Atlantic Beach Pie

Tangy, creamy, and wrapped in a sweet-meets-salty shell, Atlantic Beach Pie is a sunshine-filled dessert that brings coastal charm to your table. Known for its unique saltine cracker crust and a luscious lemon-lime filling, this Southern classic is as easy as it is impressive. Finished with a cloud of whipped cream and a sprinkle of citrus zest, it’s the perfect ending to any warm-weather meal—or whenever you’re craving a bright and nostalgic treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salty-Sweet Crust – Saltines make the perfect counterbalance to the tangy filling.
Bright Citrus Flavor – Lemon and lime bring a refreshing zing.
Cool & Creamy – Silky custard texture that melts in your mouth.
Simple to Make – Just a handful of ingredients and one bowl for the filling.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Best served chilled, perfect for prepping ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1½ sleeves saltine crackers (about 6 oz or 40 crackers), crushed
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 10 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional for more punch)

For Topping:

• Whipped cream or whipped topping
• Lemon or lime zest for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Crush the saltine crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand in a sealed bag.
3. In a bowl, combine crushed crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until evenly mixed and resembles wet sand.
4. Press mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth.
2. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in lemon juice, lime juice, and zest until combined.
4. Pour filling into the warm crust.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

1. Return the pie to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the center is just set (a slight jiggle is okay).
2. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

1. Before serving, top with whipped cream and garnish with lemon or lime zest.
2. Slice and serve chilled for the most refreshing flavor.

Tips for the Best Atlantic Beach Pie
Use Fresh Citrus Juice – Bottled juice can dull the bright, tangy flavor.
Crush Crackers Evenly – Some texture is okay, but keep the crumbs small for a solid crust.
Let It Chill – The pie needs time to set and develop its silky texture.
Don’t Overbake – The filling should still have a slight jiggle in the center.
Make It Your Own – Try an all-lemon or all-lime version, or add a pinch of sea salt on top for an extra coastal vibe.

Serving Suggestions
After a Seafood Meal – This pie is a traditional beach town dessert for good reason.
With Fresh Berries – A few blueberries or raspberries add color and a pop of sweetness.
In Mini Pies – Use muffin tins or ramekins for single-serving versions.
With Iced Tea – A tall glass of lemon or mint tea pairs perfectly.

How to Store & Make Ahead

Storing:
Refrigerate: Cover and chill for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the filling can separate when thawed.

Make-Ahead:
Make the crust and filling a day in advance. Top with whipped cream just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines?
   Yes, but the sweet-salty balance is part of what makes this pie special. Saltines are worth trying!
2. Is this the same as a key lime pie?
   Not quite. While similar in texture, Atlantic Beach Pie uses both lemon and lime and has a salty cracker crust rather than graham.
3. Can I use bottled juice?
   Fresh is best, but bottled lemon or lime juice can be used in a pinch—just make sure it’s 100% juice.
4. Does it taste eggy?
   Nope! The egg yolks create richness and structure without adding an eggy flavor.
5. Is this pie very sweet?
   It’s nicely balanced—sweet from the condensed milk, tangy from the citrus, and grounded by the salty crust.

Final Thoughts
Atlantic Beach Pie is a nostalgic Southern dessert that brings together the best of sweet, salty, and citrusy flavors in one easy-to-make pie. With its bright lemon-lime custard and signature saltine crust, it’s a refreshing, creamy treat that’s perfect for spring, summer, or any time you need a little coastal sunshine on your plate.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your take on this beachy classic.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 3 hours
Cuisine: Southern-American

Nutritional Information (Per Slice):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 260mg

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