Description
Atlantic Beach Pie is a creamy, tangy dessert from the North Carolina coast. It features a saltine cracker crust, a lemon-lime custard filling, and a generous topping of whipped cream. It’s a refreshing treat that’s both sweet and salty, perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a citrusy twist on classic pie.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1½ sleeves of saltine crackers (about 6 oz or 36 crackers)
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Filling:
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4 large egg yolks
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1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
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½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
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2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
For the Topping:
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar
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Lemon or lime zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Make the crust:
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Crush the saltine crackers by hand or using a food processor until they’re coarse crumbs.
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In a bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sugar.
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Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
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Bake for 15 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove and let it cool slightly.
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Make the filling:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
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Add lemon and lime juice and whisk until fully combined.
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Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
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Bake the pie:
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the center is just set (it should jiggle slightly).
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Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until chilled and firm.
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Make the topping:
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Using a hand or stand mixer, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form.
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Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie.
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Garnish and serve:
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Optionally sprinkle with lemon or lime zest.
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Slice and serve cold.
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Notes
- Saltine crackers give the crust a unique salty-sweet flavor, but you can substitute with Ritz crackers for a richer taste.
- Pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- For a lighter version, use light condensed milk and reduce sugar in the crust slightly.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT30M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern