Atlantic Beach Pie: A Bright, Salty-Sweet Slice of Coastal Tradition 🍋🥧
If sunshine had a flavor, Atlantic Beach Pie would be it. Born on the North Carolina coast, this iconic dessert is famous for its irresistible balance of tangy citrus, creamy filling, and a salty cracker crust. Simple, bold, and refreshingly different from classic lemon pies, Atlantic Beach Pie proves that a few humble ingredients—treated the right way—can create something unforgettable.
Below is a step-by-step, from-scratch guide to making an authentic Atlantic Beach Pie at home, with tips to guarantee perfect results every time.
What Makes Atlantic Beach Pie Special?
Unlike traditional lemon meringue or key lime pies, Atlantic Beach Pie features:
- A saltine cracker crust instead of graham crackers
- A no-egg filling made with sweetened condensed milk
- A bright citrus punch from fresh lemon (or lime) juice
- A light whipped cream topping instead of meringue
The result? Creamy, tart, sweet, and salty all in one magical bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Saltine Cracker Crust
- 60–65 saltine crackers (about 1½ sleeves)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Citrus Filling
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (or a mix of lemon and lime juice)
- 4 large egg yolks (optional in some versions, but traditional for structure)
For the Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Lemon zest or flaky sea salt (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the saltine crackers in a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, seal them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Transfer the crumbs to a bowl, then stir in:
- Melted butter
- Granulated sugar
Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Crust
Press the crumb mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and pushing slightly up the sides.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden and smells toasty.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Make the Citrus Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Fresh lemon juice
- Egg yolks (if using)
Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. The acidity of the citrus will begin to set the milk almost immediately—this is exactly what you want.
Please Head On keep on Reading (>)
No Responses Yet