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
- 1½ sleeves saltine crackers (about 35–40 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)