Atlantic Beach Pie

Bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, Atlantic Beach Pie is a Southern coastal classic that’s as simple as it is satisfying. With a sweet-and-salty saltine cracker crust and a silky lemon-lime custard filling, this pie is perfect for spring and summer gatherings—or anytime you want a dessert that delivers sunshine in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salty-Sweet Perfection – The saltine crust gives a unique twist to a classic citrus pie.
Creamy & Refreshing – Lemon-lime custard is smooth and tangy.
No Fancy Tools Required – Simple ingredients, no mixer needed.
Great Make-Ahead Dessert – Tastes even better chilled the next day.
Perfect for Warm Weather – Light, zesty, and cool from the first forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1½ sleeves saltine crackers (about 35–40 crackers)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 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 (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Microplane or zester
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Crush the saltines finely (but not into dust) using a food processor or by hand in a zip-top bag.
In a medium bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
Bake the crust for 15 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Filling
In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth.
Add lemon and lime juice (and zest, if using) and whisk until fully incorporated.
Pour the filling into the slightly cooled crust.

Step 3: Bake the Pie
Bake the pie for 15–17 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges look firm.
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully chilled.

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

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with lemon or lime zest for a colorful finish.
Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Best Results
Use Fresh Citrus – Fresh-squeezed juice gives the best tang and brightness.
Chill Thoroughly – Cold pie has the perfect set and creamy texture.
Don’t Overbake – Slight jiggle in the center is normal; it sets as it cools.
Make Ahead – Great for making the night before serving.
Customize the Crust – Try Ritz crackers or graham crackers for a slightly different take.

Serving Suggestions
Iced Tea – A Southern favorite alongside this citrusy treat.
After Seafood – A perfect finish to a fish or shrimp dinner.
Brunch Dessert – Light, refreshing, and easy to slice.
Holiday Table – Add to your Easter or summer holiday dessert spread.
With Berries – Serve with fresh blueberries or raspberries for a pop of color.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: You can freeze the pie (without whipped cream) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating:
No reheating needed—this pie is best served chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bottled lemon or lime juice?
   Fresh juice is best, but bottled can be used in a pinch—just avoid juice from concentrate.
2. Can I use a different crust?
   Yes! Graham crackers, Ritz crackers, or even shortbread crumbs can be substituted.
3. Can I make this pie without eggs?
   The eggs help set the custard. For an egg-free version, consider using a no-bake cheesecake-style filling instead.
4. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
   Let the crust cool slightly before adding the filling, and don’t skip the prebake.
5. Is this pie very tart?
   It’s balanced—sweet from the condensed milk and tart from the citrus. You can adjust the lemon-lime ratio to your taste.

Final Thoughts
Atlantic Beach Pie is sunshine in a slice—zesty, creamy, and topped with fluffy whipped cream over a unique saltine crust. Whether you serve it after a summer barbecue, a seafood feast, or simply because you’re craving citrus, this classic coastal dessert is sure to impress.

Bake one and taste the magic of simplicity done right!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Cuisine: American–Southern

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 37g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 290mg

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