bake the Pie
Bake the filled pie at 350°F for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set completely.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Spread or pipe over the chilled pie.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Top with lemon or lime zest, or thin slices of citrus for a pretty presentation.
Slice and serve cold for the most refreshing flavor.

Tips for the Best Atlantic Beach Pie
Don’t Overbake – The center should still wobble a bit; it sets as it chills.
Use Fresh Citrus – Freshly squeezed juice gives the best flavor.
Saltines, Not Substitutes – Their salty, flaky texture is key to the crust’s charm.
Chill Fully – The pie needs time to set up for clean, creamy slices.
Make Ahead – This pie is even better the next day after chilling overnight.

Serving Suggestions
Serve Atlantic Beach Pie with:

• A fresh mint sprig for a pop of green
• Berries or fruit compote on the side
• Iced tea, lemonade, or a citrus spritzer
• A beach chair and some sunshine (optional but recommended!)

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze the pie (without whipped topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add topping before serving.

Reheating:
Not recommended—this pie is meant to be served chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bottled juice?
   Fresh is best for flavor, but bottled lemon and lime juice can be used in a pinch.
2. Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines?
   You can, but the saltines make this pie uniquely sweet and salty.
3. Is this pie the same as Key lime pie?
   It’s similar, but the saltine crust and lemon-lime combo set it apart.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Try using coconut cream and dairy-free condensed milk substitutes, but results may vary.

Final Thoughts
Atlantic Beach Pie is a southern gem that deserves a permanent spot in your dessert rotation. Its unique blend of creamy, citrusy, and salty-sweet flavors makes it the kind of treat people will ask for again and again. It’s easy to make, stunning to serve, and impossible to resist.

Try it today and bring a taste of the Carolina coast to your kitchen!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutritional Information (Per Slice):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 270mg

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