Atlantic Beach Pie – The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy with a Buttery, Crunchy Crust

Get ready to indulge in the deliciously refreshing Atlantic Beach Pie, a coastal classic that brings together the tangy brightness of lemon and lime with a creamy, luscious filling. This dessert is beloved for its sweet and tart flavors, perfectly complemented by the saltiness of the crushed Saltine cracker crust. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and garnished with vibrant lemon and lime zest, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you're serving it at a summer BBQ or bringing a touch of sunshine to your winter dinner table, Atlantic Beach Pie is sure to impress with every bite.

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

Photo bypinterest

The History and Inspiration Behind Atlantic Beach Pie

Atlantic Beach Pie, sometimes referred to as “North Carolina’s best-kept dessert secret,” hails from the coastal regions of the state. It's reminiscent of the classic lemon meringue pie but with a salty twist that makes it stand out. The pie gained popularity in seafood restaurants along the coast, where diners enjoyed the balance of tangy and sweet after a hearty seafood meal. Originally made with a cracker crust, it was a way to add a salty contrast to the luscious citrus filling.

The addition of Saltine crackers to the crust creates a unique texture and flavor combination. The saltiness from the crackers cuts through the sweetness of the condensed milk and citrus, making each bite a burst of flavor. The whipped cream on top gives it a light, airy finish, while the lemon and lime zest offer a fresh, zesty pop. This pie truly captures the essence of summer by the beach, making it a beloved treat from the Carolinas all the way up the coast.

Why You’ll Love This Atlantic Beach Pie

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of tangy lemon and lime with sweetened condensed milk is perfectly complemented by the salty, buttery crust.
• Easy to Make: With simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this pie comes together quickly and requires minimal baking time.
• A Coastal Favorite: Known for its fresh and vibrant flavors, this pie is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a light dessert after a hearty meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The unique mix of sweet and salty, topped with airy whipped cream, ensures that everyone will come back for a second slice!

Serving Suggestions

Atlantic Beach Pie is best served chilled, straight from the fridge, with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. The whipped cream not only adds to the creaminess but also balances the citrusy tang of the filling. For extra flavor and presentation, garnish with lemon and lime zest for a fresh burst of color and taste.

This pie pairs perfectly with iced tea or lemonade, adding to the refreshing, light feel of the dish. It’s also wonderful alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you're looking to elevate it further. Whether you’re serving it after a seafood feast or as a bright addition to your holiday table, this pie is sure to be a hit.

Photo bypinterest

Recipe: Atlantic Beach Pie

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1½ cups of crushed Saltine Crackers
• 6 tablespoons Butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons White Granulated Sugar
• 1 large Egg White

For the Filling:

• 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 4 large Egg Yolks
• ¼ cup Fresh Lime Juice
• ¼ cup Fresh Lemon Juice

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1½ cups Heavy Whipping Cream
• ¼ cup Confectioners' Sugar

For Garnish:

• Lemon Zest
• Lime Zest

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
2. • Place the Saltine crackers in a zipper storage bag and use a rolling pin (or a hammer if you're feeling bold!) to crush the crackers into fine crumbs.
   • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together the cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, egg white, and melted butter. The mixture should resemble damp sand and stick together when pressed.
   • Using your fingertips, press the mixture evenly into an 8-inch pie pan. Make sure the crust is pressed firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Place the crust in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill.
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
3. Bake the Crust:
4. • Remove the pie crust from the freezer and bake it in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until it is lightly browned. Take the crust out and allow it to cool on a cooling rack for 5-10 minutes.
5. Prepare the Filling:
6. • While the crust is cooling, whisk together the egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk in a medium-sized mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
   • Add the lemon juice and lime juice to the mixture and whisk again until fully mixed.
7. Fill and Bake:
8. • Pour the lemon-lime mixture into the slightly cooled pie crust. Spread it evenly across the crust with a spatula.
   • Bake the pie at 350°F for another 15 minutes or until the filling is set and firm to the touch.
   • Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a cooling rack for at least 1 hour before moving it to the fridge. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
9. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
10. • In the bowl of a stand mixer, pour in the heavy whipping cream and beat on high until the cream begins to thicken. Slowly add the confectioners' sugar while continuing to beat the cream until stiff peaks form.
11. Assemble and Garnish:
12. • Spoon the whipped cream over the chilled pie, leaving a little of the lemon-lime filling exposed around the edges.
    • Garnish with lemon and lime zest for a fresh, colorful finish.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
14. • Slice and enjoy the refreshing and tangy flavors of this Atlantic Beach Pie! Serve cold for the best experience.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 4g

Photo bypinterest

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Atlantic Beach Pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. The pie can be frozen without the whipped topping—just cover it in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add fresh whipped cream and zest before serving.

Enjoy this refreshing and tangy Atlantic Beach Pie as a delicious way to bring a bit of coastal charm to your dessert table!