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Atlantic Beach Pie


  • Author: Camila Rose
  • Total Time: 3 hours (includes chill time)
  • Yield: 8
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A tangy, creamy citrus pie with a salty cracker crust and fresh whipped cream topping. Atlantic Beach Pie is a North Carolina coastal classic that’s as easy to make as it is to fall in love with. The combination of lemon and lime juices with sweetened condensed milk gives it a bold citrus flavor, while the saltine crust adds a surprising savory crunch. It’s the perfect summer dessert, refreshing and bright with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, heading to a picnic, or just craving a taste of the beach, this pie is sure to impress. It’s sunshine in a slice.


Ingredients

1 .For the crust

  • sleeves saltine crackers (about 3540 crackers)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 .For the filling

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

3 .For the topping

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)


Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Crush saltine crackers into fine crumbs (not powder). Mix with melted butter and sugar.
  • Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish. Bake crust for 15 minutes until golden. Let cool.
  • In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lime juice.
  • Pour filling into crust and smooth the top. Bake for 18–20 minutes until set but slightly jiggly.
  • Let cool at room temperature for 30–40 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  • Whip cream to soft peaks. Add powdered sugar or vanilla if desired.
  • Top the pie with whipped cream and garnish with citrus zest or sea salt, if using.
  • Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

  • For a stronger citrus punch, add a bit of zest into the filling.
  • Chill the pie overnight for best flavor and texture.
  • Saltine crackers give this pie its signature salty-sweet balance—don’t skip them unless necessary.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American (Southern/Coastal)