Atlantic Beach Pie

 

Atlantic Beach Pie: A Sweet & Salty Coastal Classic

There’s something magical about the combination of tart citrus, buttery crust, and a kiss of sea salt. Atlantic Beach Pie delivers all that coastal charm and more. Originating from the North Carolina coast, this unique dessert has become a Southern summertime staple — and for good reason.

With its surprising saltine cracker crust, bright lemon-lime filling, and cool whipped topping, Atlantic Beach Pie is a refreshing treat that tastes like sunshine by the sea.

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🌊 A Brief History of Atlantic Beach Pie

This charming pie was made famous by chef Bill Smith of Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Inspired by traditional lemon icebox pies served at seafood restaurants along the Carolina coast, he added a twist by using a saltine cracker crust instead of the usual graham cracker base.

At first, people were skeptical — saltines in a dessert? But once they tried it, the combination of sweet, salty, tart, and creamy proved to be unforgettable.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 sleeves saltine crackers (about 6 oz), crushed

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 3 tablespoons sugar

For the Filling:

• 4 large egg yolks

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream or whipped topping

• Lemon or lime zest (optional, for garnish)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Atlantic Beach Pie

Step 1: Make the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine the crushed saltine crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, forming a compact crust along the bottom and sides.

Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add the lemon and lime juices and a pinch of salt. Whisk again until the filling thickens slightly.

Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

Bake the pie for 15–18 minutes, or until the filling is just set. It should still have a slight jiggle in the center. Let the pie cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to fully set.

Step 4: Top and Serve

Just before serving, top the pie with whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon or lime zest. Slice and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavor!

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💡 Tips & Variations

• No limes? You can use all lemon juice — it’s still delicious.

• More citrus flavor: Add a bit of zest to the filling for a brighter taste.

• Make it ahead: This pie stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Try Ritz crackers instead of saltines for a slightly sweeter, buttery twist.

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🍋 Why People Love Atlantic Beach Pie

• Salty-sweet balance: The saltine crust is unexpectedly perfect.

• Cool and creamy: Ideal for warm weather or after a seafood feast.

• Simple to make: No fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients.

• A conversation starter: Everyone will want to know what’s in that crust!

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🧊 Storage Notes

• Refrigerate: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freeze: The pie can be frozen (without the whipped topping) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

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🏖️ Final Thoughts

Atlantic Beach Pie is proof that sometimes the most unexpected ingredients create the most unforgettable desserts. With its crisp, salty crust and luscious citrus filling, this pie captures the essence of summer in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or enjoying a slice with coffee on the porch, it’s sure to become a new favorite.

So go ahead — give this coastal classic a try. Your taste buds will thank you.