Atlantic Beach Pie

Sweet, salty, tart, and creamy (the perfect combination for deliciousness)—this Atlantic Beach Pie combines a buttery saltine cracker crust with a silky lemon-lime filling and a mound of homemade whipped cream- it is THE ultimate summer dessert!

About This

If you've never had Atlantic Beach Pie, you're in for a treat!!! Atlantic Beach Pie is a beloved North Carolina dessert known for its buttery saltine cracker crust, bright citrus filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping. It starts with a salty saltine cracker crust, filled with a smooth lemon-lime custard made with sweetened condensed milk and finished with a generous layer of fresh whipped cream. Every bite is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and creamy, making it one of those desserts that's impossible to stop eating…

Why You'll Love

• Thick buttery saltine cracker crust (I like my crust a little thicker than the classic)

• Bright lemon and lime flavor

• Smooth, creamy custard filling

• Easy to make with simple ingredients

• Perfect make-ahead dessert

• Sweet, salty, tart, and creamy in every bite

• Great for spring and summer entertaining!

Ingredients You'll Need

Crust

• Saltine cracker crumbs

• Granulated sugar

• Salted butter

Filling

• Sweetened condensed milk

• Egg yolks

• Fresh lemon juice

• Fresh lime juice

Whipped Cream

• Heavy whipping cream

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

Garnish

• Fresh lime zest

How to Make

Start by pressing a buttery saltine cracker crust into a pie dish and baking it until lightly golden. While the crust cools slightly, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and fresh lemon and lime juice until smooth. Pour the filling into the warm crust and bake just until set. After chilling completely, top the pie with homemade whipped cream and finish with fresh lime zest before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice for the brightest flavor.

• Press the crust firmly into the pie dish to help it hold together when sliced.

• Bake the crust until lightly golden for the best flavor and texture.

• Don't overbake the filling—it should still have a slight jiggle in the center.

• Chill the pie overnight for the cleanest slices.

• Add the whipped cream just before serving for the freshest presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atlantic Beach Pie?
Atlantic Beach Pie is a classic North Carolina dessert made with a buttery saltine cracker crust, a sweet-tart citrus filling, and whipped cream.

Can I use bottled lemon or lime juice?
Fresh juice is highly recommended for the best flavor.

Can I make Atlantic Beach Pie ahead of time?
Yes! It's actually even better after chilling overnight.

Why use a saltine cracker crust?
The salty, buttery crust balances the sweet citrus filling and is what makes Atlantic Beach Pie so unique.

How should I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days (if it can last that long…)

Can I freeze Atlantic Beach Pie?
Yes. Freeze without the whipped cream for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What to Serve With

• Fresh berries

• Sweet tea

• Iced coffee

• Grilled burgers

• BBQ ribs

• Pulled pork

• Shrimp or fish tacos

• Fresh fruit salad

More Recipes You'll Love

• Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Cold Vanilla Cream

• Lemon Bars

• Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake

• Vanilla Bean Tapioca Pudding

• Brown Sugar Cheesecake with Candied Nuts and Salted Caramel

• Blueberry Cheesecake

Atlantic Beach Pie

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Author: Amelia is NOT a Chef

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 38 MinInactive time: 5 HourTotal time: 5 H & 58 M

This Atlantic Beach Pie features a thick, buttery saltine crust, a silky lemon-lime custard filling, and a cloud of homemade whipped cream finished with fresh lime zest.

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Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups finely crushed saltine cracker crumbs (about 2 sleeves)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) salted butter, melted

Filling

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice

Whipped Cream

• 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Lime zest for garnish

Instructions

Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9.5-inch pie dish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed saltine crumbs and sugar.
3. Stir in the melted salted butter until evenly moistened.
4. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish, using the bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crust.
5. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. Allow the crust to cool for 10 minutes.

Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth.
2. Whisk in the lemon and lime juice until fully incorporated.
3. Pour the filling into the warm crust.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the center is set with a slight jiggle.
5. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Whipped Cream Topping

1. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until medium peaks form.
2. Spread or pipe over the chilled pie.
3. Garnish generously with fresh lime zest.
4. Slice and serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

686

Fat

49 g

Sat. Fat

29 g

Carbs

57 g

Fiber

0 g

Net carbs

57 g

Sugar

48 g

Protein

8 g

Sodium

351 mg

Cholesterol

221 mg

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