Description
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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Ingredients
For the Saltine Crust:
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1 ½ sleeves (about 6 oz) saltine crackers (roughly 50 crackers)
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon-Lime Filling:
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4 large egg yolks
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
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¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
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1 tsp lemon or lime zest (optional, for extra zing)
For the Topping:
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 tbsp powdered sugar
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Extra zest or thin citrus slices for garnish (optional)
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Southern American