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Atlantic Beach Pie
Atlantic Beach Pie from deesviral is a legendary North Carolina dessert made famous by Chef Bill Smith. This refreshing pie features a buttery, salty saltine cracker crust filled with a silky lemon-lime custard and finished with fluffy whipped cream. It’s the perfect sweet-and-tangy dessert for summer holidays, family gatherings, and backyard cookouts.
Recipe Information
- Author: deesviral
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 38 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Saltine Crust
- 1½ sleeves saltine crackers, finely crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Filling
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
For Topping
- 2 cups whipped cream
- Fresh lemon or lime zest (optional)
- Lemon or lime slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the crushed saltine crackers, melted butter, and sugar until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Allow the crust to cool for about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth.
- Add the lemon juice, lime juice, and lemon zest, whisking until fully combined.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, just until the filling is set around the edges with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, spread or pipe whipped cream over the chilled pie.
- Garnish with fresh citrus zest or thin lemon and lime slices if desired.
- Slice and serve cold.
Serving Suggestions
- Fourth of July celebrations
- Summer barbecues
- Family reunions
- Beach picnics
- Holiday dessert tables
Storage
Cover the pie tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For the freshest presentation, add the whipped cream shortly before serving.
Tips for Success
- Fresh citrus juice delivers the brightest flavor.
- Pack the cracker crust firmly so it slices cleanly.
- Don’t overbake the filling—it should still jiggle slightly in the center.
- Allow plenty of chilling time for the smoothest texture.
- Serve well chilled for the best flavor and consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Atlantic Beach Pie is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and tangy. The crisp saltine cracker crust creates an unforgettable contrast with the silky citrus filling, making every bite refreshing, rich, and completely irresistible.
