A Southern Classic That’s Sweet, Tart, and Totally Irresistible
This Atlantic Beach Pie is a creamy, citrusy dessert that originated along the coast of North Carolina. It blends both lime and lemon for a uniquely balanced tangy-sweet flavor, all nestled in a rich, buttery saltine cracker crust .
A true Southern gem—perfect for warm-weather baking or any time you need a little sunshine on your plate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥣 Saltine Crust Magic: Unique, buttery, and slightly salty—gives depth to the sweet filling.
- 🍋🍋 Double Citrus Power: The perfect blend of lime and lemon for a bright, refreshing finish.
- ⏱️ Simple Ingredients: No fancy tools or crusts needed—just pantry staples and canned condensed milk.
- ❄️ Chill & Serve: No chilling required after baking—the fridge time is minimal!
- 🎉 Great for Gatherings: Ideal for potlucks, beach dinners, or summer barbecues.
Ingredients (Serves 8–10):
For the Crust:
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 1⅔ cups finely crushed)
- 6 tbsp (¾ stick) unsalted butter , melted
- 3½ tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt (optional if using unsalted crackers)
- 1 egg white , lightly beaten
For the Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks , lightly beaten
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: Lime zest or lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Crush Crackers
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Finely crush saltine crackers into crumbs—you can pulse them in a food processor or place them in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Crushed saltines
- Melted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Lightly beaten egg white
- Salt (if desired)
Mix until fully incorporated—it will be soft and sticky.
Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish , covering the bottom and sides evenly.
Step 3: Chill Before Baking
Place the crust in the refrigerator for 25 minutes to firm up before baking.
Then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes , or until golden brown around the edges.
Let cool completely while preparing the filling.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks , lightly beaten
Add:
- Lime juice
- Lemon juice
Whisk until smooth and thickened—filling should be pale yellow and pourable.
Step 5: Bake the Filling
Pour the filling mixture into the cooled pie crust.
Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes , or until the center has only a slight jiggle.
Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
Step 6: Chill & Top
Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to set.
Before serving, top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest for extra flair.
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Use Room-Temperature Eggs & Milk: Helps create a silky, lump-free texture.
- 🍋 Fresh Juice Only: Bottled juices can work—but fresh-squeezed gives the best flavor.
- 🧁 No Mixer Needed: Just a whisk and spatula will do.
- 🥣 Crust Tip: For deeper color, brush the baked crust with a bit more melted butter before cooling.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Keeps well chilled in the fridge for up to 3 days—cover tightly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect with a glass of sweet tea or sparkling water with mint.
- Great at family gatherings, picnics, or as an afternoon treat.
- Ideal with a slice of coconut cake or alongside fresh fruit platter.
Nutritional Information (per slice, makes 8 servings – without whipped cream):
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~0g
- Sugar: ~25g
With whipped cream topping, add about 50–70 kcal per serving.
This Atlantic Beach Pie is a Southern treasure that proves sometimes the simplest recipes are the most memorable. With its crunchy saltine base and zesty citrus filling—it’s the kind of pie that brings a smile with every bite.
So go ahead and make this today… because once you taste it—you’ll understand why it’s a coastal classic!
